Reference Letter Guide: Write a Strong Recommendation

Need to write a reference letter but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. A good reference letter can open doors for a job, a school, or a volunteer role, and it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Below you’ll find a quick, practical walk‑through that takes the guesswork out of the process.

What Makes a Good Reference Letter

First, keep it personal. Talk about the person you’re recommending by name and mention how you know them. A short sentence like “I supervised Jane for two years at St. Mary's Parish” tells the reader you have real experience with her.

Second, focus on specific strengths. Instead of vague praise like “She’s great,” give examples: “Jane organized the youth outreach program, increasing volunteer turnout by 30%.” Numbers and concrete actions make your words credible.

Third, match the tone to the purpose. A letter for a school application can be warm and enthusiastic, while one for a job might be a bit more formal. Still, stay conversational – think of how you’d talk to a colleague about a friend.

Step‑by‑Step Template

1. Opening line: State who you are and how you know the writer. Example: “I am the parish priest at Holy Family Catholic Church, and I have worked with Mark for three years as his youth group mentor.”

2. Brief overview: Summarize the main reason you’re recommending them. “I’m writing to recommend Mark for the community service award because of his dedication and leadership.”

3. Highlight achievements: List two or three key achievements with details. “He coordinated a food‑drive that collected 500 kg of supplies, and he mentored five new volunteers, all of whom have continued with the program.”

4. Personal qualities: Mention traits that make the person a good fit. “Mark is reliable, compassionate, and always ready to pitch in when needed.”

5. Closing endorsement: End with a clear statement of support. “I fully endorse Mark for this award and am confident he will excel in any role he pursues.”

6. Signature: Include your name, title, contact info, and a polite sign‑off. “Sincerely, Father John Doe, Parish Priest, Holy Family Catholic Church, 01234 567890.”

That’s it – a short, effective reference letter you can finish in under an hour. Remember to proofread for spelling and keep the letter to one page. If you’re pressed for time, copy the template above and fill in the details that match your experience.

Need a quick example? Here’s a ready‑made paragraph you can drop in: “During the past two years, Sarah has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a genuine love for helping others, evident in her leadership of the parish’s annual charity bake‑sale, which raised over £2,000 for local families.”

Finally, ask the person you’re recommending if they have a specific point they want you to cover. Including their request shows you’re listening and makes the letter more targeted.

With these steps, you’ll write a reference letter that feels personal, offers real evidence, and helps the recipient succeed. Give it a try and see how easy it can be.

Gareth Sheffield

How Do You Prove You're a Volunteer? Straightforward Ways That Work

Ever wonder how to actually prove you volunteered? It isn’t as tricky as you might think. This article breaks down simple, real-world ways to show you’re not just talking the talk. You’ll get practical tips, real examples, and some surprising tricks to help you when you need to prove your volunteer work, whether it's for a school, a job, or something official. No fluff—just solid, useful info.