How to Write an Effective Reference Letter

Header

First of all, remember to include the proper salutation. Mimic the cover letter header by including your contact information with your phone number and professional profile links, like your LinkedIn. Then, address the hiring manager by name, like “Dear Mr. Smith,” rather than using a generic opener like “To Whom It May Concern.”

Introductory hook

The opening of your reference letter needs to really hook the hiring manager. A good reference letter example opening could be: “I knew John was a uniquely incredible applicant from the first time I interviewed him for a job.” This type of priase invites the hiring manager to want to keep reading your reference letter.

Description of your relationship with the applicant

Next, describe how you met the applicant or how you know them. You can also include the company name where you and the applicant worked together. This can be very direct or it can be slightly more indirect, as long as it’s clear where you know the applicant from and how you became acquainted. For example, you may say something direct like, “I worked with John in graduate school when he asked me for writing tips, and we quickly became good friends.” Or you can write something more indirect like, “When my company hired John to join our team,” which indicates that John was an employee at your workplace.

General overview of skills

Next, it’s important that you include some of the skills that the applicant possesses. You want to highlight the most important skills that you feel a particular applicant excels in. Ask the applicant for the job title they’re pursuing, so you know what skills to emphasize. Communication skills may be very important in a human resources job, but not so much if you’re referring someone for a data entry job.

Closing and open request for contact

Finally, it’s a good idea to let the hiring manager know that if they need any additional information, they can reach out to you at any time. As a job reference, you’re indicating that you’ll be open to whatever further questions the hiring manager might have about the individual you’re providing a reference for. Acknowledge that in the closing of the letter.