As I pointed out in my April 5/05 posting on this Blog, letters of recommendation in their various forms are among the most difficult letters to write. That’s because, by their very nature, these types of testimonial letters almost always have important implications affecting the life and/or future of the person about whom the letter is being written.

The approach, tone, and wording used in these letters is usually a major factor in whether the person about which the letter is being written will be accepted (or NOT) for such things as: employment applications, job promotions, college and university program admission, memberships in clubs and associations, qualification for awards and scholarships, financial assistance programs, entrance into special programs, community service appointments, housing/accommodation, government appointments, etc.

Since I wrote my first book on this subject, I’ve been watching the whole subject carefully and have conducted additional research, leading me to conclude that there is widespread confusion out there as to the differences and similarities between letters of recommendation and letters of reference, and their various derivatives. In summary, many people (and companies, and institutions) often don’t know which type of letter is which, and how to write a proper and appropriate letter.

So, in an effort to clear up this common misunderstanding once and for all, I have created a NEW Web site that focuses exclusively on information and resources directly related to the writing of the two main categories of testimonial letters: Letters of Recommendation and Letters of Reference…

The new Web site is named Recommendation-Reference-Central.com. It is basically a consolidation of various articles and Web postings that I have published about this subject over the past few years, coupled with, some key excerpts from my best-selling book — Instant Recommendation Letter Kit – How To Write Winning Letters of Recommendation.

The confusion that exists can be summarized as follows:

• Many people and institutions use the term “recommendation letter” to mean BOTH letters of recommendation AND letters of reference (about 2/3).
• Many people and institutions use the term “reference letter” to mean BOTH letters of reference AND letters of recommendation (about 1/3).
• Both groups are talking about essentially the same type of letter in their minds and they don’t seem to draw any distinction between the two.
• Thus, those who use the term “recommendation letter” ALWAYS use that term. Those who use the term “reference letter” ALWAYS use that term.

The fact is that there are TWO major categories of such letters: Letters of Recommendation and Letters of Reference. Within each of these categories fall a number of different types of letters, differentiated primarily by the level of detail covered and the specific purpose of the letter.

My new Web site, Recommendation-Reference-Central.com has been designed to clearly define and differentiate the attributes of these two important types of testimonial letters. The following link goes to the press release which explains the background and also provides a direct link to this unique new Web site:

CLICK HERE To Read the News/Press Release

4 Responses to “Letter of Recommendation or Letter of Reference – Which Is It?”

1. jasjit Says:
   December 30th, 2005 at 3:13 am

   Thanks a lot, your tips are really helpfull.

   Regards
   Jasjit

2. Debra Says:
   January 7th, 2006 at 11:09 am

   I am wondering where is the proper place for the reference letter when submitting a resume with a cover letter? Does it go at the end of the resume or under the cover letter?
   Thanks

3. Shaun Fawcett Says:
   January 7th, 2006 at 11:54 am

   Thanks for your question Debra.

   Normally, you would put your cover letter first, then your
   resume, then your reference letter.

   BTW, normally one does not submit a reference letter with
   their resume unless references have been specifically requested.
   Instead, at the very bottom of the resume you put the following:

   “References available upon request.”

   This way, if they didn’t request references up-front, you will
   know if they are interested at all, when they contact you to
   request references.

   Good luck,

   Shaun Fawcett

4. Dr Afzal Says:
   April 24th, 2006 at 12:49 am

   The help which you rendered me by sending various mails on the subject of “WRITING” various kinds of letters, really polished my way of writing. Keep it up. God Bless you