What is a Reference Letter?

A reference letter is a letter written by your paid or unpaid work experience supervisor that gives future employers information about you as a worker in a job or community volunteer assignment, as a club officer, teacher aide (such as in a computer lab), or other work-related situation.  A reference letter might say you were dependable, punctual, cooperative, good at dealing with customers or the public, able to handle responsibility, showed initiative, or other good things.  A reference letter might say that you learned skills such as computer operation, accounting, supervisory, mechanical, drafting, or other skills.  A reference letter may be written on letterhead (stationery with the school’s or company’s name and address printed at the top) or on plain, white paper.

How do I get a Reference Letter?

Since reference adults do not automatically write letters; you will have to ask for one.  For volunteer work, school projects, or outside activities, ask the adult leader (who must be over 21 years of age) for a reference letter after a project, at the end of the school term, or when you think it is the right time.

To request a reference letter you may say, “Mrs. Webster, I would like to request a reference letter from you for the period of time I worked as a switchboard operator and receptionist for the school.  I have been making a job hunt portfolio and will need a reference letter about my unpaid work experience to keep it up to date.  Also, I may need a reference from you in the future, and I want to have something in writing in case I am unable to find you when I need the reference.”

Sometimes supervisors will ask you to write a list of things you want them to say about you in a reference letters so that they understand what you need.  As they write the reference letter, they may follow some of your suggestions.  So, before you ask someone to write a reference letter, make a list of three things you might want included in that letter in case you are asked.

Important to Remember:

Keep the original reference letters in a safe place!  Do not give the original letter to anyone – even employers.  Make photocopies of the reference letters to give to future employers.