CAE 2015: Writing: A Letter of Reference

     A letter of reference is supposed to have three key components:

     1) an opening paragraph (sentence) in which  you: 

      - state the purpose of writing; 

      - explain how long and in which capacities    you have known the person;

      2) an evaluation of the person's skills,      character and accomplishments depending on what is being expected by the employer;

3)  a closing paragraph that summarises why and to what degree you would recommend this person.

      Below I have put down some useful expressions and structures for the opening and closing paragraphs as well as for evaluating various kinds of skills

Purpose of writing	I am writing on behalf of… I am writing to recommend … for a position of … with… I am writing in regard to ...’s application..
Relations	I have known … personally and socially for for approximately 5 years /  since childhood for over 2 years during which time she worked as a … in my office we are in the same tutorial group at college and she is a highly qualified candidate for a position is qualified and experienced to accept the challenge of being...
Active position	is involved in her local community, her church and her childrens’ schools
Social skills	has an excellent rapport (gets on) with people of all ages will establish productive relationships with (will be popular with) is used to dealing with …. the social (interpersonal) skills she has learnt in this job should serve her well as .../ enable her to... / allow her to...
Organisational skills	outstanding organisational skills an excellent person to have around in times of crisis dependable not inclined to panic or lose her temper although never bossy, she can take control over difficult situations without upsetting anyone would definitely be able to cope if things went wrong… ...which may come in very useful .. is able to successfully complete multiple tasks with favourable results despite deadline pressure consistently demonstrated leadership abilities
Physical condition	an accomplished sportsman at… she has reached competition level
Communication skills	Her strong verbal and written communication skills allowed her to relay information in a clear and coherent manner. She demonstrated the ability to articulate information and ideas in both the written and verbal forms.
Diligency	She will devote herself to a position with your organisation with a high degree of diligence ...is a direct result of her hard work and strong focus With her enthusiastic commonsense (can do) approach she would ensure…. She has been effective in her efforts to...
Academic performance	exceptional (above-average) academic performance out of a class of 150 students, she graduated with honours in the top 10
Closing	I believe, she would make an excellent…/ would be a valuable asset to ... I am confident that she ... I have no hesitation in recommending her to your company (for the post) I recommend her to you without reservation. I highly recommend her ...