Managing Your Career

Reference Letter

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Reference letters are also well known as recommendation letters or letters of introduction. While most people associate a reference letter with a job application, in reality they have a very broad spectrum of usage. Reference letters are commonly used when applying for credit, housing, academic admissions, and numerous other common situations.

Whether you are asking someone for a reference letter or writing one on another indivduals behalf, there is a set protocal for each type of reference letter regarding format and what aspects of the person should be stressed. Knowing these things and providing or recieving a top notch reference letter can be the difference between sealing the deal or being an also ran.

How to write a reference letter for a friend

by R Shimoda

Writing a reference letter for a friend is easy but writing a reference letter that will help them is another story. In order to understand why, let's think a bit about what a reference is. There are two types of references, personal and... More>

How to ask for a letter of reference

by Grace Angel

Asking for a letter of reference is relatively basic process. A person must know the credibility of the individual that they are asking for the document from. If the individual does not have proper credibility within the business community, then the... More>

How to ask for a letter of recommendation

by Leigh Goessl

It is a common practice to request letters of recommendations for various reasons. Most often the recommendation request is when an individual is applying for a job, college degree program, internship or a scholarship and it requires a reference or ... More>

Tips for asking for recommendation letters

by T. M. Beeker

I have always found that a letter of recommendation is something you don't ask for. In any work situation your quality as a person will motivate others to recommend you. If you must ask for a letter of recommendation it seems artificial. I do unders... More>

A guide to writing a good recommendation letter

by Leigh Goessl

A letter of recommendation is a way to endorse someone with a positive commendation. If someone asks you to give them a positive reference, the recommendation letter is the perfect document to write and submit to the person or organization who they ... More>

How to get good recommendation letters from former employers

by David Duncan

Perhaps, the hardest step to obtaining a letter of recommendation is simply asking for one. In my particular field (Hospitality), I find letters of recommendation always carry additional credibility next to a well-organized, current resume. Hospital... More>

Reference Letter Tips

* Be Accurate: Use only verifiable information which has not been embellished

* Be Clear and Concise: Reference letters should stay on point and not just cite strengths, but explain how they have been positively employed and observed

* Use the Correct Letter: Make sure the letter fits the goal. Submitting a letter used for a credit reference for example is not appropriate to use as a job reference.

* Choose the Right Person to Recommend you: The best person to write a reference letter knows you well enough to be credible, is an effective writer, thinks highly of you and your abilities, holds a position of respect/authority

* The Ideal Reference Letter: An ideal reference letter accomplishes four things - Verifies experience, confirms competence, builds credibility, and bolsters confidence

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Quick Facts

* Reference letters are not just for jobs, they may be used for apartment rentals, credit applications, legal matters, academic applications, or any circumstance which requires a verification of ability or character

* Reference letters may also be known as letters of recommendation, depending on where you live and the terminology of your generation

* Reference letters date as far back as writing has existed. They were once very popularly known as letters of introduction and used by travelers to help establish social standing as well as an individuals background to help provide safe passage.

Reference Letter Resources

Online Reference Letters
Samples, templates, and tips to write the perfect letter of recommendation for any situation
Reference Letter Files
Tips on how to start a reference letter file, and how having one helps you
How To Provide A Reference
Tips on how to provide a reference from the Principles for Professional Practice Committee
How To Ask For A Reference Letter
Learn the proper protocol for asking for a reference letter as well as what information you should supply to that person

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Management & Job Interviewing : Writing a Reference Letter

Giving a good job reference is important because it highlights personal skills, assets and awards. Write a reference letter withtips from a management and sales trainer in this free video on job interviewing. Expert: Gloria Dixon Campbell Bio: Gloria Dixon Campbell has an executive MBA in management from the University of South Florida, and a BA in Sociology from the University of West Florida. Filmmaker: Christopher Rokosz

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