A letter of reference, also known as a letter of recommendation or recommendation letter, is a document in which the writer assesses the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the person being recommended in terms of that individuals ability to perform a particular task or function. Letters of recommendation are typically related to employment, admission to institutions of higher education, or scholarship eligibility. They are usually written by someone who worked with or taught the person, such as a supervisor, colleague, or teacher. The person providing a reference is called a referee.

A reference letter is a positive endorsement of a persons skills and attributes, written by someone familiar with their work, character, and abilities. It confirms that the writer knows the person and can vouch for their abilities. A well-written reference letter takes away the hassle of calling the applicant’s ex-employer and asking for references. It is a testimony to the applicant’s skill directly from their manager, talking about their experience with the applicant, and giving more clarity if the applicant is a good fit for the job.

The content of a reference letter can cover topics such as the employees tasks and responsibilities, the duration of employment or tasks/responsibilities, the position relative to the author of the reference letter, the employees abilities, knowledge, creativity, intelligence, and the employees unique contributions to the organization. An academic reference letter discusses an applicant’s academic prowess and experiences. Usually, academic reference letters are written by instructors, department chairs, or other academic leaders. An academic reference letter may note the courses the applicant completed, projects and research they were a part of, and any notable achievements.

To write a reference letter, the sponsor should recall anecdotes and situations wherein the employee was at the best of their skills and how it helped the team and the company. In case the sponsor doesn’t remember them, they can ask the employee to share these details with them, so they can write a glowing reference letter for them. For a glowing recommendation, the sponsor should include the employees skills, achievements, and character traits as they relate to the individual’s goals. The letter should begin with a formal greeting and end with a signature. If the sponsor represents a school or an institution, they should include the company seal to validate the reference letter.