By popular request, today I`m going to share with you the differences between a reference letter, a recommendation letter, what a testimonial is, and a certificate of service. I remember clearly, few months ago, arguing with my lecturer about the differences between a recommendation letter and a testimonial. I thought I was all correct until I did I searched about the differences. reference letters, recommendation letters, testimonials and a certificate of service are used most of the time used in education for applying for scholarships, and grants. These letters are used within the job market as well to assess an individual who is seeking employment.
REFERENCE LETTERS
Beyond everything, reference letters and recommendation letters are the same. these are letters which a person of a higher status (usually someone who is not a family member) assess the qualities, characteristics and capabilities of the person being recommended in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task. Therefore, reference letters are usually requested to be written about someone, and are therefore addressed to a particular requester (such as a new employer/ scholarship committee). Most of the time, you would be asked by a scholarship scheme to get a recommendation letter or a reference letter.
Since it’s written by somebody other than yourself explaining what sort of an individual you would possibly be, it can undoubtedly shed gentle into areas that might not otherwise be evident to the audience. The fact that it is written by someone who knows you provides more weight to it.
What is the difference between reference or recommendation?
Reference: This student took my class. They got an A.
Recommendation: Let me tell you why I think this student will thrive in your graduate program. [Three paragraphs of concrete evidence]
TESTIMONIALS
A Testimonial is simply a formal statement testifying to someone`s character and qualification (Certificate of Competence). It may also be given to the employee upon termination of employment. A comment or statement given to someone about their product, service or business that validates the quality of effectiveness of that product, service of business is what is termed as a testimonial. People can give testimonials about people too. Much like a reference on a CV. It’s just like asking for review feedback.
Testimonials can be given by word of the mouth, in the written form (like in an email or a letter or via a website or social media platform). well, testimonials usually come from people, businesses (or a representative of) or even anonymously. They can be given voluntarily and sometimes apparently at random, or you can ask for them – don’t be shy – you’ll be surprised what people will give you if you just ask.
Testimonials are all about proof and evidence – backing up the claims or promises you make.
A CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
A Certificate of Service is also termed as statement of employment or certificate of employment. This is a write up of fact of the employment of the employee. One must note, that a certificate of service is never the same as recommendation or clearance or reference letter. this certificate of service is usually given upon termination of an employee`s job.
It entails itself the information of an employee, the period of employment with the employer and the specification of or the type of work performed by the employee. 
CONCLUSION
You should in no way write any of these letters for yourself when requested by a scholarship committee or an employer. The individuals or group most often make thorough search after presenting any of these letters. these letters usually have valid cover heads and stamps.
Employee is liable for any loss or damage caused to a third person who, by reason of the false testimonial, reference or certificate of character, has been induced to take the employee into the employer’s service.
