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Re: Reference for [Candidate Name]

I am pleased to recommend [Candidate Name] for the position of [Position] with [Company Name]. I worked with [Candidate Name] for [length of time] at [Organization], where I was [his/her/their] [your relationship, e.g. direct supervisor]. As a [Candidate’s Job Title], [Candidate Name] was responsible for [main duties]. [He/She/They] consistently [specific strength], and one accomplishment that stands out is [specific example with results]. [Candidate Name] is [two or three qualities — e.g. dependable, organized and easy to work with], and works well [independently and as part of a team]. I am confident [he/she/they] will be a valuable addition to your organization. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

How to fill out a Reference Letter

Reference Letter template preview — Free Reference Letter template

A reference letter is a letter in which a former supervisor, coworker or teacher recommends a person for a job, school or other opportunity. It describes how you know the candidate, what they did and why you recommend them.

How to fill it out

Enter your name, title and contact information at the top.
Add the date and the hiring manager’s name and company, if you know them.
Fill in the candidate’s name, the position and how long and in what role you worked with them.
Replace the bracketed blanks with specific duties, strengths and one concrete accomplishment.
Sign the letter and offer to answer questions by phone or email.

Tips

Specific examples with results are far more convincing than general praise.
Ask the candidate for the job description so you can highlight relevant skills.
Only write a letter you can honestly support; it is fine to decline.
Keep it to one page.

Reference Letter example

Michael Brown
Operations Manager, Acme Supply Co.
500 Commerce Dr
Springfield, IL 62702
(555) 123-4567 · [email protected]

Sarah Davis
Northfield Logistics
200 Lake St
Chicago, IL 60601

I am pleased to recommend Jane Smith for the position of Logistics Coordinator with Northfield Logistics. I worked with Jane for four years at Acme Supply Co., where I was her direct supervisor.

As our Inventory Coordinator, Jane was responsible for receiving, cycle counts and vendor scheduling for a 40,000-square-foot warehouse. She consistently found ways to work smarter, and one accomplishment that stands out is the new receiving checklist she created, which cut shipment errors by about 30% in its first six months.

Jane is dependable, organized and easy to work with, and she works well both independently and as part of a team. I am confident she will be a valuable addition to your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 if you have any questions.

All names, companies and contact details are fictional. Click “Fill sample” above to put this example into the empty fields; click again to remove the parts you did not change.

FAQ

How long should a reference letter be?

About three to five short paragraphs on one page is ideal.

What is the difference between a reference letter and a recommendation letter?

The terms are often used interchangeably. A recommendation letter is usually written for a specific job or program, while a reference letter can be more general.

Should I include my contact information?

Yes. Include a phone number or email so the employer can follow up with you.

Related templates

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