| If you've been asked to write a reference letter for a | | | | reference letter, the better. |
| friend, a former employee or even a student, you'll find | | | | - Reasons why you feel the person would be an |
| there are good sample reference letters to follow and | | | | asset to the company. All good sample reference |
| some really bad ones, too. The best sample reference | | | | letters explain these. It could be you feel the person is |
| letters follow some basic points that can make it very | | | | a real go-getter who is willing to learn anything he or |
| easy to draft a letter for a person you feel is worthy. | | | | she doesn't know. Or, maybe the person is highly |
| Before agreeing to write a reference letter for | | | | qualified and has a drive to succeed that's second to |
| someone, remember, if you don't feel comfortable in | | | | none. Just make sure your reference letter explains |
| writing the letter don't. If you have reservations about | | | | the whys. |
| the person's abilities or skills, that will come through in | | | | - Good sample reference letters will also ask you to |
| your writing. In essence, this means your letter could | | | | extend yourself for further discussion about the |
| actually do them more harm than good. | | | | person in question. This means giving your telephone |
| If you have decided to write a letter, however, follow | | | | number or e-mail address. If you really feel the person |
| the basics of a good sample reference letter can | | | | is worthy of your time, make sure you're available to |
| really help you through the process. Based on some of | | | | answer questions a potential employer might have. |
| the best sample reference letters, a good draft will | | | | Writing a reference letter for a friend, employee or |
| include: | | | | student can be a daunting task. You want the letter to |
| - Your qualifications to be writing the reference letter. | | | | help them in their pursuits, but you don't want it to |
| No good sample reference letter will allow you to get | | | | sound so gushy that it appears as if they've paid you |
| away from doing this. You need to explain your | | | | to write it. Take your time, review sample reference |
| connection to the person, your personal background, | | | | letters and make sure your letter is balanced and fair. |
| and how long you've know the person you're writing | | | | If you have any questions or concerns about the |
| the reference letter before. If you're a friend, say so. If | | | | reference letter you've drafted, ask co-workers or |
| you're a friend who happens to be a doctor or a judge | | | | friends to give the draft a once over. There might be |
| or even a teacher, say that, too! | | | | things about the person you've overlooked that they |
| - Your impressions of the person. Be specific about | | | | can point out, too. A second set of eyes on a |
| the person's strengths and weaknesses they've | | | | reference letter can really help, especially if the eyes |
| maybe managed to overcome. Give details about how | | | | belong to a person who knows the job candidate, as |
| their strengths have helped you, them or even your | | | | well. |
| company. The more descriptive you can be in your | | | | |