Very often people use these terms interchangeably. However, they’re making a big mistake when they do so, because there’s a huge difference between recommendation and reference letters. Recommendation letters are specific in nature and are usually written to promote a particular individual. However, reference letters have a broader spectrum and consists of letters written in, what you say – a more general nature? They are almost always addressed in the following way:
To whomsoever it may concern,
……… till the final salutation and signature.
Both letters are different in just a few ways literally; but, practically speaking, like I said, they’re comparable to chalk and cheese and therefore, you should know what to write, how to write it and when to write it. These facts will be explained later in this very article.
But, for now let’s take a look at the similarities between the two; because, you shouldn’t leave out any of these key points on the pretext that they don’t belong in your letter. Both these letters – recommendation letters as well as reference letters speak of ones skills, character, capabilities, interests, integrity as well as abilities and the way you react under pressure (In case it’s a letter for a job post).
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Comments
I just learnt about them a few weeks back. I didn't know there was a difference either :)
Thanks for pointing out the difference between recommedation and reference letter. I would've easily made a mistake before.
Your welcome Brenda, I enjoyed writing it :)
Thanks for the info. I didn't know this.
My brother needed plenty of reference letters as well as some recommendation letters a few months ago, I wondered what was the difference and did a bit of reading at that time. Just thought about it again the other day, so wrote down this article. I do hope it would help people understand the difference, was a real challenge finding a decent explanation at that time.
Very clear description on the difference between professional letters of recommendation and reference. My daughter has gotten several offers of letters for college applications. She's a high school junior this coming fall.