A Guide to Writing Reference Letters by Martha Jessica
1. A Guide to Writing
Reference Letters
Example Included
Subject : Office
Correspondence
Martha Jessica Tobing
40020117060016
D3 English Department
University of Diponegoro
2. CONTENTS
What is Reference Letter?01
Who Needs a Reference Letter?02
What to Include in a Reference Letter?03
Tips for Writing a Strong Recommendation04
4. A letter of recommendation or
recommendation letter, also known as
a letter of reference, reference letter or
simply reference, is a document in
which the writer assesses the qualities,
characteristics, and capabilities of the
person being recommended in terms
of that individual's ability to perform a
particular task or function.
6. Reference letters are generally used by
students applying to undergraduate
and graduate education programs and
by people in the workforce who are
applying for jobs.
7. For example:
1. Individuals
Who are applying to business school or
an MBA program typically needs to two
three recommendations that explain
why they are a good candidate for
business school. The recommendation
might explain why they have leadership
potential or how they have succeeded
in past academic or business pursuits.
8. 2. Some scholarship programs
Who are require applicants to submit
recommendations to support their
scholarship application. This is most
common in merit-based programs that
award scholarships based on
academic merit, volunteer experience,
etc.
9. 3. A job seeker
They may also need a written
professional reference or
recommendation that explains or
supports the reasons why the job
seeker is a good candidate for a
particular position or company. These
letters tend to focus on professional
qualifications.
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The content of the reference letter that you write
will depend upon the needs of the person who
is requesting the letter, but there are some
common topics that are typically addressed in
reference letters for job and education program
applicants:
Potential (such as leadership potential)
Skills/Abilities/Strengths
Dependability
Consistence
Persistence
Motivation
Character
Contributions (to class or community)
Accomplishments
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Every reference letter should include three
key components:
A paragraph or sentence that explains how
you know this person and the duration of
your relationship with them.
An evaluation of the person and their skills/
accomplishments. If possible offer specific
examples that illustrate the person’s
strengths and qualifications. These
examples should be brief but detailed.
A summary that explains why you would
recommend this person and to what degree
you would recommend them.