Reference letters play an influential role in almost everyone’s life. It comes into role at some point or the other in the life of a student, employee, or a friend.There are many reasons why a reference letter is required. Some of the most important reasons attributing to the need are supporting a candidate for a specific job position, supporting the student application to higher education, applying for funding, and assuring the prospective landlord of the trustworthiness of the potential tenants. Under all situations, the format and the significance is the same.Here are some of the excellent tips to write an effective reference letter:• The first and foremost thing in a reference letter is truth. You should be true and sincere when writing the letter.
• You should know the candidate completely so that you can clearly mention his or her skills and abilities.
• If you feel that you have no special skills and abilities to highlight you can always ask the candidate to get it done from somewhere else. Don’t stuff anything for the sake of writing.
• In the first few lines give a brief introduction about yourself and how you are linked to the candidate recommended.
• The letter should include the candidate’s job profile, position, characteristics, qualities, educational qualification, work performance, and special talents.
• Then state your judgment on the skills, capabilities, and qualities of the individual.
• Also cite some examples to show the sincerity and job performance of the candidate.
• Highlight awards, honors, and accomplishments achieved.
• Unless really required don’t mention the race, religion, and marital status of the applicant.
• Omit the weaknesses of the individual and ensure that every word starts and ends with a positive note.
• No irrelevant information should be stuffed into the letter. Keep it clear, simple, and straightforward.
• Avoid using any kind of slang, casual, or informal language.
• Maintain a professional approach and look to ensure that your work leaves no negative impact on the candidate.
• List your own contact details to receive any kind of follow-up correspondence.
• Ensure to keep your reference letter completely free of errors and spelling mistakes.
• Proofread to ensure a flawless content.To know more check Reference Letters.

First and foremost, this is a warning to both job seekers and employers… It is in no way a recommendation that anyone use fraudulent references.Several websites have begun to offer phony reference services for job seekers. At first glance, this may look like a good idea to overcome spotty work history. However, it is a risky move. Every employer has – or should have – a policy of immediate termination for lying on resumes and applications.One of these services, Career Excuse, encourages candidates to create their own work history, tailored to their desired field. For a fee and ongoing subscription, the website will provide references, work history verification and other fictitious documents to support the falsehoods in a candidate’s resume. Disturbingly enough, they even offer phony funeral excuses.However, these services do not guarantee that they will stand up to a rigorous background check. In fact, many of these services carry a disclaimer that they will assume that the information provided by the job seeker is true. This creates a reflective action back on the job seeker, thereby absolving the fake reference provider. In other words, they state that their information is only as good as the statements created by the candidates.To avoid this trap, a thorough HR department will confirm work histories, criminal checks and education verification through their own resources, not just the phone numbers provided by the candidates. And they have the legal right to do so.When a job seeker signs either an online or paper application, he is signing a legal document. It is not merely a formality, especially when employers include certifications like the one below to gain permission for the background check:”I, _____ (the candidate), hereby certify that the facts set forth in the above employment application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize XYZ Company to verify their accuracy and to obtain reference information on my work performance. I hereby release XYZ Company from any and all liability of whatever kind and nature which, at any time, could result from obtaining and having an employment decision based on such information. I understand that, if employed, falsified statements of any kind or omissions of facts called for on this application shall be considered sufficient basis for dismissal.”This means that the candidate is granting the potential employer the right to conduct a thorough background check. Any discrepancies can cost the candidate the job offer or even employment if he has already been hired before the falsehood is discovered.In addition to checking references, the employer may require employment verification, education verification, criminal background checks and drug screening. A credit check may be run in some situations, specifically when the potential employee will have any contact with financial information or actual funds.Considering the severe penalties, it is not recommended that any candidate provide knowingly fraudulent materials or references to get a job. Eventually, the truth will catch up in brutal and legal ways.(c) 2011 Donna Shannon