January 11, 2021
Crafting an Effective Letter of Reference
for an Individual with a Conviction Record
When an individual with a conviction record is applying for a job, license, clearance to work, record
sealing, or certificate of rehabilitation, they are often asked to present “evidence of rehabilitation.” This
means documentation – like reference letters – highlighting positive change in a candidate’s life since
their arrest or conviction. The goal is to show the decisionmaker that the candidate has many strengths,
that their conviction record does not define them, and that the conviction(s) should not be a barrier to
them obtaining the job, license, clearance, record sealing, or certificate.
This template can be used by someone writing a reference (e.g., employer, teacher, internship/volunteer
supervisor, etc.) to describe their experience with the candidate in a way that addresses concerns that
others may have about the candidate’s conviction(s). The template provides an outline for writing your
letter, with suggestions of what to emphasize and how to do so.
The purpose of the letter is to:
• Explain how you know the candidate;
• Convey that the candidate has had a job, or had volunteer, educational, or other experiences where
they worked independently, were trusted, and performed outstandingly; and
• State what makes the individual a strong candidate for the opportunity.
Write the letter on company letterhead if you work for the entity where you supervised or taught the
candidate.
Remember to change any text within brackets to fit the specific candidate.
Don’t forget to delete the suggested language and brackets before sending the letter!
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For help with letters about New York residents, feel free to call the Legal Action Center.
A staff member may be available to review the letter and make suggestions.
Call 212-243-1313 Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm or visit us anytime at www.lac.org.
Thank you to the New York City Council for funding this publication.
© 2021 Legal Action Center
This document is for information only. It does not constitute legal advice.