Typically, a single-page letter is all that's needed to provide information about a candidate. Knowing how to write a recommendation letter can help you provide a succinct and accurate account of a candidate's abilities. Related: How to Write a Character Reference How to write a recommendation letter Recommendation letters are official, formal documents that should have a polite tone. You therefore need to have at least some knowledge of how the candidate performs in a working environment. Their punctuality and timekeeping abilityĪn honest recommendation letter gives the recipient an account of your experience working with the applicant. Here are some points that are likely to come up regarding an applicant: The idea behind a reference letter is to corroborate what you've learnt about the applicant and to provide extra details about their job performance and habits. You can only write a letter of reference for a person with whom you've had previous contact, such as a student, employee or apprentice that you've mentored. You write reference letters for people who are applying for a job, an internship or certain college courses. Anyone in a position of authority or a leadership role can write recommendation letters, such as teachers, lecturers, managers or previous employers. A recommendation or reference letter is an official document that validates someone's work, experience, skills or academic achievements.