How to Write a Great Reference Letter

Being asked to write a reference letter for a former or departing employee may be a source of undue stress, time demand, and hassle, depending on how naturally writing comes to you — or not.

Today, while poking around a bit using StumbleUpon, I found an answer to this problem: a “Letter of Recommendation Guide” website.

One might question the legitimacy of this site, since the domain, boxfreeconcepts.com, is the home of “Magic Mill – Create a FREE fake DIPLOMA, TRANSCRIPT or RECOMMENDATION LETTER.”

However, it has much useful content.

For example, it has good tips on writing reference letters, lays out a useful basic reference letter format to use, and explains how several variables affect the appropriate length when writing reference letters.

The site also contains some reference letter samples that can be used as templates, and advice on asking for reference letters.

But of most interest to me is the “Instant Letter Generator.” This is not merely a fill-in-the blank template form, but a simple example of what can be done with a document assembly program like HotDocs. Such software is increasingly used in lawyers’ offices for customizing frequently prepared documents such as wills and contracts.

With a document assembly program, the “end user is presented with a dynamic, hierarchical interview, allowing them to peruse and input the required information in a logical and organized manner. A customized document is produced as the final result.”

Here, you use radio buttons to make various multiple-choice selections, fill in some blanks, and . . . presto . . . you get a nice finished reference letter. Here’s a peek at what it looks like:

Personally, I wouldn’t use the letter exactly as created, but would rewrite it a bit in my own style and vocabulary. However, it would be an excellent start and definite time-saver.