42 Free Sample Personal Reference Letter Template

A personal reference letter is a letter explaining a person’s behavior and performance over a certain period of time. It can be used as a reference and proof that the job applicant has work experience in the specific field being applied for.

This letter can be used for company considerations when applicants apply for new jobs. It also describes the applicant’s status as an intern, contract, or permanent employee. The letter contains the employee’s data, company or institution name, tenure, position in the company, and reasons for resignation.

A sample personal reference letter template can be used as material for company consideration for applicants applying for a new job. Letters of reference describe the status of applicants, such as employees.

Personal Reference Letter Format

To create a letter of experience or a certificate of experience, we can use a common format letter experience as follows:

Head Letter Section

The head section letter and work experience provide the institution’s institutional identity, including its logo, name, address, telephone number, and email address.

Body Section of the Letter

This part of the work experience letter consists of:

1. The title and number of the letter
2. Identity of the party that provides information
3. Identity of the person requesting information
4. Explanation or information on work experience.

Cover Section

Cover section letter containing the name of personal work experience, for example, leaders of institutions or institutions that describe work experience along with a signature.

The Contents of a Personal Reference Letter

In general, a personal reference letter contains a variety of personal information and also a person’s work experience. One of them is the time working at the company, which is an added value for an employee. Even though experience is a big consideration, we should not change jobs too often at a fast tempo. For example, we are changing jobs after working for only one month. Company representatives, especially HRs, will usually question why we left the place before.

The following is the content of a general reference letter:

• Employee names and employee identification numbers make it easier for companies to be referred to other than identity cards, such as ID cards and diplomas.
• Employee positions and work locations should be updated to make it easier for new companies or applicants to find out about our work background, especially for employees who work in companies that already have branch offices.
• Tenure describes how long the employee worked at the previous company. The work period is calculated from when the employee started until he resigned.

As explained earlier, tenure influences considerations regarding our loyalty to the company. Therefore, you should not frequently change jobs just to increase the experience in your CV.

• The signature of the official or company manager in charge of the staffing department. In this case, it is usually the HR manager, supervisor, and other superiors.
• In addition to these formal requirements, a personal reference letter usually describes how the employee works and why the work relationship ends.

Reference Letter Function

In accordance with the explanation of its meaning and contents, this letter describes the employee in the world of work. One is professionalism, which can be seen from the length of work and the assessment of HR or previous employers on our performance.

A work reference letter is useful not only for that but also for other benefits.

• Authentic evidence of work experience that corroborates the information in the CV. In this case, job applicants cannot lie about their work experience. Because of this, many companies have asked for this personal reference letter to be brought during an interview session.
• Fulfill the administrative requirements requested by the company. However, this administrative requirement does not need to be met by job applicants who have just graduated (fresh graduate) and be replaced with a diploma or yellow card from the Manpower Office, which usually applies to jobs in government agencies.
• There is evidence of professionalism because this personal reference letter includes a performance appraisal from either the superior or the HR. One example is how we went about our profession at the old company.
• Describe employees’ positive attitudes and behavior while working at the previous company. This letter expresses the company’s appreciation for our work achievements and our attitudes and behavior in accordance with the company’s vision and mission.

Tips for Making a Personal Reference Letter

A clear employee’s description of the job

Of course, a written job description is what the employee takes while working at the company. The description is usually adjusted to the company’s operating standards. However, it would be even better if HR asked employees about their jobs and tasks so far. That way, employees are less likely to ask for a revised personal reference letter.

Pay attention to the format of the written letter.

Paklaring letter format can be made in print and email via PDF format. These two letters will be useful for future employees. One makes it easier for employees to attach letters to applications sent via email. In addition, HRs can also make reference letters addressed directly to HRDs in new companies. Although rare, this letter of work reference between HRs usually occurs when HRs at new companies for which employees are applying ask for the letter directly from the HR at the previous company.

Convey remarks

This greeting is unlike the 4th of July Independence Day party hosted by the neighbors. The greeting here is like a greeting to the recipient or those who will read the personal reference letter. For example, HR in a new company. It is best if the greeting is only one paragraph about HR or the company. This welcome helps to make a positive impression on other companies. Who knows, there will be cooperation in the future.

Employees’ impressions of former employees

Impressed, trivial, but very useful. Because assessments from other employees or former colleagues can add to our selling value, don’t hesitate to ask for additional points in our playing letter.

Closing Remarks

End the letter with a closing remark. Thank the reader for their time and offer to answer any further questions.

How to Request a Personal Reference Letter

Asking for a personal reference letter can feel daunting, but it’s an important step in your job search. Here are some simple steps to help you request a personal reference letter:

1. Choose the Right Person

First, think about who knows your work best. This could be a:

• Manager
• Supervisor
• Team Leader

Pick someone who can speak positively about your skills and work habits.

2. Be Polite and Clear

When you ask for the letter, be polite and clear. Here’s how you can do it:

• Ask in Person or via Email: If possible, ask in person. If not, send a polite email.
• Explain Why You Need the Letter: Tell them you are applying for a new job or position and need a reference letter to support your application.
• Be Grateful: Thank them in advance for their help.

Here’s a sample request you can use:

3. Provide Details

To make it easy for the person writing the letter, give them all the details they need:

• Your Job Title: Let them know what your position was.
• Your Duties: Remind them of your main tasks and responsibilities.
• Dates of Employment: Provide the start and end dates of your employment.
• Skills and Achievements: Highlight any specific skills or achievements you want them to mention.

4. Offer to Help

Sometimes, people are busy and may appreciate some help. Offer a draft or bullet points they can use in the letter. This can make the process quicker and easier for them.

Here’s how you can offer help:

5. Follow Up and Thank Them

After you ask, give them some time to write the letter. If you haven’t heard back in a week or two, send a gentle reminder. Once they provide the letter, be sure to thank them sincerely.

Here’s a sample follow-up and thank-you note:

Examples of Effective Personal Reference Letters

Here are some examples of well-written personal reference letters:

• For an Intern: Describes tasks performed and skills learned.
• For a Contract Worker: Includes specific projects completed.
• For a Permanent Employee: Highlights long-term achievements and responsibilities.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

1. Being Too Vague

Mistake: Not providing enough details about the employee’s job and skills. How to Avoid: Include specific examples of the employee’s duties and achievements. Be clear and concise.

2. Overly Negative or Positive

Mistake: Being too negative or overly positive. How to Avoid: Balance your letter with honest and fair comments. Highlight strengths but also be truthful.

3. Lack of Detail

Mistake: Leaving out important information like job titles, dates, or specific skills. How to Avoid: Make sure to include all necessary details. Use a checklist to ensure everything is noticed.

4. Forgetting to Proofread

Mistake: Not checking for spelling or grammar errors. How to Avoid: Always proofread the letter before sending it. Consider asking someone else to review it.

5. Not Following Company Policy

Mistake: Ignoring company guidelines when writing reference letters. How to Avoid: Check your company’s policy on reference letters and follow it carefully.

Legal Considerations for Personal Reference Letters

Keep these legal points in mind:

1. Confidentiality

Ensure the information in the letter is private and only shared with those who need to see it. Do not include sensitive or personal information the employee hasn’t agreed to share.

2. Accuracy

The information in the letter must be true and accurate. Do not exaggerate or falsely claim the employee’s skills, experience, or performance. Providing false information can lead to serious problems for the writer and the employee.

3. Consent

Before writing the letter, get the employee’s permission. They need to agree to have their information shared in a reference letter. This ensures that everyone is on the same page without surprises.

4. Avoid Negative Comments

Be careful with negative comments. While honesty is important, avoid overly negative statements that could harm the employee’s chances of getting a new job. If you can’t write a positive letter, it may be best to decline the request.

5. Legal Consequences

Remember that there can be legal consequences for providing false or misleading information. Always check your company’s policy on reference letters and follow any legal guidelines in your area.

Sample Personal Reference Letter Template

Personal Reference Letter Templates for Different Professions

Here are some sample personal reference letter templates for different professions:

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Closing

The existence of a speech at the beginning of the letter must end with a closing word. Just as an opening sentence should only be one paragraph, so is the closing sentence. The closing sentence of this personal reference letter does not have to convince HR of other companies to employ employees whose names are listed in the letter. Usually it just says that the HR recommends the employee and hopes that the employee can be successful at the new company.

Add a thank you note for taking the time to read and study the reference letter that was created. Also add a statement that the HRD is ready to clarify or answer further questions if needed regarding the employee.

Personal Reference Letter really helps an employee to do work, especially those working in the field. This employment certificate is able to prove that someone really works in an institution or company. However, physically it is different from the usual identity card that is often pinned.  This employment certificate is an official document from the company which explains that a person is indeed an employee including the position or position whose name is stated in the document. The job description document describes the status of an employee in the company. For example, internship positions, contract employees and permanent employees.

Today there are also many companies that list the tenure of the name written on the letter. The employment certificate also has various functions according to the condition of the letter holder generally used as a personal reference letter in finding a new job. This letter is usually made and issued by the company’s HRD.