cover letter personal referral

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How To Write A Personal Reference Letter (With Examples)

• Personal Reference Letter
• Recommendation Letter for Employment
• Professional Reference Letter
• Reference Letter Template
• Reference Letter for a Friend
• Professional References
• List Of References
• Recommendation Letter From Employer
• Academic Reference Letter
• Business Reference Letter
• Recommendation Letter for a Promotion
• Character Reference Letter
• Reference From A Manager

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Writing a personal reference letter for someone can be a big deal, so it’s essential you know how to write one correctly. Personal reference letters allow potential employers to get an understanding of who you are from people who worked closely with you. While professional recommendations are ideal for showcasing your on-the-job skills, a personal recommendation can also improve your candidacy.

Whether you’re writing a letter for a family friend, coworker, or a past client, we’ll go over how to write a personal reference letter, provide personal reference examples, as well as some tips to keep in mind when writing your letter.

Key Takeaways:

When writing a personal reference you should include an explanation of your relationship with the applicant, provide examples of the applicant’s positive qualities, and include the official recommendation in your letter.

Before writing the letter you should make sure you are familiar with the candidate’s qualities and personal characteristics.

Provide examples of the candidate’s abilities but make you stay positive and avoid getting too personal in your letter.

A personal reference letter can make the difference between securing an opportunity and being passed on to the next candidate so make sure to be honest in your letter.

What is a personal reference letter?

How to write a personal reference letter, personal reference letter examples, personal reference letter template, tips for writing a personal reference letter, before writing a personal reference letter, when to provide a personal reference letter, how to write a personal reference letter faq.

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A personal reference letter, also known as a personal letter of recommendation or a character reference/recommendation, is a letter used to bolster a person’s application for a job, admission to a school or organization, housing, or any other position that screens applicants.

A glowing reference letter can make the difference between securing an opportunity and being passed on to the next candidate. Unlike professional references, a personal reference letter is about getting to know a candidate beyond work ethic .

It emphasizes positive personality traits and soft skills . Personal reference letters give an organization a sense of a person’s character outside of work and make their application stand out.

To write a personal reference letter, you should start by explaining your relationship with the applicant and then provide examples of their positive qualities. Below is a more detailed list of how to write a personal reference letter:

Explain your relationship with the applicant . Before you jump into explaining someone’s personal character, catch the reader up to speed.

Go into detail about where you know them from and how long you’ve been acquainted. It needs to be clear that you know the candidate well enough that your opinion on their character carries some weight.

Provide examples of the applicant’s positive qualities . You’ve gone into depth about your relationship with the job candidate. In the next paragraph, provide what they came here to find out. Give as many positive attributes as possible, but a minimum of two.

Some possibilities of good qualities you could touch on might include:

Excellent communication

Positive outlook

Outstanding academic performance

People skills

Dedication to extracurriculars

When possible, try to give specific examples of times you witnessed the applicant demonstrating these qualities. Maybe your student showed initiative by creating a school newspaper. Perhaps you saw your previous co-worker demonstrate leadership skills by taking control of the company’s social media image.

The official recommendation . The closure of your letter should be for summarizing the points you’ve made to reach the final conclusion: you highly recommend this person for the position.

Try to relate the characteristics you’ve covered to the specific position the applicant is going for, whether that be a job, graduate school, or another opportunity. Leave the reader knowing the applicant has your full support .

Contact Information. You will want to include your contact information in the recommendation letter that way they can contact you if you have any questions. The best form of contact to include would be your email and a personal phone number.

Personal recommendation from a teacher example letter

Lindsey Stapleton 117 W California St. Denver, CO , 80402 (430)-220-3567 [email protected] September 4, 2020 Benjamin Smith Director of Admissions Boston University 233 Bay State Rd. Boston, MA , 02215 Dear Mr. Smith, My name is Lindsey Stapleton. I am reaching out to give my strongest recommendation for Anna Jacobs to be accepted into Boston University for the Fall 2021 term. I have been Anna’s High School English teacher for the past two years at Merrick High School. Prior to that, I had experience working with her on the student government and the swim team. During the years I’ve known Anna as a student and athlete , she’s demonstrated incredible leadership qualities, a caring demeanor, and a dedication to her education. She’s greatly improved her writing and reading skills. By her senior year, she secured the position of swim team captain with these qualities. On student government, she created a dance-a-thon fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. Throughout her time at Merrick High School, Anna has grown into a professional and capable young woman with enormous potential. I believe that her tenacious personality and hardworking attitude will drive her to success. I know she will continue to do great things, and I highly recommend her for your university. Please contact me if you’d like any further details. Sincerely, Lindsey Stapleton (430)-220-3567 [email protected]

Personal recommendation from a friend example letter

Christopher Kelly 416 Memphis Ave. Denver, CO, 80903 (917)-829-4379 [email protected] September 4, 2020 To Whom It May Concern, I have known Luke Barnes as a close friend for the past twelve years. For the first five of those years, we were coworkers together at Lexington amp; West Bank. Over that time, I got to know Luke very well. Luke is one of the most considerate and kind-hearted people I’ve ever met. Everybody loves to be around him, whether it’s in a work capacity or otherwise. Besides being an overall pleasant person, Luke is an excellent communicator . He’s never failed to soothe an angry client or expertly outline a proposal. Luke uses his sociability and communication skills to be an outstanding leader to his co-workers and friends. For these reasons, I recommend Luke Barnes for this position wholeheartedly. I am positive that his work style and personality will exceed your expectations and help drive the success of your company. If you have any other questions, please reach out. Sincerely, Christopher Kelly (917)-829-4379 [email protected]

Personal reference letter from a coworker example letter

Subject Line: Personal Recommendation for Tiffany Miller Dear Mr. Johnson, I am writing this letter with great pleasure to provide a personal reference for my coworker Tiffany Miller. I have had the privilege of working alongside Tiffany at XYZ Company for the past five years. I can attest to the outstanding qualities and contributions she had to our team. During our time working together, I observed Tiffany consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic, dedication, and a keen eye for detail. She is proactive in seeking solutions and always willing to go the extra mile to achieve results. One of her most impressive attributes is her ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues at any level. She has a natural talent for building positive and productive relations, fostering a positive and productive work environment, and promoting teamwork. I wholeheartedly recommend Tiffany for any future endeavors she may pursue. I have full confidence that Tiffany will make significant contributions and continue to excel in her career. If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] or at 123-456-7890. Sincerely, Nick Day [email protected] 123-456-7890

Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name] , My name is [Your Name] . I am reaching out to give my strongest recommendation for [Referee’s Full Name] for the [Job Title] position at [organization/company/university’s name] . I have been [Referee’s First Name] ‘s [your relationship to the referee] for [how long you’ve known the referee] at [where you know them from] . During that time, I had experience working with [him/her/them] on [shared experience #1] and [shared experience #2] . During the years I’ve known [Referee’s First Name] as a [position of referee relative to you] , [he/she/they] demonstrated incredible [soft skill #1] , [soft skill #2] , and [soft skill #3] . [He/She/They] ‘s greatly improved [his/her/their] [skill referee has improved] . In [year] , [Referee’s First Name] accomplished [significant accomplishment] with these qualities. During the time I’ve known [Referee’s First Name] , [he/she/they] has grown into a professional and capable individual with enormous potential. I believe that [his/her/their] tenacious personality and hardworking attitude will drive [him/her/them] to success. I know [he/she/they] will continue to do great things, and I highly recommend [him/her/them] for your [organization/company/university/etc.] . Please contact me if you’d like any further details. Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address]

When writing a personal reference letter, make sure you are the right person to write the letter and be honest about the person. Here are some more tips to keep in mind when writing a personal reference letter:

Be sure you’re the right person to write the letter. The team requesting a personal recommendation is looking for valuable insight into an applicant’s personality characteristics. You must be very familiar with the person in order to provide this effectively.

If your description of the candidate is vague and lackluster, this can actually work against the candidates and decrease their chances of securing a position. It’s best practice to turn down writing a personal reference for someone who you don’t know well enough to speak to their good qualities.

Know the deadline. There’s likely an application deadline in place. Make sure you know when it is and that you have enough time to complete the letter by the deadline.

If you think that you might not be able to finish the letter in time, urge the applicant to find another personal reference. It’s better to give them time to find another recommender, as opposed to waiting until the last minute and realizing you can’t finish by the required deadline.

Be honest. A personal reference letter for your student, friend, or co-worker is not the space for exaggeration or falsities. Regardless of the ethical concerns, a hiring manager or admissions counselor can sniff out when a referee is stretching the truth.

This will reflect negatively on the applicant and lessen the recommender’s credibility. You can still express your friend as an outstanding candidate, without going over the top.

Focus on positive attributes . Everyone has their weaknesses but when sending or writing a reference for employment, it’s best to stick to the strengths .

Be candid with your recommendation. If you’re finding that the shortcomings of the applicant are outweighing their strong points, someone else in their network should probably be writing the recommendation.

Keep it brief . A personal recommendation letter shouldn’t be a full-length biography. Even though you have a lot of awesome things to say about the applicant, admission and hiring teams have a great deal of paperwork to go through for every candidate.

The shorter and more straightforward your reference is, the more of an impact it will leave.

Avoid getting too personal . This may sound like an ironic concept when discussing a personal reference letter. There is a difference between knowing a person’s characteristics well and divulging unnecessary personal information.

Don’t include anything outside of the personality qualities and achievements that are relevant to the opportunity.

Be polite and professional. While there are many possible reasons why a candidate might need a personal reference, all of them require a professional tone. Format your letter accordingly .

This is especially important when you’re writing a recommendation for a friend. Avoid sounding too casual. It could come across as disreputable.

Give specific examples . When showcasing the applicant’s skills, make sure that there’s evidence to back it up.

If you’re saying that your student was hardworking, include an instance of when they went above and beyond on a project. If you’re stating that your neighbor is very responsible, tell them about the time that she watched your children for the weekend while you were out of town.

Giving specified examples shows the hiring committee that these are not just free-floating concepts. The candidate has shown these characteristics in their achievements.

Focus on relevant information. It’s easy to get into the positive personality traits of the person you’re writing a recommendation for. While it’s beneficial to bring up these qualities, be careful not to get lost in irrelevant details.

Some things that you may think are special about the candidate may not be helpful in the context of their new job. Be sure it makes sense.

Cater the letter to the desired position. Tailoring your recommendation to the desired position of the candidate goes hand-in-hand with relevant information. Try to get as much information about the opportunity as possible from the applicant. Some qualities may be more relevant in a particular position.

For example, it may not be relevant for the average job-seeker to include that they have a pet or love animals in their letter of recommendation. However, if the position directly involves animal care, such as a veterinarian or a dog trainer , it may be very valuable information.

Before you sit down to write your personal reference letter, have a conversation with the person you’re writing it for. Ask them what traits, skills, and experiences they’d like you to highlight.

If it’s for a job application, go over the job description together. Keep an eye out for soft skills to start brainstorming ideas for what to write about. For example, if the job description says that the job requires interdepartmental collaboration, you could write about a time your friend organized a club or brought a team together.

If you’re writing a personal reference letter for admission to a school, look over the program details. See what kind of qualities the school values most based on its mission statement and its interactions with the public through social media.

Arming yourself with knowledge about what the letter’s recipient wants to hear can make it much easier to start generating ideas for your personal reference letter.

You should provide a personal recommendation letter when a candidate doesn’t have much work experience but still has the potential to be a great employee or student.

For example, your letter could let a cautious employer know that the teenage neighbor who babysat for your kids is definitely responsible enough for hiring. It can also be an important part of the loan process when making a large purchase, such as a home.

Before deciding how to ask someone to be your reference , you must figure out who to ask. People who can speak to these qualities in an enthusiastic character reference may include:

Past teachers

Family-friend

Guidance Counselor

Anyone else who can effectively vouch for an applicant’s soft skills

The great thing about a character reference is that it’s personal. That means that the possibilities for people who can write it are as wide as your social network .

Should I agree to write a personal reference letter for someone?

Before agreeing to write a personal reference letter it’s important to make sure you know the requester well enough to highlight their good, relevant qualities before you agree to write them a recommendation. Being asked to write someone a personal reference letter is a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly, as it can carry a lot of weight in application success.

Writing a character reference for a childhood friend you haven’t seen since high school may come off as disingenuous and have a surprisingly negative impact. It’s best to politely decline if you can’t definitively speak to this person’s character.

Can you use a family member as a reference?

Personal references usually don’t include family members since professional references can have a lot of sway during a job search. It’s best not to use anyone that might have personal bias and will say anything to help you get a job.

You should ask past teachers, clients, or coworkers to be a personal reference as they can speak to your qualities and abilities to work.

What happens if your reference doesn’t answer?

If your reference doesn’t answer when a potential employer is doing a background check, it might reflect badly on you. It doesn’t always mean you will lose your job offer. You should apologize to the hiring manager and provide another reference ASAP.

If you don’t have another reference to give, contact your reference and see why they didn’t answer. Chances are they just haven’t had time to respond to their messages. Have them contact the hiring manager ASAP.

What do you write in a personal reference letter?

You should include an explanation of your relationship to the candidate and how long you’ve known them when writing a personal reference letter. You should also write any positive personal qualities with specific examples. Some examples of these qualities could include their communication skills, academic performance, or their people skills.

You should close the letter with your official recommendation and try to relate the qualities you’ve covered to the specific position the applicant is going for.

Boston University – Writing a Letter of Recommendation

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Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

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How to Add a Referral in a Cover Letter

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What is a cover letter referral?

How to include a referral in your cover letter, cover letter referral examples.

A referral is someone who recommends you for a particular job. Colleagues, people employed by the hiring company and former teachers can all be appropriate referrals. With their permission, you can mention the name of a referral in your cover letter. When you add a referral to your cover letter, it can make a positive first impression and help move your application ahead in the hiring process.

Add your referral to your cover letter’s introduction. You should catch the hiring manager’s attention, and a referral is a great way to do this. This also creates an instant personal connection between you and the company. 

Follow these steps to include a referral in your cover letter:

1. First, ask for your referral’s approval

You must get approval before adding that individual’s name to your cover letter. By doing so, you are confirming that they are happy to recommend you for the job.

If they tell you about the position, you have an opportunity to ask whether you can use their name as a referral. If you see a job posting first, call them and ask whether they would mind giving you a referral. Discuss the position, the company and why your contact thinks you are a good candidate. Your referral is staking their reputation on you, so be sure to thank them.

2. Next, mention the referral by name

Mention your referral by their full name. This takes away any confusion about who they are. If their name is common, you might also add details about how the hiring manager may know them. Do not use their nickname, even if they are commonly known by this. Double-check the spelling of their first and last name.

3. Then, explain your connection to your referral

Note whether your referral is a former or current colleague or a person connected to you in some other way. Explaining your connection gives the hiring manager some context for the referral.

4. Next, describe why the person referred you

Explain why your referral feels you are suitable for the position. This provides an opportunity to outline your strengths. If you have worked with your referral before, provide a brief explanation of this working relationship. If your referral is a former teacher, you can note the relevant course. Mention any experiences or skills your referral witnessed that might be applicable to the position. If this person works at the hiring company, note any qualities they think you have that would suit the business culture.

5. Last, send a copy of your cover letter to your referral

It is a good idea to send a copy of your cover letter to your referral. When they know exactly what you have written, they will not be surprised by anything the hiring manager says to them about your application or relationship. It will also help your referral prepare for what they might want to say if the hiring manager has any follow-up questions for them.

Every referral is different, as it reflects your personal relationship with that particular contact. However, the following cover letter referral examples can help you write your own:

Dear Ms. Gutherson,

I was excited to hear about the opening in your engineering department from one of your lead engineers, Dale Forrest. Before joining your company, Dale worked with me for five years on the engineering team at Practical Software Solutions. During that time, Dale praised me for my attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills. Dale said he felt those skills would make me an excellent addition to your engineering team.

Dear Mr. Lane,

Your receptionist Kelly Price suggested I contact you about your vacant social worker position. I met Kelly last year when she began volunteering with me at a local soup kitchen, Soul Food. Working closely together allowed her to see my ability to connect with others and my compassion for people with financial hardships and mental health difficulties.

Dear Ms. Nelson,

I was thrilled to hear about the vacant position on your design team from Hayley Saunders. Hayley and I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design at the University of Central Oklahoma together in 2003 and have remained close friends. She felt my creativity and 10 years’ experience working as a designer in the media industry would make me a natural fit for the role with you at Parent and Baby Monthly Magazine.

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How to Mention Referrals in Cover Letters: What to Do and What Not to Do

Referrals on a resume are quite often  limited to a few words  at the end of the document. However, when considering how to mention referrals in cover letters you need to take a quite different approach.

A compelling  cover letter  is just as important as a  carefully crafted resume  and a good referral can make the difference in both cases. However, due to the nature of a cover letter as a flowing text, the way you  weave a professional connection into your prose  can be quite distinct.

In this article, we explain a few of the  most important dos and a don’ts  to consider when approaching cover letter referrals. Find out how to successfully mention referrals in cover letters and how these might appear in the final draft.

Do: Highlight Your Referral in the First Paragraph

Unlike on the resume, your referral needs to be  mentioned upfront . Your first paragraph normally needs to make it clear quickly that you’ve been recommended by someone before moving on to your achievements.

This is not only useful in  getting the recruiter’s attention  from the start. It also gives them extra incentive to keep reading further. Alternatively, If it’s not in the very first paragraph, it needs to be mentioned as soon as possible in the text.

Don’t: Use a Referral That Doesn’t Make Sense

A referral is only valuable if it can provide a  clear connection between yourself and the open position . Therefore, using a referee who is unrecognizable to anyone in the company is not going to get you very far.

If you have a referee but they can’t help provide a useful introduction to a job in the sector or industry you want to get hired in, it’s better to leave them off the page.

The referral always needs to act as a bridge  between you and the company to create a soft establishment of contact. If it doesn’t serve, cut it.

Do: Be Professional When You Namedrop

As with the rest of your cover letter, it’s important to be professional in the way that you  name and explain your connection  to the referee. This is shown in the sample text below:

I am writing to you to express my interest in the Sales Representative position available at Entertech Inc as recommended to me by Joe Smith. Joe and I have worked closely together for a number of years and he made me aware I could be a good fit for this position given my experience and record in sales.

As you can see from this simple example, the reference  doesn’t need to be long or wordy  to be formal and professional. It focuses on an indirect way of selling yourself that addresses the needs of the role whilst giving you the best introduction possible.

Don’t: Name Someone Without Getting Permission First

It’s very bad business etiquette to namedrop someone in a cover letter without asking them first.  Always get permission  before sending out a document with a named professional in case the recruiter contacts them regarding your application.

Not getting permission upfront can have negative consequences for a couple of reasons. First and foremost it  could burn your bridges  with the referee in question.

Secondly, it might undermine your chances of getting picked if the recruiter notices some unfamiliarity between yourself and the referee.  Honesty is highly valued in companies  and if you state that someone has recommended a position to you when they haven’t, it could lead to you losing out on the role.

Ideally, you should  send a copy of your draft cover letter to the person  you’re naming before submitting it. That way you’ll be able to ensure they are happy with the information about them you’ve provided.

Do: Explain Your Connection to the Referee

The recruiter needs to be able to understand  why your referee might have recommended you  and how this might connect to your eligibility for the job. Therefore always make it clear whether they have referred you for any of the following reasons:

• You work with them
• They work in the company you’re targeting
• You’ve worked with them previously
• They know you personally

Don’t: Forget to Explain Why They Are Recommending You

Along with the details of how you know your referee, you also need to give an indication as to why they have recommended you.

As shown in our example previously, it’s important to state  why they have told you about the opportunity with the company.  This can normally be demonstrated by noting a few achievements, types of experience, or working styles that could make you a good candidate.

There can be no doubt that a referral for a job can  accelerate your chances  of getting hired . Trust and relationships play a big role in professional development. By getting the recommendation of someone known to the company or who can vouch for you can go a long way in making your cover letter pack a punch.

Organizing and designing your cover letter isn’t as tricky as it might seem. ResumeCoach’s  resume and cover letter building tools  can help take some of the time and effort out of crafting the perfect application documents. Try it now to enjoy professional, stylish templates, guidance, and easy to edit sections.

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How To Include a Referral in Your Cover Letter?

Including a referral in your cover letter can help get your resume noticed by the hiring manager. It shows that you have a personal connection to someone who can vouch for your skills and abilities. A referral from a colleague or past employer can be a great way to get your foot in the door with a new company.

It’s been shown that referral hires are more likely to stick around at their new job, have higher performance ratings, and are often paid higher salaries than non-referral hires.

The benefits of including a referral in your job application are well worth the effort it takes to obtain one. In fact, according to a report from Jobvite, 59% of job seekers say referrals are their preferred way to find jobs online.

But how do you know whom to ask for a referral? And how do you include one in your cover letter? This guide will walk you through how to ask for and include a referral so you can land that interview.

What is a Referral Cover Letter?

A referral cover letter is a letter that you send to a potential employer with your resume. It is a recommendation from someone within the company that can act as a personal endorsement for you and your job application. The letter includes the name of someone who has referred you to the company. This can be a friend, family member, or professional contact. The referral cover letter is a way to get your foot in the door and stand out from the competition.

Why Should You Use A Referral in your Cover letter?

A referral gives you credibility, as it’s basically an insider saying that you are qualified for the position and would be a good fit. People trust recommendations from people they know, so this person essentially vouching for you makes a huge difference.

According to a recent study from the University of Minnesota, including a referral in your cover letter can dramatically increase your chances of getting an interview . The survey found that applicants who included referrals within their letters were interviewed at twice the rate of those who didn’t include referrals.

There are a few other reasons why you might want to include a referral in your cover letter.

• It can help you stand out from the crowd. When you have a personal connection to someone who can vouch for your skills, it shows that you’re serious about the job and that you’re willing to go the extra mile.
• It also makes it easier for the hiring manager to trust you since they can see that you have the endorsement of someone they know.
• If a referral is a “known name” in the industry, you’ll stand out from the crowd.
•  It can help you pass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) screening software.
• Including a referral in your cover letter can also help you build relationships with the people you’re applying to work with. When you make a good impression on your referral, they might be more likely to refer you to other opportunities in the future.

Is name dropping in a cover letter OK?

Name-dropping does not come easily to everyone, but a referral cover letter is one place where it can work in your favor. Referrals are powerful because they involve an introduction from a known and respected individual. When you can name-drop a referral, it gives the hiring manager an additional reason to trust your qualifications and consider you for the job.

It’s important to be subtle when you’re name-dropping in your cover letter. You don’t want to come across as arrogant or entitled. Instead, focus on how your referral can vouch for your skills and abilities.

How to Ask for a Referral?

You have spent a lot of time perfecting your resume and tweaking your cover letter to match the job description. You have done everything you can think of to make sure that when recruiters read your documents they will be impressed by what they see, but there is one more thing that you need to consider: who are you going to ask for a referral?

1) Choose Professional Contacts over Personal:

When you can, choose someone who is a professional contact, not a personal one. You want to make sure that whoever you ask to be your referral has experience working with you or working with your work, so they can speak about the kind of contributions you make and the results those contributions produce.

2) Check with your Contact before dropping their name in a Cover letter:

Whoever it is, definitely check in with them before moving forward. At the very least, give them a heads up so they aren’t caught off guard if indeed that company does call them for any reason. Ideally, you will ask them if they would be comfortable giving you a referral and then send them a copy of your resume and cover letter so they can be prepared for what to expect if/when called upon by the company.

3) Search through Networking Platforms:

If you don’t have any connections in the company for the job you are applying for then you can use a mutual contact. A mutual contact is someone that you know and the hiring manager knows. You can do this by searching for them on LinkedIn, search through Facebook, Company Website other Professional Forums the contact may be present.

4) Reach out to them via Email:

The best way to ask for a referral is by email . You should explain why you are contacting them and why you want them to refer you, if possible. For example: “I worked on your team last year and our group won an award.” It’s also important to thank them for their time.

5) Apply via an employee referral program?

If you’re applying to a large company, they may have an employee referral program. This is a program where employees can refer candidates for open positions within the company. If you’re lucky enough to know someone who works for the company, be sure to ask them if they can refer you for a position as it is beneficial for both of you.

How To Include A Referral In Your Cover Letter?

When you’re including a referral in your cover letter, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

1) Include the Referral Information in Your Opening Paragraph

One way to include a referral in your cover letter is to use it as part of your opening paragraph.

2) Explain How they know you

The person who referred you will likely have given the hiring manager some context about how they know you. But if they haven’t, or if your connection is weak (you met them once at an event), it’s important to explain how you know each other.

3) Why are they providing this Recommendation

Include a few sentences about why they are qualified to speak about you. For example, if a former manager is recommending you for a position, mention this fact, as well as what your relationship has been like and how long they have known you.

Here’s an example of an introductory paragraph with a referral :

“I am interested in the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Company. I was referred to the position by my friend, Sarah, who knows someone at XYZ Company. Sarah has told me great things about the company and she thinks I would be a perfect fit for the position. I have attached my resume and the job listing to this email. I would appreciate if you could keep me in mind for the position. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Asking for a referral can help you get your resume noticed and land the job you want. Just be sure to follow these tips and examples so that you can do it correctly.

Examples of adding a referral to your cover letter:

Referral cover letters are structured similarly to application cover letters, but they usually include an additional paragraph that explains how you were referred to the position by someone in your network. Below, you’ll find examples of referral cover letters that indicates who the applicant was referred by, along with tips for writing a referral cover letter sample.

**Adding a referral in the body of your cover letter:**

“Dear Ms. [last name], [Referral source] recommended I reach out to you about the position of [job title]. I have a great deal of experience [briefly describe your relevant experience] and would love to work with you and your team. I am available for an interview at any time that is convenient for you, and I can be reached by phone at [your phone number], or by email at [your email address].”

In the first paragraph of your cover letter, you should mention a mutual connection or referral who suggested that you reach out. Mentioning this person (or people) upfront will give you an instant connection with the hiring manager.

“I’m reaching out because [Name of Mutual Acquaintance] suggested I connect with you. She knew me from my work with [Company Name or Project], and she mentioned that you’re looking for someone to fill your opening for a [Name of Position].- “I am interested in the position of Social Media Manager at GHI company. I was referred to this position by my friend, Tina, who is the Social Media Manager at GHI company.”

Mention the referral in your first paragraph. Use words like “encouraged,” “recommended” or “referred.”

“I was encouraged by [referrer’s name] to apply for the [position name] role at [company name].”

“I was referred by [referrer’s name] to apply for the [position name] role at [company name]. They told me that you’re looking for a [skill-set/role-specific knowledge].”

“Dear [Name],

I am writing to apply for the position of [position] at [company]. I was referred to the role by my friend and former colleague, [Name], who is currently working in the [department] at [Company]. I understand you are currently seeking candidates to fill this position.

I have been following company developments for several years, and I believe that my experience as a [job title] would be beneficial to your team.”

Referral Cover Letter Sample (Text Version)

Dear [Name],

I am reaching out to you in regard to the [job title] position with [Company name]. I believe my experience in [industry] and role as a [role title] is a good match for this position.

[Name of contact, mutual friend, or colleague] recommended that I contact you and submit my resume because they know I am interested in finding a new opportunity with an outstanding company such as yours. I have been working in [industry] for the last [x years/months], and have developed many of the skills necessary for the role of [job title].

I look forward to hearing from you to discuss how my experience fits your needs. Please feel free to reach me at [phone number] or via email at [email address]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

[Your name]

Referral Cover Letter Email

Dear [Recruiter Name]

I’m writing to apply for the [position name] position advertised on LinkedIn. I met [name] at an event last month, and they suggested I reach out to you directly. We discussed my background in [field], and how it would make me a great fit for this role.

If you have any questions about my experience or candidacy, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll follow up with you next week to see if you need any additional information from me, or if we can arrange a time for us to talk.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Email Subject Line for sending a Referral Cover Letter :

• Referral from [Kevin Rogers – VP Marketing] for Marketing Manager Position.
• [Kevin Rogers – VP Marketing] referred me to you for the [Marketing Manager] position.

Tips for Writing a Referral Cover Letter

• Including a referral at the top of your cover letter can help you get noticed by hiring managers and make it more likely that you’ll be granted an interview.
• Make sure to mention your referral’s name and how you know them, such as “I worked with [name] at [company].”
• Include a few sentences about why your referral thinks you’d be a good fit for the role and ask if they’d be willing to provide a reference if needed.
• Don’t forget to say “thank you” to your reader and let them know how they can reach out to learn more about you!.

Related Resume & Cover Letter Articles

How to Write a Personal Reference Letter (Template Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

The personal reference letter is a surprisingly tricky beast. If you’re asked to write one, you may wonder, “What should I even talk about?” and “How do I put one of these things together in a way that’ll help them land the job?”

Well, luckily, it isn’t as rough as it appears on the surface. As long as you know the person well and think they have something great to offer an employer, you can be an excellent personal reference. If you want to make sure you nail it, here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Personal Reference Letter?

Alright, before we dig into how to write a personal reference letter, let’s pause for a moment and talk about what one even is. Plus, it’s important to understand how personal references stand apart from professional ones.

Most people are familiar with the concept of the professional reference letter . Maybe you’ve asked a former boss for one or had the pleasure of writing one up for a colleague or employee. With those, the goal is for the letter writer to talk about how amazing the person is professionally. It’s all about highlighting their technical prowess, usually by sharing details about some relevant accomplishments or experiences.

However, not as many people have experience with the professional letter of reference’s counterpart: the personal reference letter.

So, what is a personal reference? In the simplest terms, it’s a reference from someone who has a relationship with the person but not necessarily in a workplace context.

Also called a character reference , these seals of approval don’t always discuss how the person slays at their job. Instead, personal references focus more on their personality traits.

How can a personal reference help you get a job? Well, that depends. In some cases, personal references are a required part of the application process. However, even if they aren’t, they can be helpful. This is especially true for people who are new to the workforce and don’t have much (if any) professional experience.

Usually, personal reference letters put the person’s personality traits on display. It’s also great for highlighting soft skills, as people put those to work every day, both at work and outside of professional settings.

Generally speaking, if you’re asked to write a personal reference letter, what the person wants is an overview of their stellar personality. However, they also want it to be in a way that relates to the job they want to land.

Ultimately, that’s what writing personal references is all about. You want to explain why and how the person’s personality and traits will help them sparkle in the role. And, considering that some corporate job openings attract 250 resumes , anything that makes it easier for a candidate to stand out matters.

Common Mistakes When Writing a Personal Reference Letter and How to Avoid Them

As with all things job search-related, certain mistakes can derail a candidate’s application. Make sure your letter isn’t the thing that sends someone close to you to the discard pile.

Overall, the goal of a personal reference letter is to make sure the candidate stands out for all of the right reasons. Usually, only 12 percent of applicants actually land an interview, so you need to make sure the content of the letter you write puts the person into that 12 percent.

How do you do that? By avoiding missteps.

First, as your parents likely told you, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all. You should only offer a character reference if you, well, like the person you’re talking about. If you don’t think that person is the bee’s knees, it’s better to decline writing the letter entirely.

Second, make sure you introduce yourself to the letter reader. The recipient needs to know why your opinion matters, so give them an overview of who you are, how you know the person, and how long you’ve known each other.

Also, avoid both generalizing and exaggeration. Honesty is the best policy. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t focus on the positive, just that your assessment needs to be fair and accurate.

Finally, don’t overlook the importance of spelling, grammar, and formatting. Your personal reference letter needs to be a pleasure to read. If it’s full of mistakes, a giant wall of text, or otherwise hard to review, you’re not helping the person.

How to Write a Personal Reference Letter

1. request an overview.

Once you’re ready to start writing that character reference, spend a few minutes finding out about the job the person wants to land. That gives you an idea of the kind of skills and traits you should discuss.

For example, is the person trying to boost their customer service resume by submitting the letter to the hiring manager? Then talk about how they are outgoing, friendly, and excellent with verbal communication. Those traits are important in customer service, so they are worth mentioning.

If you aren’t sure what to include, ask for a copy of the job description. You could also ask the person what traits they’d like you to talk about or if there’s anything specific they’d like you to include. That should give you enough intel to get you started.

2. Choose the Right Greeting

While you can always go with the generic “To Whom It May Concern,” if you have an idea of who will read the letter, why not go with something more specific? If you know the hiring manager’s name, use it. If not, try “Dear Hiring Manager” instead.

Personalizing the greeting lets the reader know that the letter is meant for one purpose. And that can actually make a difference.

3. Make It Clear That It’s a Recommendation

When you start the letter, let the reader know that what you’re writing is a recommendation. In fact, you should mention that in the first sentence. That way, your intentions are clear right from the beginning.

4. Explain Who You Are

After you’ve opened with the fact that you’re recommending the person, it’s time to explain why the hiring manager should care about your opinion. Let them know who you are, and how you know the person, giving them critical context about the nature of the relationship.

5. Provide a Solid Overview

With the introduction out of the way, it’s time to talk about how amazing the person you’re recommending is. Give a great overview, highlighting a few relevant traits that you really admire about the person.

Touch on several, preferably ones that are in the job ad’s must-have list or are obviously important for the role. Don’t worry about going into detail yet. This part of the letter is all about packing a punch quickly.

6. It’s Anecdote Time

After you’ve talked about how exceptional the person is by listing their standout traits, it’s time to back that up with an example or two. Give the reader an anecdote that highlights why you included those traits in your letter.

Usually, you want to tell a great story while also being brief. It only takes a paragraph or two to handle this part, so resist the urge to go further than that.

7. Call Me Maybe

As you move on to the closing paragraph, leave the door open for more discussion. Let the hiring manager know you’d be happy to answer more questions, and include your contact details. That way, if the hiring manager would like to learn more, they know they can reach out.

8. Sign Off

Once you finish that up, it’s time to sign off. A simple “Sincerely” is usually enough, followed by your name, email address, and phone number.

9. Review the Letter

After the sign-off, you probably thought you were done. Well, not quite. Instead, you need to spend a few minutes looking for any mistakes.

You can start by taking advantage of any built-in language tools, like spelling and grammar checks. If you want to go the extra mile, take the letter and paste it into a text-to-speech program. Usually, it’s really easy to hear a mistake that way, making it simple to catch missteps you may have overlooked along the way.

Personal Reference Letter Template

If you’re looking for a personal reference letter sample that you can use as a template, we’ve got your back. We’re about to hit you with a great example, one that you can use to help you navigate creating your own personal reference letter.

Here’s a personal reference example to get you started:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I strongly recommend John Doe for the customer service position at XYZ Company. I’ve known John for eight years, both as students at ABC High School and as a colleague while volunteering with a local charity. Not only do I consider him an exceptional friend, but I also believe his traits are a great match for the role. John is patient, friendly, and outgoing, and his verbal communication skills are top-notch.

During our time together, I have had the pleasure of working with John on a variety of school projects, as well as some volunteer endeavors. When it comes to working as part of a team, John is exceptional. He’s always open to the input of others, though he isn’t afraid to contribute his ideas. Plus, he wants to make sure that everyone gets to work toward joint goals, ensuring every team member gets a chance to shine.

I highly recommend John for the customer service position and feel he would be an asset to your team. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them. Please feel free to call me at 555-555-5555 or email me at [email protected].

555-555-5555

[email protected]

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, writing a personal reference letter doesn’t have to be a challenge. In fact, it can be a joy, particularly if you genuinely want to help someone close to you excel. Just make sure to use the tips and personal reference letter sample above to your benefit. That way, you can nail every one you write.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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How to Include a Referral in a Cover Letter

Last Updated: July 19, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by Amber Rosenberg, PCC . Amber Rosenberg is a Professional Life Coach, Career Coach, and Executive Coach based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the owner of Pacific Life Coach, she has 20+ years of coaching experience and a background in corporations, tech companies, and nonprofits. Amber trained with the Coaches Training Institute and is a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 82,094 times.

Today's job market is very competitive. To get your cover letter noticed, you want to do anything possible to increase your chances of procuring an interview. When a company’s employee, vendor partner, or well-known customer refers you to apply for a job, it can be a huge advantage to include this information in your cover letter. If the person is a strong reference, using this referral in your cover letter will increase your odds of being spotted by the hiring manager. The trick is securing a referral and making sure to effectively capitalize on your connection.

Knowing When to Use a Referral

• There are also other ways to find someone to serve as a referral for you. For example, utilize your contacts from alumni organizations, social networks, and professional organizations. Of course, it is also important to make sure that your Linked-In profile is current so that potential employees can find you that way.

• Whichever contact method you choose, make sure it is both personal and professional. For example, if you choose to make the request via email, you might say something like, "Dear Jane, It was wonderful meeting you at the Annual Meeting of the People Who Have a Job Similar to Mine. I enjoyed our conversation! I'm currently looking for a new position, and I notice that your company has an opening for Manager of Important Things. I'm very interested in this job, and think I would be an excellent fit. Would you be willing to serve as a referral? I would like to use your name in my cover letter, if you are agreeable."

• For example, if you choose to confirm with a phone call, you could say, "Hello, Joe. I just wanted to let you know that I am in the process of finishing up my cover letter for the position at your company. I wanted to confirm that you're fine with me using your name as a referral. I really appreciate your help."

Writing Your Cover Letter

• For example, you could write, "Mary Smith, your sales manager, recommended that I apply for this job. Mary and I have known each other through the executive board of the Association for Sales Managers, and over the past five years, we have worked together on many projects for that organization."

• For example, you could write, "I excel at interpersonal communication. In my current role, I am responsible for managing a team of seven other employees and providing them with verbal feedback."

• One effective way to convey your understanding is by writing, "Your advertisement notes that you are looking to improve your employee training program. I have significant experience in this area, and in fact, have developed several onboarding methods that would benefit your organization." [9] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source

• An example of a strong statement is, "I am excited about this opportunity because I am seeking a new professional challenge, and heading up your training program is something I can confidently handle. Additionally, your company has a reputation for a positive corporate culture that I think would be an ideal fit for my outgoing personality."

Finishing Your Cover Letter

• If you choose to follow up with an e-mail, you could write, "Dear Bob, Thank you again for agreeing to let me use you as a referral. I just wanted to let you know that I am sending my letter to Stan at your company. I'm attaching a copy, for your information."

• Edit any sentences such as, "The big project was completed by me." Instead, try "I successfully completed revising the training manual ahead of deadline."

Expert Q&A

• As you are in the process of applying for this job, don't forget to keep your connections current. Networking is extremely important to connect you to more referrals and opportunities. Attend local professional meetings or basic networking groups regularly. [14] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Convey a positive and professional attitude when approaching potential references. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Pay attention to detail. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/5-ways-win-employee-referral-hired/
• ↑ http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2012/02/02/the-skinny-on-employee-referral-programs
• ↑ Amber Rosenberg, PCC. Pacific Life Coach. Expert Interview. 8 July 2022.
• ↑ https://www.pongoresume.com/blogPosts/381/when-and-how-to-name-drop-in-your-cover-letter.cfm
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/CoverLetters.html
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2014/02/how-to-write-a-cover-letter
• ↑ http://guides.wsj.com/careers/how-to-start-a-job-search/how-to-write-a-cover-letter/
• ↑ http://www.papercheck.com/cover-letter-editing.html
• ↑ http://www.careerchoiceguide.com/referral-cover-letter.html
• ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/the-importance-of-networking-2011-5

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Cover Letter With a Referral From an Employee Example

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The saying goes, "It's not what you know, but who you know"—and when it comes to getting hired, it's true. Get an employee referral, and you may have an easier time catching the hiring manager's attention.

Many companies reward their employees for referring job candidates. The fact is that hiring via referral is  cheaper, faster, and more effective  than hiring through job sites or recruiting.  

Candidates who come recommended are often better qualified, more loyal, and a better fit for the team.

It makes sense: if you were the hiring manager, would you rather interview a candidate with no connection to the company or one that comes recommended by a current employee in good standing?

The latter person is more likely to know what it's like to work for the company – plus, the employee who referred them probably understands that their reputation is at stake. Most likely, they'd avoid referring someone who was less than qualified.

The Power of Using Employee Referrals in Your Cover Letter

According to data from Jobvite, there are significant advantages for employees who land their jobs through referral. Consider:  

• 40% of referred applicants receive a job offer and they comprise only 7% of potential candidates.
• Want to get to work in a hurry? Referred candidates start sooner than those who come in through other channels. Per this data, employees who come in via referral start their new positions after 29 days on average, compared with 39 - 55 days through job boards.
• Referred employees have greater job satisfaction, according to Jobvite, and show it by staying put: 47% stay longer than three years.

How to Write a Cover Letter Mentioning an Employee Referral

• Ask for a referral.  This might seem obvious—of course, you'll ask for a referral before you name-drop a current employee in your letter! But it's important that your connection is clued in before you send your cover letter. Bottom line, you want them to be prepared to sing your praises when the hiring manager asks for their opinion. Also: there's always the chance that they'll say no, or that they'll advise you not to apply, for reasons that only an insider would know.)
• Give your referrer the details.  Speaking of singing your praises, your contact can only do that if you let them know which job you're applying for. Don't assume that just because they work at the organization, they'll know what the job entails. Share the job description, and match the requirements to your qualifications. This will give them some talking points to keep in their back pocket, in case they're asked about you.
• Provide a copy of the cover letter.  Forward your email or give your contact a physical copy of your cover letter, for their reference.
• Say thank you.  Whether the employee is writing a referral letter or merely agreeing to be included in your cover letter, it's important to say thank you. Send a  thank-you note or email  to let them know that you appreciate their help. They'll appreciate the gesture, and it will strengthen your connection.

Employee Referral Cover Letter Template

Download the employee referral cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) and review more examples.

Sample Employee Referral Cover Letter (Text Version)

Stephanie Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 stephanie.applicant@email.com 

September 1, 2018 

Laurel Lee Director, Human Resources Sunnyside Group Home 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

 Dear Ms. Lee,

I am writing in reference to the position of Youth Counselor at the Sunnyside Group Home. I have the pleasure of being acquainted with one of the Counselors on your staff, Eleanor Seville. Eleanor and I did our undergraduate work together at Sunnyville University and have been in touch professionally and personally since then. She let me know about the open position and recommended that I contact you. 

I have been working with at-risk youths for 15 years, and have found the experience extremely rewarding. I have counseled young people with a variety of challenges, including family situations, drug use, eating disorders and behavioral issues. My experience makes me well suited to help the residents at Sunnyside learn and grow in a protected environment.

While I have experience in working with all ages, I believe that the adolescent population at your facility would benefit from the knowledge I gained during the past five years while working in Student Services at Sunnyville High School. I was recognized by the District as "Outstanding Teen Leader 2018" for the After-School Job Mentoring program I developed and implemented with the cooperation of several local businesses.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss what I have to bring to the position at Sunnyside. Thank you for reviewing my attached resume.

Stephanie Applicant

Cover Letters With a Personal Recommendation

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How to Include Job Recommendations in a Cover Letter

Example of a letter of recommendation for a junior employee, how to kindly say no to a job position.

• Proper Way to Write a Cover Letter
• How to Write a Letter of Appreciation for a Job Offer

When you apply for a job, it's important to use anything you can that will set you apart from other candidates. A personal recommendation offers prospective employers a "second opinion" as to why they should hire you, especially if that recommendation comes from a previous employer or a mutual connection who can vouch for your strengths as an employee.

Providing a personal recommendation enhances your credibility and reputation when applying for a job. Employers often request references or verify your employment, so if you can offer them a detailed, relevant recommendation with your cover letter, you save them some time and provide context for the qualifications you highlight in your letter and resume. For example, if you focus on your leadership skills in your letter, this carries more weight when you can provide a recommendation from a former employer praising the way you successfully oversaw a company merger.

Mentioning the Recommendation in Your Opening

Start your letter by noting the recommendation, especially if it's from someone who works from the company, someone the employer knows or someone respected within the industry. For example, open with a sentence such as "I volunteer with your director of community relations, Jane Smith, who thought I'd be a good fit at Taylor Inc. and recommended I apply for the marketing associate position that just opened up." This gets the employer's attention and provides you with an automatic endorsement that will distinguish you from other applicants.

Including the Recommendation With Your Letter

If you have a letter of recommendation, include it with your cover letter. If you're mailing your letter, send the recommendation letter as an enclosure, preferably in its own sealed envelope. If you're emailing your cover letter, you can send it as an attachment. You should contact the employer first to ensure the company accepts emails with attachments, however, because many organizations automatically delete emails with attachments to prevent the risk of a virus or other malware. Alternatively, ask the person providing the reference to send the letter, and mention in your cover letter that a recommendation letter will follow. Mention the person's name and when he plans to send the letter so the employer can watch for it.

Confirm that the person offering the recommendation understands how you plan to use it. He may prefer to write a letter only for a specific job you're applying for, or may rather write a generic letter you can use wherever you apply. If you're mentioning in your cover letter that the person recommended you apply for the job, make sure he's on good terms with the employer. If the employer doesn't know him well, the recommendation may carry little weight. If the employer doesn't have a good relationship with the person, the recommendation could hurt you. Also, ask him if he's willing to talk to employers if they want to follow up on recommendation. If he's not, he won't be prepared to sell employers on why they should hire you.

• University of Washington: Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
• Forbes: How to Write a Cover Letter

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Personal Reference Letter Samples and Writing Tips

• When Are Personal Reference Letters Used?
• Guidelines for Writing a Personal Reference Letter

Personal Reference Letter Samples

Personal reference letter template.

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A personal recommendation, also known as a character recommendation or a character reference, is a letter of recommendation written by someone who can speak to the job candidate’s personality and character. A person might ask for a personal recommendation if they do not have much work experience, or if they feel their employers cannot write positive references.

A recommendation letter should provide information on who you are, your connection with the person you are recommending, why they are qualified, and the  specific skills  they have that you are endorsing.

A personal recommendation focuses on the personality and  soft skills  of the candidate and uses examples from the candidate's life outside of work.

When Are Personal Reference Letters Used? 

These letters of recommendation are written by people who know job candidates outside of work and can speak to their character and ability on a personal level. While companies typically request letters of reference from co-workers or managers, sometimes hiring managers will request a  personal reference letter  as well.

Personal reference letters are often required for a big purchase, such as a condominium, or education-related applications. Additionally, lawyers who seek to be admitted to the bar must submit a personal reference; the letter is also often required for other professional associations and guiding bodies.

When high school or college students without professional work experience apply for jobs, volunteer opportunities, or scholarships, they will typically need to present character references instead of professional references. These can be solicited from teachers, club leaders, pastors, guidance counselors, or other adults who are familiar with the student’s personality and accomplishments.

Guidelines for Writing a Personal Reference Letter 

As with all recommendation letters, you should only agree to write a personal reference letter if you feel comfortable supporting the person and will be able to write a positive and enthusiastic note. If you don't, it's better to decline than to provide a less-than-stellar reference.

In your letter, include information on how you know the person. Then, share details about the person's morals and values, experience, or background as applicable to the situation. If, for example, you are writing for a college student applying for a fellowship, you'll want to emphasize their academic talents. If writing for someone seeking their first-ever retail sales job, concentrate on detailed descriptions of their people skills, work ethic, and personal charisma.

This is a sample personal reference letter.  Download the letter template  (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or see below for more examples.

Sample Personal Reference Letter #1

Mary Smith  123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 mary.smith@email.com

April 4, 2024

Andre Lewis  City Manager  Town of Smithtown  123 Business Rd.  Business City, NY 54321

Dear Ms. Lewis,

I am writing to recommend Ariel Jones for a position with the Town of Smithtown. I have known Ariel since she was a child, and she is a highly qualified candidate for a position in town government. She has lived in Smithtown for most of her life, and she is deeply involved in her local community, church, and children's schools.

Ariel has shown her commitment to the town as a Member of the Board of Appeals and as an active participant in many community endeavors, including the annual fund drive for the Downtown Shelter for the Homeless, Meals on Wheels, and our public library’s bi-annual book sale.

Ariel would be a tremendous asset to the town, and I recommend her to you without reservation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Sample Personal Reference Letter #2

Michael Smith 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 michael.smith@email.com

Jessica Jones Sales Manager Acme Sales 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Jones,

I'm writing this reference in support of Jason Craden. Jason was my college roommate, and we have been friends for the past ten years. If you are looking for a smart, talented, and diligent candidate, Jason is the perfect match.

As a student, Jason was always engaged in classes—he studied not just to get good grades, but also out of a desire to truly understand the material. It was no surprise when he displayed similar characteristics once he joined the world of work. As a friend, Jason is supportive and caring. When my father passed away shortly after our graduation, Jason was one of the first people I told. Not only did he fly out to be with me during this difficult time, but he also absorbed the burden of communicating the news to our other college friends. Jason has a knack for building and maintaining strong, enduring friendships.

These relationship-building skills would enable him to excel as a salesman for Acme Sales.

Jason would be an asset to any company, and I wholeheartedly recommend him. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any further questions.

Michael Smith 

A template helps you with the layout of your letter. Templates also show you what elements you need to include in your letter, such as introductions and body paragraphs.

Use a template as a starting point for your recommendation letter. However, you should always be flexible. You can change any of the elements of the template to fit your own needs. For example, if a letter template only has one body paragraph, but you want to include two, you should do so.

Heading:  If you are writing a letter, follow the proper  business letter format . Begin with your contact information at the top of the letter, followed by the date, and then the contact information of the employer.

If you are sending the letter as an email, you do not need to include this heading. However, you will have to come up with a  subject line  for the email. In the subject, briefly include the purpose of your letter and the name of the person you are writing about. If you know the job the person is applying for, you can put that too.

For example:

Subject Line:  Recommendation for Firstname Lastname, Account Analyst

Salutation:  When writing a recommendation letter, include a salutation (Dear Dr. Joyner, Dear Ms. Merrill, etc.). If you are writing a general letter, address it " To Whom It May Concern " or simply don't include a salutation and start with the first paragraph of the letter.

Paragraph One:  The first paragraph of the personal recommendation letter explains how you know the person you are recommending (and for how long you've known them) and why you are qualified to write a letter to recommend employment or graduate school. With a personal letter, you are writing a recommendation because you know the person and their character.

Paragraphs Two and Three:  The second paragraph of a recommendation letter contains specific information on the person you are writing about, including why they are qualified and what they can contribute. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details.

Be sure to provide specific examples of times the person has demonstrated specific qualities. It is fine if these are not work-related examples—after all, you do not know the person from a work setting. Focus on examples from your relationship with that person.

When writing a letter referring a candidate for a particular job opening, the recommendation letter should include information about how the person's skills match the position for which they are applying. Therefore, ask the candidate for the job listing ahead of time, or at least ask what types of jobs the person will be applying for (if it is a general recommendation letter).

Conclusion with Summary:  This section of the recommendation letter contains a summary of why you are recommending the person. State that you "highly recommend" the person, you "recommend [them] without reservation," or something similar.

Conclude the letter with an offer to provide more information. Include a phone number within the paragraph or another form of contact (such as an email address).

Signature:  End the letter with a sign-off such as “Sincerely” or “Best.” If you are mailing this letter, conclude with your handwritten signature, followed by your typed signature.

If this is an email, conclude with your typed signature. Below your signature, include any contact information.

Key Takeaways

• A personal reference is a letter of recommendation written by someone who can speak to the subject’s personality, character, and soft skills.
• Personal references come in handy when a candidate does not have a lot of work experience; they may also be required for graduate programs or co-op approvals.
• When writing a personal reference, be sure to let the reader know how you are connected with the subject.
• Never agree to provide a reference unless you can recommend the person unreservedly and provide examples of their skills and positive qualities.

CareerOneStop. " References ."

Maryland State Board of Law Examiners. " Character and Fitness Process for General Bar Admission ."

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Letter: Retaining judges

Under the Alaska Constitution, the Alaska Judicial Council makes recommendations before the public vote on retention of judges. This is a good process, meant to reduce political influence on the judges and ensure judicial integrity.

It is important that the Judicial Council consider its recommendation based on the judge’s overall record, rather than injecting its members’ own personal politics into the process.

However, two political appointees of Gov. Mike Dunleavy tried to hijack this process by voting not to retain Judge Adolf Zeman because of their personal biased political beliefs in one recent ruling. Judge Zeman followed the law and the Alaska Constitution in his ruling confirming public funds are not to be spent on private schools.

But one of the Judicial Council members, Denny DeWitt, claimed, “There’s a whole broad area of folks, Alaskans, who were disenfranchised and traumatized to a point by Judge Zeman’s decision.”

What? People lost their right to vote and were traumatized by a judge following the Alaska Constitution? I don’t think so.

It turns out that it has been the practice for public monies to unlawfully be spent on correspondence programs and private schools. I suppose the parents and students who personally financially benefited from receiving public monies to use to pay tuition for private parochial schools (such as the attorney general ) might become upset if the Constitution was actually followed so they could no longer get to claim $4,500 for each student. But that’s not being disenfranchised nor traumatized.

As Jonathan Katcher, an appointee of the Alaska Bar Association, was quoted: “He was very concerned that the council would base a recommendation on a single verdict, rather than the judge’s overall record. Further the council has never taken a position on retention of a Judge based on his or her decisions. And for us to start doing this now, especially on an issue of this emotional intensity is — I just think it’s a dangerous precedent.” I certainly agree with Mr. Katcher.

The two political appointees on the Judicial Council apparently do not care about the Alaska Constitution or judicial integrity so are not qualified to serve on this Council.

— Joanne Kell

Have something on your mind? Send to [email protected] or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.