As I point out on the front page of my recommendations and referral resources website, there is a lot of general confusion about the differences and similarities between letters of reference and letters of recommendation. For example; which is which and why? What is the difference between them? In what way are they similar?
It’s confusing enough for the average person that they only have to write one of these letters once in a while. However, when you take a closer look like I have and realize that many of the so-called “experts” don’t even know the differences between a letter of reference and a letter of recommendation, the general state of confusion is very understandable. . .
Based on extensive research on the subject, I define a “reference letter” as one that is typically more general in nature than a letter of recommendation and IS NOT directed at a specific applicant. Typically, “reference letters” are treated as; “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.”
The most common reference letters are:
o Employment related – general reference letter
o University related: general reference letter
o Character reference letter – general purpose personal reference
o General reference letter – various topics
Reference Letter RELATED TO EMPLOYMENT
These are more general letters that are often requested by employees when leaving an employee from an organization. Typically factual in nature, they are typically addressed to “To Whom It May Concern” and provide basic information such as: employment history, dates of employment, positions held, educational credentials, etc.
These reference letters sometimes contain a general statement (as long as a positive one can be made) about the employee’s work record at the leaving company. Employees often send these job application letters in the hope that the letter will reflect favorably on their chances for the new position.
Reference letter RELATED TO COLLEGE
These letters are very similar to college-related letters of recommendation, EXCEPT they are not directed at a specific individual or applicant. In the college and university context, they usually address officials such as: Director, Admissions or President, Scholarship Selection Committee, etc.
These college-related letters can be as specific as a recommendation letter when it comes to describing the subject or person the letter is about, but are more general or generic in terms of specific addresses. This is because, at the time they are written, it is often not clear exactly which companies or institutions they will be sent to. For example, a person plans to apply to several colleges, but when the letter is written, the specific colleges are unknown.
CHARACTER-RELATED REFERENCE LETTER
Character reference letters are always written about a specific person by someone who knows them fairly well, and usually focus on the general characteristics of a person’s personality. They are often used in business and community service situations. Typically, a person will request a general reference letter when leaving a business or service organization.
Character reference letters focus on personality characteristics such as: honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, trustworthiness, work ethic, values, community service, and other widely accepted indicators of individual character attributes. These cards are almost always used by people who provide personal and household services, where trust is an important factor.
These letters are usually sent in a general manner using “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”.
GENERAL PURPOSE Reference Letters
These reference letters deal with general situations that are not covered by the other reference letters described above. They typically address special situations, such as letters from tenants to landlords, business client references, pet owner testimonials, etc. These letters are always sent in a general manner using “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”.
Watch out…
Over the years, the line between “reference letters” and “recommendation letters” has become quite blurred, and many individuals and institutions now use the two terms interchangeably. As far as those organizations are concerned, both cards are exactly the same.
Consequently, many colleges and universities, as well as some companies and institutions, use the terms “reference letters” and/or “reference letters” when referring to the exact same thing that many other colleges, universities, companies and institutions call ” recommendation letter” and/or “recommendation letter”.
Therefore, when dealing with these types of organizations or institutions, BE SURE to use any term they use in the same way that they use it. DO NOT try to convert them to your terminology. That will only confuse things and you will pay the price.
Copyright © Shaun R. Fawcett. All rights reserved.