Writing a Reference / Recommendation
Purpose is to provide potential employer with information on the suitability of a candidate for employment
Great attention is placed upon the reference as it is provided by a person in authority who has known the candidate in a previous capacity
A reference may assess the person’s academic ability, if relevant
Details on what differentiates the candidate from others is important, i.e. what makes the person stand out as a candidate
Achievements of the person and areas of their particular strength
Evidence of coping with a sustained workload and flourishing in an intense environment
How good candidate is relative to peers – attitude, motivation, commitment, etc.
Additional relevant information
Possible Format:
Introduction
I have known XXX for a period of ____ years in which time I was her work colleague and later her employer at ____.
Personality
She is always prepared to work hard / Pleasant and co-operative nature, etc.
Achievements
XXX’s achievements include obtaining a commendation as a National Merit Scholar in the US in 2011 / she is one of the most talented students of sport who has ever passed through the school, etc.
Positions of Responsibility
Captain of the school basketball team / School prefect, etc.
Extra-curricular
XXX has done charity work with Oxfam / Participated in the Model United Nations conferences, etc. In all of these activities, she has proven competent and talented, etc.
Recommendation
XXX leaves us with our best regards / No hesitation in recommending her, etc.
Further reference
If you require any additional information, you may contact me at the above correspondence.
Signature and qualifications
Great attention is placed upon the reference as it is provided by a person in authority who has known the candidate in a previous capacity
A reference may assess the person’s academic ability, if relevant
Details on what differentiates the candidate from others is important, i.e. what makes the person stand out as a candidate
Achievements of the person and areas of their particular strength
Evidence of coping with a sustained workload and flourishing in an intense environment
How good candidate is relative to peers – attitude, motivation, commitment, etc.
Additional relevant information
Possible Format:
Introduction
I have known XXX for a period of ____ years in which time I was her work colleague and later her employer at ____.
Personality
She is always prepared to work hard / Pleasant and co-operative nature, etc.
Achievements
XXX’s achievements include obtaining a commendation as a National Merit Scholar in the US in 2011 / she is one of the most talented students of sport who has ever passed through the school, etc.
Positions of Responsibility
Captain of the school basketball team / School prefect, etc.
Extra-curricular
XXX has done charity work with Oxfam / Participated in the Model United Nations conferences, etc. In all of these activities, she has proven competent and talented, etc.
Recommendation
XXX leaves us with our best regards / No hesitation in recommending her, etc.
Further reference
If you require any additional information, you may contact me at the above correspondence.
Signature and qualifications