How to Write a Social Work Reference Letter (For Employers)
Applying to graduate school is a big step in one’s career, and providing a reference letter for your employee, volunteer, or subordinate is a great way to support them in achieving their career goals.
However, the field you are in may be different from social work, and you may be feeling unsure about how to translate an applicant’s skills and abilities to the social work field.
Traits Graduate Schools Are Looking For
A reference letter for a Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate school application should highlight the applicant’s skills, character, and qualifications that are relevant to the field of social work.
As a recommender, you should focus on transferable skills rather than technical skills.
Here are a few examples:
For an applicant who worked in retail: Instead of speaking about how an applicant handled a cash register, adhered to store policies, or efficiently processed orders, a recommender should focus on transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, or the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
For an applicant who worked in finance: Transferable skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, or systems thinking would be more important to highlight compared to technical details about the role – such as deliverables, sales achievements, or industry-specific qualifications.
Focus on Transferable Skills
Before writing a reference letter for a social work applicant, think about some of the soft skills they have gained in their role, as well as some examples of how they have embodied those skills.
Here are some transferable skills that apply to social work:
Crisis intervention
Active listening
Ethical decision making
Empathy
Organization
Communication
Critical thinking
Advocacy
Time management
Patience
Boundary setting
Problem solving
Communication skills
Intervention
Leadership
Collaboration
Assessment
Flexibility
Community development
Research and policy
Education
Mentorship
Case management
Documentation
Speak To the Applicant About Their Goals
If you are providing a reference from another industry, you may not have had the chance to learn about the things they are doing in the background in preparation for their social work degree. Before you start writing a reference letter it can be helpful to speak to applicants about their goals and motivations for pursuing social work.
Here are some questions you can ask them:
Why are you interested in pursuing an MSW?
What are your career goals?
What population are you interested in working with?
What draws you to social work?
What have you been doing to work towards applying to social work programs?
How have your past experiences (work, volunteer, or life experiences) prepared you for a career in social work?
What should a reference letter include?
Header:
Many graduate schools will have you submit a reference letter via email or an online portal, so a header may not be necessary. If you are to submit via a Word Doc or PDF you can include your name, job title, organization, address, and date. You may also include the school’s name, department, and address.
Salutation:
Address the recipient formally. “Dear Admissions Committee,” or “To Whom It May Concern” are appropriate salutations for reference letters to Master of Social Work programs.
Introduction:
State your relationship to the applicant: Clearly explain how you know the person (e.g., as a professor, supervisor, or colleague), the context in which you interacted, and the length of time you've known them.
Briefly introduce the purpose of the letter: Mention that you are writing the letter to recommend the individual for the graduate program or other opportunity.
Body:
This is where you can discuss the skills and achievements of the applicant. As mentioned above, focus on transferable skills instead of technical details about their role. (See the example reference template below)
Examples and evidence: Use specific examples to back up your claims. For instance, if you’re saying the individual is a strong leader, mention a project they led and the outcomes. If you’re highlighting academic excellence, mention a particular class or paper where the person excelled.
Conclusion:
Suitability for the program: Provide a direct assessment of how well-suited the individual is for the opportunity they’re pursuing. This might include how their skills and qualities align with the requirements of the position or program.
Endorsement: Summarize your recommendation by explicitly stating your confidence in the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate school.
Provide contact details: Let the reader know how they can contact you for more information.
Closing: Use a formal sign-off such as “Sincerely” or “Best Regards”, and include your name, credentials, and job title.
Sample Reference Letter:
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Admissions Committee
[University Name]
[Graduate Program Name]
[University Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear Members of the Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation in support of [Applicant’s Full Name] for admission to your Master of Social Work (MSW) program. I have had the privilege of supervising [Applicant] for the past [number of years/months] at [Company Name], where [they] have worked as a [Job Title] in our retail department. During this time, I have been consistently impressed by [Applicant’s] professionalism, work ethic, and capacity to thrive in high-pressure, customer-centered environments—qualities that will undoubtedly contribute to [their] success in social work.
Throughout [their] time with us, [Applicant] has developed a range of transferable skills that are directly applicable to social work. Interpersonal communication is perhaps [their] strongest asset. In retail, the ability to connect with customers from diverse backgrounds, actively listen to their concerns, and find solutions is essential. [Applicant] excelled at building relationships with our customers, providing empathetic and patient support even in difficult situations. These qualities are fundamental to effective social work practice, where strong communication and the ability to establish trust with clients are key.
Conflict resolution is another area in which [Applicant] truly shines. Retail environments often involve managing conflicts, whether it be resolving customer complaints, addressing team dynamics, or handling high-stress situations with composure. [Applicant] demonstrated an exceptional ability to mediate issues, listen to all parties involved, and propose solutions that satisfied everyone. These problem-solving skills and [their] ability to navigate emotionally charged situations will serve [them] well in the field of social work, particularly when advocating for clients or resolving interpersonal challenges in group settings.
In addition to these skills, [Applicant] has consistently exhibited a deep sense of empathy and compassion—essential traits for any aspiring social worker. [They] showed a genuine concern for the well-being of others, whether it was going above and beyond to help a customer in need or supporting fellow team members during challenging times. [Applicant’s] compassionate approach, combined with [their] ability to understand and address the needs of individuals, will be invaluable as [they] transition into the field of social work.
I highly recommend [Applicant’s Full Name] for admission to your MSW program. I believe [they] have the interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and dedication needed to thrive in this field. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [your email address] or [your phone number].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Organization]
[Your Contact Information]
Final Thoughts:
As you can see in the above template, this employer did a wonderful job highlighting how the applicant’s experiences in retail have given them skills that will directly apply to the field of social work! By focusing on transferable skills, the reader will develop a sense of the applicant's suitability for the Master of Social Work Program.
