What Is a Reference Letter?

A reference letter provides a general endorsement of someone’s character and capabilities, often used when a targeted recommendation is not required. While less detailed than recommendation letters, good references still include specific qualities and brief examples that signal reliability and professionalism. Keep the tone supportive and factual. If possible, reference contexts where the person demonstrated trustworthiness, communication, or teamwork.

What It’s Used For

• General employment: Broad support for job searches.
• Housing or visas: Character and reliability checks.
• Community roles: Volunteering and memberships.

Who Uses It

• Employers: To understand character and reliability.
• Landlords: To verify responsibility and stability.
• Agencies: For visas or community roles.

Additional Tips

Keep statements factual, supportive, and concise. Name the purpose of the letter (employment, housing, visa) so readers can evaluate relevance quickly.

• Context: State your relationship and duration.
• Examples: Provide one or two concrete scenarios.
• Contact: Offer a way to verify details.

Close with a courteous statement of confidence in the person’s reliability. This helps readers make quick, well-informed decisions.

Provide context for your examples so readers can judge relevance. A short, supportive close that invites follow-up adds credibility and clarity.

Keep it brief, specific, and professional.

Include how long you have known the person and in what capacity to give the reader useful context.