Tuesday, June 5, 2012

References vs. Recommendation Letters

Occasionally, I'm asked, "What is the difference between a reference and a recommendation letter?"

A reference is the name of an individual you provide to a potential employer, and the employer will contact this individual to find out more about your skills and experience if they are considering hiring you.

A recommendation letter is a letter written on your behalf by a former supervisor, business associate, professor, etc. The letter addresses your character, skills, and experience and is not addressed to any specific person or company; therefore, the salutation is generic, such as, To Whom It May Concern. 


Hint: Excerpts from recommendation letters can be placed in cover letters and resumes, and can be a strategic way to set you apart from other candidates.

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