Reference Letter Format

Keep details accurate and tone professional. A consistent reference letter format helps the reader quickly understand your relationship to the person and their key strengths. Provide enough context to make your statements credible and useful without overclaiming. Close with a brief statement of willingness to be contacted for verification.

Standard Reference Letter Format

• Header: Referee’s contact details.
• Greeting: “To Whom It May Concern,” or a specific name.
• Relationship: Capacity and duration of acquaintance.
• Qualities: Key strengths with brief examples.
• Closing: Willingness to provide more information.
• Sign-off: Name and title.

Formatting Tips

• Clarity: Simple, direct statements are best.
• Examples: Brief, specific scenarios build credibility.
• Length: Keep to one page.

Additional Tips

Keep the letter clear and to the point to help quick decisions. Lead with context, then share specific traits and examples.

• Lead with context: Who you are and your connection.
• Evidence: Specific, relevant traits and examples.
• Close: Invite the reader to contact you.

Keep the letter to one page, use short paragraphs, and verify names and dates. Clear, concise references are easier to trust and act upon.

State your title or role if it adds authority to the reference. Keep the letter to one page and avoid overly personal information.

Add a simple closing that invites the reader to reach out for any additional context.