REFERENCE LETTER WRITING SERVICE

What is a Reference Letter Writing Service?

A reference letter writing service offers to write reference letters for clients seeking employment, admission to an educational program, or some other opportunity that requires recommendation letters. These services advertise that they can craft personalized letters tailored to specific roles or programs which highlight a client’s qualifications and experience from the perspective of a third party.

Using a reference letter writing service is controversial as there are inherent ethical questions around fabricating recommendations. Some argue this practice undermines the authenticity and credibility reference letters are meant to convey to prospective employers or admissions committees. At the same time, others feel reference writing services can help level the playing field for those who lack strong professional contacts or alumni networks to solicit recommendations.

How Do Reference Letter Writing Services Work?

Most reference letter services operate in a similar manner. First, a client provides basic identifying information like name, contact details, desired field or role. They also submit their resume or CV highlighting relevant qualifications, experience, and accomplishments. Some services also ask clients to describe the targeted opportunity in detail.

Next, the client works with a reference letter writer employed by the service. This person interviews the client via phone, video chat or email exchange. The goal is to learn detailed information to incorporate into a personalized letter that aligns with the client’s background and the specific requirements of the opportunity. Clients may be asked to describe past projects, responsibilities, leadership examples, successes, and other details the writer can use to strongly advocate for their qualifications and fit.

The reference letter service writer then drafts a letter tailored specifically to the information gathered about the client and target role. Letters typically follow a standardized format which establishes the client’s identity and relationship or association with the writer before launching into a paragraph or two articulating their relevant strengths and suitability. Complimentary closing remarks reinforce the recommendation.

Letters produced by these services are designed to be realistic and use professional language appropriate for the context. The goal is to craft a document that could plausibly have been written by an actual employer, colleague, or professor of the client if solicited for a genuine reference. Typically a draft is shared with the client for feedback before a final version is provided for them to submit. Some services also offer to store and potentially update letters over time.

Benefits of Using a Reference Letter Service

For clients lacking strong personal recommendation options, a reference letter writing service provides an alternative means to obtain customized advocacy materials. Potential benefits include:

Professional quality letters from experienced writers. Service letter writers specialize in drafting effective recommendations using all appropriate elements, formatting and persuasive language.

Personalization and alignment with qualifications. The interview process allows letter details to accurately highlight and match the client’s background for maximum relevance and impact.

Timeliness. Services offer quick turnaround so clients are not disadvantaged by delayed references outside their network. Drafts are often ready within a day or two.

Attention to context and role requirements. Writers tailor letters to explicitly address any criteria or qualities specified as important for the target opportunity.

Storage and potential updates. Letters can be maintained on file and revised if needed as a client progresses in their career.

There are also some disadvantages and ethical implications to consider when assessing reference letter services:

Concerns and Criticisms of Reference Letter Services

Authenticity issues. The most significant concern is that fabricated letters from a paid service lack the credibility and social proof of genuine recommendations from esteemed sources actually familiar with a candidate’s work.

Unethical deception. There is an argument that submitting letters not truly authored by people who can personally attest to performance is dishonest, regardless of letter quality. It relies on misleading the letter recipient.

Legal issues. In some contexts, especially for licensed occupations, submitting fraudulent references could potentially carry legal consequences if discovered. Some opportunities explicitly require “true” recommendations.

Lack of rapport and social capital building. An authentic reference stems from rapport between recommender and recommendee developed through interaction over time. Service letters miss this interpersonal relationship component.

Superficial perspectives. Whereas real recommenders can speak to depths of character and fit beyond accomplishments, paid service writers only know clients through brief interviews versus longstanding familiarity.

Potential issues if unmasked. If ever revealed a letter did not originate from the name/institution listed, it could significantly undermine trust in all application/profile materials and negatively impact prospects.

Expense. While costs vary, professional reference letter writing services usually charge fees of several hundred dollars per customized letter crafted, putting them out of reach for some job seekers or students.

As such, whether or not using a reference letter service is advisable depends onindividual circumstances and ethics. Candidates need to weigh pros and cons carefully based on their reference support network and opportunities at stake that may require verified personal recommendations. It remains a complex issue without a definitive right or wrong answer.