Reference Letter Writing Albert is a very poor student. He is mentally slow, unsociable and is always daydreaming. He is spoiling it for the rest of the class. It would be in the best interests of all if he were removed from school immediately. - Albert Einstein's Teacher It is important to have effective reference letters (or recommendation letters) written by current and previous employers, teachers or supervisors. Most employers require two or three reference letters. Reference letters describe the person's skills and qualifications and what makes him/her an ideal candidate for a potential employer.
A reference letter usually includes a few outstanding attributes and is closed by summarizing why the person was recommended for employment. A phone number and an email address are usually provided so that potential employers could contact the referee if they require more information.
A reference letter is a document and it should be treated as a document. Normally it is written on one page only.
Sample Reference Letter
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
Re: Ms Adela Goldschmidt
I have known Ms Adela Goldschmidt for a period of three years in my capacity as Head of English Language Teaching Department at the College of Languages. I have found her to be committed and hard-working.
Ms Goldschmidt is a competent English teacher with strong work ethics. She possesses an open, accessible personality, and she is sensitive to the issues involved in cross-cultural communication as well as relationships at a professional level. I consider Ms Goldschmidt to be a very competent specialist in such fields as English language teaching methodology, educational technologies, language testing, assessment and material design. Her research interests in applied linguistics are related to ESL teaching methodology.
Ms Goldschmidt coordinated EAP module and was in charge of College Placement Test administration. She developed ESL teaching materials from a broad range of sources - books, academic journals, magazines, and newspapers. Under her supervision students wrote essays and research papers, gave oral presentations and debated on a large number of topics. She taught both Foundation Year English Programme students and Bachelor Degree students. In addition to teaching Ms Goldschmidt actively participated in extra-curricular activities such as College Drama Club and Public Speaking Society.
I have no doubt that in view of her qualifications and experience Ms Goldschmidt will be a productive contributor to the work of any institution and as a conscientious, honest and open-minded person will be a valuable member of a team of colleagues.
If you need additional information about Ms Adela Goldschmidt please contact me at +2391 7393697361539 ext 637, email bestprofessoratcollege.edu.
Professor Magnus Hartmann Head of English Language Teaching Department College of Languages
Reference letter is basically the same as recommendation letter. The only difference is that the reference letter is sent to an unknown employer (To Whom It May Concern) whereas a recommendation letter is sent to an identified employer. The primary function of a reference letter, as well as of a recommendation letter, is to introduce a person and vouch for his or her integrity, character and abilities.
Instant Recommendation Letter Kit
Instant Recommendation Letter Kit is a unique information source that focuses on the writing of all types of recommendation letters and reference letters - personal, business, character, employment and college admission. In addition to a wealth of tips, tricks, pointers, and information, the Kit includes a separate file with 79 real-life letter templates (MS-Word) that owners can download.
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