"reference letter" vs "recommendation letter"

[Nessie]

Hi,
What is the difference between "reference letter" and "recommendation letter"

Thanks a lot
Nessie
_________________
... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know..

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Inga]

letter of reference - a letter containing information about you that is written by someone who knows you well, and is usually intended for a new employer
letter of recommendation - (especially American English) a formal letter or statement saying that someone would be a suitable person to do a job, take a course of study etc
I think, it's the same, but I'm not sure.
And I want to add Covering Letter to your list of letters. What is it?
_________________
I am an incurable optimist.

[Nessie]

Thanks a lot, Inga,
And if you are not sure either, let's wait for some native speakers' ideas.

Please help us clarify the difference among "reference letter"/ "recommendation letter"/ "covering letter"
Many thanks once again
Nessie
_________________
... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know..

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Nessie]

Could anybody please answer me?

Thanks a lot
Nessie
_________________
... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know..

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Tilt]

I don't see the difference between reference letter and recommendation letter. But I know what the covering letter is. Is is the letter where you describe why you want to work for this or that company, employee etc. accordingly your degree and previus or relative backgrounds. Which opportunities that position gives you. But it is only as I know.

[Alan]

Hi Nessie,

'A reference' is often used to describe information about the suitability of someone for a particular post/job/position. An employer will ask someone who wants to work for them to give written and signed documents that give an indication of what the person is like who is applying for the job. 'A recommendation' is sometimes information that will act as a sort of introduction if an individual wants to establish contact with a person who may be able to help in their future career.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story If you vote

[Nessie]

Hi Alan,
First of all, thanks a lot for your help

And next, please tell me who are supposed to write a reference letter and who a recommendation letter. Besides, acording to Tilt's explaination, I think the two term "reference letter" and "covering letter" are so much alike (+_+) May I have your clarification, Alan?
Many thanks

To Tilt:
Thank you very much for your idea, Tilt
_________________
... something we never have again, I know... I guess I really really know..

Sorry seems to be the hardest word...

[Tilt]

Nessie, it is not my idea, it is a common using.

[Yankee]

Hi Nessie

If you are applying for a job, for example, a letter of reference and a letter of recommendation would be letters not written by you. In other words, someone else would have written these for you, based on their knowledge of you personally and/or professionally.

A cover(ing) letter, however, is a short introduction of yourself written by you. This letter is generally sent to a prospective employer with your resume/CV.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cover_letter
.

[Inga]

So, there is no difference between a letter of reference and a letter of recommendation?
_________________
I am an incurable optimist.

[Yankee]

Hi Inga

Yes, there is a difference between a letter of recommendation and a letter of reference. However, that had already been covered by you and Alan.

Nessie asked about a 'cover(ing) letter' afterwards.
.