Reference Letters vs. Recommendation Letters

When you graduate, you look forward to working in a prestigious job or completing graduate studies for more academic prestige. A letter may be required during the application process. Understanding the difference between Reference Letters vs. Recommendation Letters helps you in moving to the next stage successfully.

The article will discuss the answer to all your questions related to the types of required letters and the differences between them. Follow us

What is the reference letter? 

A reference letter represents an assessment of the skills and abilities of that person about whom the letter is requested, whether it is for university admission, scholarship applications or job applications.

Universities usually require this type of reference letter to complete a student's admission, or to obtain scholarships.

Also, for job applications, it has become better to attach a reference letter with the job application file to strengthen the application and increase the odds of acceptance. Especially since the more prestigious the workplace, the higher the standards required for employment. The person writing the reference letter is called the referee, and he may be a university professor, your pre-university teacher, or your boss at a previous job, as Some of their words make a big difference in nomination.

What is the recommendation letter? 

A letter of recommendation is a type of letter written by someone to ensure the educational and professional level of the applicant, whether it is an application for employment, admission to university, or obtaining a scholarship.

Letters of recommendation include presenting the letter writer’s opinion and view on the applicant’s characteristics and personal qualities that qualify him for admission and obtain a competitive advantage with other applicants.

One of your teachers, a counselor, a manager, or a coworker may write your recommendation letter. Here the letter is based on the writer's direct interactions with the candidate, and is addressed to a specific addressee.

What are the differences between Reference letters vs. Recommendation Letter? 

Although reference  letters are more widely used, a letter of recommendation is more effective as its writer actually endorses you for the job or scholarship.

Therefore, as an applicant, you should know the difference between reference letters & and recommendation letters, especially with regard to the following:

Purpose 

  • You may use the reference letter for a character reference now or in the future, based on your characteristics, general skills and talents.
  • Because the reference letter is not directed to a specific person, it has many different options for use including internships, job and university applications, and graduate school applications.
  • On the contrary, the recommendation letter is directed to a specific person for a specific opportunity. Therefore, the writer must explain the applicant's personal skills that qualify him for admission, and send him directly to the hiring manager or admissions officer. Thus, the recommendation letter is more in-depth and detailed than the  reference one.

When to use it? 

  • You must be sure that one of these letters is necessary before requesting that it be written and submitted. Submitting the letter without needing it or not requesting it from the applicant won’t serve you at all. But if it is necessary to bring a letter, you should know exactly when to use it.
  • You need a reference letter, if it requires talking about your personal qualities and most important traits and provides a comprehensive report on your practical skills in a general framework that can be used in many applications.
  • As for the letter of recommendation, it provides a more detailed analysis of your achievement in the field of work or study that you want to join, which provides more focus on you from the employer or university.

Who writes it? 

Usually someone who is fully familiar with you and your practical and personal skills will write a letter of recommendation for you that includes a specific evaluation that is presented to a specific person. Therefore, you should choose someone who knows you well from your professors, colleagues, or previous employers.

As with reference letters, these can be written by someone mentioned above because they merely represent an overview of the applicant.

Reference Letter vs. Recommendation Letter in content

When you write a letter to someone else, it should be done as follows:

  • Bositive
  • Be concise
  • specific details.
  • Without private details

So we will provide you with an example of a reference letter vs. a recommendation letter, and how it presents the applicant's characteristics.

What is the recommendation letter?

Recommendation letter sample 

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

It is a pleasure to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the position of [Job Position] or [Scholarship].

I’m the sales manager for the company he was working in for 5 years. [Applicant’s Name] started working as a junior salesperson. Then he received many promotions and became the leader of his work team.

  [Applicant’s Name] was always dedicated and resourceful, and skilled in his work. During his time on my team, he made several key recommendations that improved sales.

Of our sales teams, [Applicant’s Name] consistently was in the top and is well-liked by her coworkers and exceptional in the eyes of management due to his drive, commitment to streamlining procedures, and capacity to work effectively with any group of individuals, and a mentor for his team.

Example of Reference letter 

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name]. He worked with me at [organization’s name] as a [Applicant’s Position].

[Applicant’s Name] always has an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to learn and increase production.

As an example of this, he was the first to be keen on holding gatherings between junior employees and administration officials for the purpose of continuous learning and obtaining more work experience.

For me, It is a joy to work with [Applicant’s Name] for his continuous positive outlook. 

Don’t hesitate to contact me for any questions.

Sincerely,

Example of Reference Letter.

5 tips before writing a Reference Letter vs. a recommendation letter 

As an academic administrator or manager at work, you may be asked for a letter of recommendation for a student or trainee for a post-university job opportunity, academic position, or fellowship. Here is a set of tips you need to know to begin the writing process:

  1. Determine the purpose of the recommendation letter, and the recipient audience: A letter addressed to a job is different from one addressed to a graduate program or internship. It may require rating the applicant, being aware of the application committee's requirements and what you actually want to read
  2. It’s not about you: Do not exaggerate in making recommendations about you as a letter writer. Rather, you can introduce yourself and your qualifications only in the introduction of the letter and your connection to the applicant, followed by a description of the characteristics and responsibilities of that person that you nominate for admission.
  3. State the details, don’t just tell: When you write a letter of recommendation for someone, you must mention all the evidence and details related to the applicant and your real experiences with him. This includes providing concrete examples of what qualifies him or her for the job
  4. Connect with the position he applies for: This requires you as the writer to do some research, or ask the applicant for details about the position or study for which he or she is applying and the requirements for committee members. Thus, linking the position with the appropriate qualities
  5. Be honest about a student's work: Avoid exaggerating in showing the student’s positive qualities, but mix his weaknesses with his strengths, and present him as always capable of improvement and success.

How to ask for a reference letter vs. a recommendation letter? 

Although it may be considered embarrassing to apply for a reference letter or a recommendation letter, obtaining one of them can be very helpful in submitting your application and increasing your chances of acceptance. So, you should:

Choose the right person 

You must request the letter from a reliable person who knows your characteristics and qualities that qualify you for admission, like:

  • Your coworker
  • neighbor
  • friend
  • trainer
  • Direct superior
  • client
  • Academic advisor
  • Former teacher

When it comes to a reference letter, you may choose a friend but not a family member. It may also be helpful to choose a co-worker.

But when you need a letter of recommendation, you should choose someone who has more professionalism in academic or institutional fields so that the interviewer will value his input more highly.

Choose the appropriate timing 

Timing is a very important factor, as you must give the writer more time to think about what he wants to write about you and how to write it in a way that benefits you. But if time is not on your side, apologize for the short deadline

Discuss the writer 

Talking to the writer of the letter you have chosen will help you find out what positive qualities he will mention about you in his speech, and the extent of the benefit that will accrue to you from his mentioning of those qualities. You must show your appreciation and respect for him during your discussion with him.

If he refuses to write about you, thank him for his time and find someone else.

Provide the necessary information 

This information is useful to the person who will write the letter about you to correctly convey your talents and abilities.

The application officer may provide you with some instructions for submitting letters of reference or recommendation letters, like:

  • Some may request a paper file, while others prefer digital versions
  • Most companies or universities prefer to send letters directly from the writer to their website

Therefore, you must be careful to provide all instructions and delivery dates to the person responsible for writing the letter in order to obtain a good letter that suits the work requirements.

 

Conclusion

Reference Letters vs. Recommendation Letters, The difference lies in the extent of privacy. Letters of recommendation are very specific and often targeted to a specific person, while letters of reference are more general and addressed to those who may be interested.

Frequently asked questions 

What is the purpose of reference and recommendation letters? 

Whatever the type of speech, it generally aims to highlight your skills and talents at work and your ability to deal with others.

When to ask for a recommendation letter? 

Ask at least three weeks in advance of the submission date.

When to ask for a reference letter? 

Ask  for it when you begin applying to positions, with additional check-in emails as employers request your references.

If you wanted to know more or have any questions, we are here to help you and you can always contact us:

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