How can I write a good reference letter?

If you had to write a reference letter for someone who was a good worker, how would you word it?

• Answer:

  My company's policy was to write a confirmation of employment letter rather than a reference letter. We confirmed the dates the employee worked and that his/her performance was satisfactory (unless it was not). Of course, individual managers could write more personal letters. I wrote a few myself and included things like attitude, punctuality, work ethic, and managerial performance if applicable.