This document provides a collection of sample reference letters. There are template
letters for: a job recommendation, written by a former employer; a recommendation for a
teacher, written by a school principal; a negative reference, written by a former
employer; and a recommendation for graduate school, written by a former employer.
These template letters are intended to supply standard language and can be
customized to fit the needs of an individual seeking to write a letter of recommendation
for another individual that the writer knows and has worked with.
REFERENCE LETTERS – JOB RECOMMENDATION
[Recipient’s Name is Preferable] or use To Whom it May Concern:
I would like to recommend [Recommended Person] as a candidate for a position with
your organization.
In [his/her] position as [Position title] with [Former company name], [Name] was
employed in our office from [Time period]. [Name] did an excellent job in this position
and was an asset to our organization during her tenure with the office. [S/he] has
excellent written and verbal communication skills, is extremely organized, can work
independently and is able to follow through to ensure that the job gets done.
During [his/her] tenure with [Company name], [Name] was responsible for [Describe
former responsibilities]. [Name] effectively coordinated these responsibilities by
[Description].
[Name] was always willing to offer [his/her] assistance and had an excellent rapport with
the many constituents served by our office including clients, employers, and other
professional organizations. [S/he] would be an asset to any employer and I recommend
[him/her] for any endeavor [s/he] chooses to pursue.
Yours truly,
[Your Signature Here]
[Your Name]
[Title]
© Copyright 2010 Docstoc Inc. 2
REFERENCE LETTERS – RECOMMENDATION FOR A TEACHER
[Recipient’s Name is Preferable] or use To Whom it May Concern:
I highly recommend [Recommended Person’s Name] as a candidate for a teaching
position. I have worked with [Recommended Person’s Name] in my position as Principal
of [Name of School].
While a student, [Recommended Person’s Name] was employed in various teaching
related-positions including teaching a museum program to fourth grade classes in the
[School District]. Since then she has substituted at a variety of schools in the [City] area,
including [city].
[Recommended Person’s Name] has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages,
especially children. Her ability to connect with her students and her talent at teaching
simple concepts, as well as more advanced topics, are both truly superior. She has
excellent written and verbal communication skills, is extremely organized, reliable and
computer literate. [Recommended Person’s Name] can work independently and is able to
follow through to ensure that the job gets done. She accomplishes these tasks with great
initiative and with a very positive attitude.
I recommend [Recommended Person’s Name] to you without reservation. If you have
any further questions with regard to her background or qualifications, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Position]
[Career Services]
[Name College]
[Your Signature Here]
© Copyright 2010 Docstoc Inc. 3
REFERENCE LETTERS – NEGATIVE REFERNCE
[Name of Recipient]
[Recipient’s Address]
[Address Line Two]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
Dear [Recipient’s Name] or To Whom it May Concern:
[Recommended Person’s name] reported to me for two years while working as a
[Position] at [Corporation]. [S/he] did a capable job in some areas, however, with other
facets of [his/her] position, especially [Area(s) needing improvement], retraining and
supervision were required.
[Recommended Person’s name] services were no long needed by our company, though
we wish [him/her] well in all his/her future endeavors.
If I can provide you will any further information, please contact me at [Phone numb