Letter of reference

A letter of reference is supposed to have three key components:

1) an opening paragraph (sentence) in which you:

- state the purpose of writing;
- explain how long and in which capacities you have known the person;

2) an evaluation of the person's skills, character and accomplishments depending on

what is being expected by the employer;

3) a closing paragraph that summarises why and to what degree you would recommend this
person.

Some useful expressions and structures for the opening and closing paragraphs as well as for
evaluating various kinds of skills

Purpose of writing I am writing on behalf of…

I am writing to recommend … for a position of … with…
I am writing in regard to ...’s application..

Relations I have known … personally and socially for

for approximately 5 years / since childhood
for over 2 years during which time she worked as a … in my office
we are in the same tutorial group at college

and she is a highly qualified candidate for a position

is qualified and experienced to accept the challenge of being...

1
Active position is involved in her local community, her church and her childrens’
schools

Social skills has an excellent rapport (gets on) with people of all ages
will establish productive relationships with (will be popular with)
is used to dealing with ….
the social (interpersonal) skills she has learnt in this job should serve her
well as .../ enable her to... / allow her to...

Organisational outstanding organisational skills

skills an excellent person to have around in times of crisis
dependable
not inclined to panic or lose her temper
although never bossy, she can take control over difficult situations
without upsetting anyone
would definitely be able to cope if things went wrong…
...which may come in very useful ..
is able to successfully complete multiple tasks with favourable results
despite deadline pressure
consistently demonstrated leadership abilities

Physical condition an accomplished sportsman

at… she has reached competition level

Communication Her strong verbal and written communication skills allowed her to relay
skills information in a clear and coherent manner.
She demonstrated the ability to articulate information and ideas in both
the written and verbal forms.

Diligency She will devote herself to a position with your organisation with a high
degree of diligence
...is a direct result of her hard work and strong focus

2
 With her enthusiastic commonsense (can do) approach she would
ensure….
She has been effective in her efforts to...

Academic exceptional (above-average) academic performance

performance out of a class of 150 students, she graduated with honours in the top 10

Closing I believe, she would make an excellent…/ would be a valuable asset to

...
I am confident that she ...
I have no hesitation in recommending her to your company (for the
post)
I recommend her to you without reservation.
I highly recommend her ...

3
A friend of your family is applying for a job with a travel company as a tourist guide for English speaking
tourists visiting your country. The company has asked you to provide a character reference for your
friend. The reference should indicate how long you have known the person. It must include a detailed
description of the person’s character and the reason why he or she would be suitable for the job.

Write your reference. (220-260 words)

To Whom It may Concern

I have known Giorgio Cespuglio for over twenty years, since he was a small child, as our families are
close friends and I am confident that he would make an excellent tour guide.

Giorgio is a self-confident and outgoing young man, who finds it easy to get on with people from all
kinds of backgrounds. At school he was popular among his classmates and fully involved in many extra-
curricular activities, including the school drama group, which certainly enabled him to improve his ability
to speak in front of large groups of people. In addition, he is well-organised and reliable, as is shown by
the fact that he worked as a youth club leader during his time at university. In this capacity he organized
several trips in Italy and abroad.

Giorgio speaks excellent English and passed the CAE examination last year. He attended a classical
grammar school and has thus acquired a thorough grounding in the history and culture of Italy. He has
travelled widely in Italy and knows the country well as a result. As well as his formal school studies,
Giorgio also has a keen interest in art history, which I am sure will stand him in good stead when he is
showing groups of tourists round our historic cities. In conclusion, I am sure that Giorgio possesses both
the personal qualities and cultural background to be an outstanding tour guide, and I have no hesitation
in recommending him for this position.

Yours sincerely (Your name)