A reference letter should provide information on who you are, your connection with the person you are recommending, why they are qualified, and the specific skills they have that you are endorsing.
Use this character reference letter template as a guide for writing your own reference letters (review samples), making sure all relevant information is included.
Character Reference Letter Template
Salutation
When writing a character letter, include a salutation (Dear Dr. Jones, Dear Ms. Matthews, etc.). If you are writing a general letter, say "To Whom it May Concern" or don't include a salutation and start with the first paragraph of the letter.
Paragraph 1
The first paragraph of the character reference letter explains how you know the person you are recommending and why you are qualified to write a recommendation letter to recommend employment, college or graduate school. With a personal letter, you are writing a recommendation letter because you know the person and their character, rather than because you have direct experience with their work or education.
Paragraph 2
The second paragraph of a reference letter contains specific information on the person you are writing about, including why they are qualified, what they can contribute, and why you are providing a reference letter. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details.
Summary
This section of the reference letter contains a brief summary of why are you are recommending the person. State that you "highly recommend" the person or you "recommend without reservation" or something similar.
Conclusion
The concluding paragraph of a reference letter contains an offer to provide more information. Include a phone number and/or email address within the paragraph, and include the phone number and email address in the return address section of your letter, or in your email signature.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Title
____________
Letter Of Recommendation Samples
It is helpful to review recommendation letter samples to see how reference writers have incorporated their recommendations into the recommendation letter template.
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Please Note: This sample is provided for guidance only. The provided information, including samples and examples, is not guaranteed for accuracy or legality. Letters and other correspondence should be edited to fit your personal situation.
