Reference Letter for First Job Template (UK 2026)

[Date]

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to support [Candidate name]'s application for the [Job title / Job type] role. I have known [Candidate name] for [duration] in my capacity as their [Your role — teacher, coach, mentor, volunteer coordinator].

During this time, [Candidate name] has consistently demonstrated [primary quality — usually reliability, attitude, or learning ability]. Specifically:

- Attendance and reliability: [Concrete observation — e.g., perfect attendance, consistent punctuality, took on extra commitments]
- Attitude and engagement: [Concrete observation — e.g., engages well with adults, asks careful questions, takes feedback]
- Working with others: [Concrete observation — e.g., works well in teams, supports peers, handles disagreement maturely]

In addition, [Candidate name] has shown [specific interest or experience relevant to the role — could be school project, club involvement, volunteering, hobby that demonstrates relevant skills]. I recall [specific example with detail].

For their first paid role, I have confidence [Candidate name] will [specific positive outcome — e.g., 'turn up consistently', 'apply themselves seriously', 'learn quickly from colleagues']. They are at a stage where they are eager to take on real responsibility and learn through doing.

I recommend them for the role without hesitation.

Please contact me directly with any questions.

Yours faithfully,
[Your name]
[Your role]
[Institution if relevant]
[Email] · [Phone]