Writing Your Own Reference Letter

**Tonks** · 30th May 2009 19:23

I read a lot of reference letters, they almost all look like Jimbo's, best ignored really.
I prefer to call or email the referee directly.
Not sure how many employers in Thailand bother to do that though.

**jimbo** · 30th May 2009 19:24

Originally Posted by barfomcgee

Thanks, Jimbo. Hope that one wasn't about yourself - it seems strange (arrogant?) to claim that you're the most popular teacher at a school.

Well, it really was a 1:1 gig...only four teachers. A: I understand what you mean, but that letter is meant to be from my director. B: I was.

But no, if it were part of a cover letter, I'd have written something like:

"I generated alot of returning students and my retention rate remained about 75% throughout my contract..."

Originally Posted by Tonks

Not sure how many employers in Thailand bother to do that though.

Well, that's just it. Most can't be bothered and are so mind-numbingly suited to requesting 3 letters of reference.

The applicant collects them and/or writes them and submits them. The job barely looks at them but ticks them off a mental list. This is the world we live in....

..and then?

**cluezo** · 30th May 2009 20:02

Originally Posted by barfomcgee

It's crazy they don't have know how to do it themselves. Contrary to what asszo - I mean cluezo - seems to believe, I could write about myself but find it exceedingly strange to do so. Like most people, I would tend to tone down the praise and end up writing a much more mediocre review than the head teacher would write herself.

Ok, all sarcasm aside - what is the purpose of writing? There's a one word answer. It is to EVOKE. How does the writer evoke? He/she becomes the reader. In other words, you step out of yourself (as you write) and become whomever it is you are writing to. It's simple. You need to know what the reader wants to know and you write it. For 30+ years I was a speech writer for politicians in California - I now write for Thai school directors and government officials. You don't need to tone down a damn thing when writing about yourself. Shit, tell them you were a fucking astronaut... doesn't matter. I am an "asszo" but I'm an asszo who knows what he's talking about. Take heed... and don't be so humble...jeez...

**jimbo** · 30th May 2009 20:08

In this case, I'm not sure the word "evoke" applies.
That fits speeches, literature and advertising quite well.

I would think maybe, "standard," or "scripted," works better for a reference letter.

**redhaze** · 30th May 2009 21:16

^^Cluezo you read my mind. I was about to write that exact post.

Think about who you are writing to, then tailor the letter to fit that person/situation.

**jimbo** · 30th May 2009 22:01

I still say dazzle them with your resume' and cover letter. A 'form letter' is all that is needed for references as most barely skim them anyways.

**Mr Pants** · 30th May 2009 22:06

Originally Posted by cluezo

Sincerely, Ms. Fuk Yu Tu

A career in childrens' television beckons for this pofessional lady...

**kingdomcome** · 30th May 2009 22:19

Happens all the time, mate. especially when your boss is not a native speaker.

Check out these sites. You might find what you need.

Sample Reference Letters, Recommendation Letters and Character References

Sample Letters of Recommendation
Reference Letter Template

**barfomcgee** · 31st May 2009 08:40

Thanks for all the replies. By the way, I also tend to agree with Jimbo - "evoke" probably isn't necessary in a reference letter. I'm not writing a speech, after all.