Writing A Reference Letter When You Don't Really Want To Recommend Them
- Date: 2006-12-06 - Word Count: 507
Share This!
If you've been asked to write a reference letter for a friend, a former employee or even a student, you'll find there are good sample reference letters to follow and some really bad ones, too. The best sample reference letters follow some basic points that can make it very easy to draft a letter for a person you feel is worthy.
Before agreeing to write a reference letter for someone, remember, if you don't feel comfortable in writing the letter don't. If you have reservations about the person's abilities or skills, that will come through in your writing. In essence, this means your letter could actually do them more harm than good.
If you have decided to write a letter, however, follow the basics of a good sample reference letter can really help you through the process. Based on some of the best sample reference letters, a good draft will include:
- Your qualifications to be writing the reference letter. No good sample reference letter will allow you to get away from doing this. You need to explain your connection to the person, your personal background, and how long you've know the person you're writing the reference letter before. If you're a friend, say so. If you're a friend who happens to be a doctor or a judge or even a teacher, say that, too!
- Your impressions of the person. Be specific about the person's strengths and weaknesses they've maybe managed to overcome. Give details about how their strengths have helped you, them or even your company. The more descriptive you can be in your reference letter, the better.
- Reasons why you feel the person would be an asset to the company. All good sample reference letters explain these. It could be you feel the person is a real go-getter who is willing to learn anything he or she doesn't know. Or, maybe the person is highly qualified and has a drive to succeed that's second to none. Just make sure your reference letter explains the whys.
- Good sample reference letters will also ask you to extend yourself for further discussion about the person in question. This means giving your telephone number or e-mail address. If you really feel the person is worthy of your time, make sure you're available to answer questions a potential employer might have.
Writing a reference letter for a friend, employee or student can be a daunting task. You want the letter to help them in their pursuits, but you don't want it to sound so gushy that it appears as if they've paid you to write it. Take your time, review sample reference letters and make sure your letter is balanced and fair.
If you have any questions or concerns about the reference letter you've drafted, ask co-workers or friends to give the draft a once over. There might be things about the person you've overlooked that they can point out, too. A second set of eyes on a reference letter can really help, especially if the eyes belong to a person who knows the job candidate, as well.
Related Tags: reference letters, letters, letters of recommendation
More information on Breast CancerBreast Cancerhttp://www.breastcancerindia.com Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Article
Here are 10 mistakes that writers tend to make when writing articles for newsletters or magazines. K - Invigorate Your Healthcare Writing With Words That Are Short, Sweet, And Full of Energy
There are certain kinds of phrasing and word choice, especially in official statements, that can soa - The Case For Customizing Content
You have to consider every angle when you are writing. There are lots of rules to follow and tips to - Writing Strategies For Creating Viral Content
For anybody involved in content marketing the need to develop writing strategies that will produce t - Three Key Ways a Writing Coach Can Improve Your College Admission Essay
In an article entitled "Writing The Essay: Sound Advice from an Expert", Parke Muth, Senior Assistan - Acquiring A Fantastic Proxy - Proxy List
A proxy or proxy server is applied for both effortless obtain to your certain useful resource like a - Turnkey Sites & Website Templates - A Comparison
I'm constantly finding emails soon after a person buys a offer of Site Desing templates. Some men an - Standard Manual For Laptop Or Computer Elements & Software
For many people today, computer system sections plus the innards of the computer system are anything - Different Kinds Of Cameras Can Be Used For Webcams
There are many physical components that make the technology of the PC camera webcam work. The import - What Can Pc Camera Webcam Bring To Us And How It Works?
The PC camera webcam can be used in a wide range of aspects. Such as personal "Big Brother" style di
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Don't Put Off Writing that Book!
If writing that book you've always had in mind tops your list of resolutions or regrets, hiring a wr - How To Write A Better Press Release
A press release is the most effective way to generate free publicity for your business or organizati - Writing on the Hoof
Finding inspiration when you are writing is often a haphazard affair. When you are physically ready - Focus On Nigeria
Focus on Nigeria Nigеria is a natural gas and oil rich country that is bordеrеd b - How to Write Great Dialogue in Your Book
Dialogue isn't so much read as it is heard by the reader. The eyes see the words on the page, the b - Women SUV Driver from www.thefrap.com
Why do so many women drive around in the oversized SUV's, the Tahoe, Excursion, Escalade - How To Write Good Articles
As a writer you may be ready to cash in on the need for web content. There is a lot of money that c - NEWS FLASH: Technical Communicator Saves World
I had a boss several years ago who was amused by my earnest and relentless preaching about the impor - Writers Resources
Writers use certain inherent talents to come up with their pieces of writing. However, they do need - Popular Articles
Articles are those that are available in plenty these days in the internet. The articles are written
