Any tips for writing a reference for someone?

[lucysmam]

I've been asked to write a reference for someone who is a helper at my Rainbow and Guide units.

I've never written one before!

What do I write!?

What is the reference for - job, uni etc

What is it for? Is there a form? What do you actually think of the person's suitability for whatever job/course of study etc is being applied for?

Be truthful but otherwise supportive, is an enthusiatic helper etc.

Always say how long you've known them and in what capacity.

Qualities appropriate to the role

And I always put something like this in a personal reference (or not one I've been asked to write for an employee/colleague): I think they'd make a fantastic member of your team. Or similar.

Stick to facts.
How long you've known them.
What roles you know they do.
Any qualities appropriate to what they are applying for.

Don't say they'd be brilliant at their role unless you have seen them doing that role. ie. you can say they work well with young people, but you can't say that you recommend them for a care home.

I've just seen someone dealing with an awkward situation where they recommended someone for a role, knowing them in a very different category. Shortly after they'd written a glowing reference saying how suited they were for this, it came to light they had been dismissed for serious safeguarding issues on at least two occasions.

Thank you!

It's for a job as a carer for an older lady, I don't know her in this capacity obviously but she's brilliant with the girls in the Rainbows and Guides. (I forgot my password & couldn't work out how I'd managed to log out until I read the pinned post from HQ so couldn't reply earlier)!

I would comment on whether she works well with/relates well to other leaders and the girls, whether she’s reliable and punctual for meetings, whether she is proactive in dealing with issues that arise, whether she faces challenges positively and in good spirits, and whether she has taken any additional responsibilities.

Oh, and confirm the role she has and how long she’s done it!