On the main page of my recommendation resource website, I have highlighted the fact that there is much confusion regarding the similarities and differences between letters of recommendation and letters of reference. Which one is it and why? What is the difference? What are their similarities?
For the average person, who has to only write one of these letters each month, it’s enough confusion. It is easy to see why many “experts” don’t know the difference between a recommendation and a reference letter.
A thorough research on the subject has led me to define “letters of reference” as letters that are more general than letters of recommendation, and which do not address a requestor specifically. “Letters of reference” are usually addressed to “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”.
These are the most commonly used letters of reference:
o General reference letter for employment-related matters
General reference letter for Colleges
o A character reference letter – personal reference for general purposes
o General reference letter – various subjects
EMPLOYMENT RELATED Reference Letter
These letters are generally requested by employees who leave an organization. They are typically factual and addressed “To Whom it May Concern”. They provide basic information like work history, dates of employment or positions held, as well as details about the person who wrote them.
Sometimes, these letters contain a general statement about the employee’s record of work with the company they are leaving. These letters are often submitted by employees with job applications in hopes that they will be favorable on their chances of landing a new position.
COLLEGE RELATED Reference Letter
These letters look very similar to letters of recommendation for college, except that they are not addressed directly to any specific person or requestor. They are usually addressed to college or university officials, such as the Director of Admissions, Chairman, Scholarship Selection Committee etc.
Although college-related letters can be as specific and detailed as recommendation letters when it comes down to the subject/person of the letter, they are generally more general/generic in terms if the targeted addressees. Because it’s not always clear to which institutions or businesses they will be addressed when they are written, this is why they can sometimes be confusing. A person may apply to several colleges, but the exact colleges will be unknown when they are written.
CHARACTER RELATED Reference Letter
A character reference letter is a letter that someone knows about a particular person and it focuses on the person’s personality. These letters are used frequently in business and community services. A person may request a general character reference when leaving a company or organization.
Character reference letters focus on personality traits such as honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. They also include values and community service. People who provide domestic and personal services are most likely to use these letters. Trust is an important factor.
These letters are usually addressed using the general phrase “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Lady/Madam”.
GENERAL PURPOSES Reference Letters
These letters address general situations that aren’t covered by the reference letters above. They address specific situations like tenant to landlord letters and business customer references. These letters should be addressed using the general address “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam”.
Beware…
The distinction between letters of recommendation and letters of reference has become blurred over the years. Many people and institutions use both terms interchangeably. These organizations consider both letters to be the same thing.
