If you’ve been asked to write an employment reference letter, you may be wondering where to start. Fortunately, there are plenty of templates available that can help you craft a letter that’s professional, clear, and effective. In this article, we’ll provide some tips for using these templates, as well as seven examples that cover a range of scenarios. You’ll also find answers to some common questions about reference letters.
Tips for Using Employment Reference Letter Templates
If you’re using a template to create an employment reference letter, keep the following tips in mind:
Choose a Relevant Template
Make sure the template you choose is appropriate for the situation. For example, you’ll want to use a different template for a reference letter for a job applicant than you would for a reference letter for a student applying to college.
Personalize the Letter
Even if you’re using a template, it’s important to personalize the letter as much as possible. Include specific examples of the person’s strengths and accomplishments, and tailor the letter to the job or program they’re applying for.
Be Clear and Concise
A good reference letter should be clear, concise, and easy to read. Avoid using overly technical jargon or writing long, rambling paragraphs.
Proofread Carefully
Finally, make sure you proofread the letter carefully before sending it. Spelling and grammar errors can make a negative impression on the reader, so take your time and double-check everything.
Examples of Employment Reference Letter Templates
Reference for a Job Applicant
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. As [Applicant’s Job Title or Relationship to You], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time].
[Specific Example of the Applicant’s Strength or Accomplishment].
[Additional Example if Applicable].
Based on my experience working with [Applicant’s Name], I believe [he/she] would be an excellent addition to your team. [Optional: Additional Praise or Personal Recommendation].
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
Reference for a College Applicant
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Student’s Name] for admission to [College/University Name]. As [Student’s Job Title or Relationship to You], I have had the pleasure of working with [him/her] for [length of time].
[Specific Example of the Student’s Strength or Accomplishment].
[Additional Example if Applicable].
Based on my experience working with [Student’s Name], I believe [he/she] would be an excellent addition to [College/University Name]. [Optional: Additional Praise or Personal Recommendation].
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
Reference for a Former Employee
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Name] for any future employment opportunities. [He/She] worked for us at [Company Name] for [length of time] and was a valued member of our team.
[Specific Example of the Employee’s Strength or Accomplishment].
[Additional Example if Applicable].
Based on [Employee’s Name]’s performance while working with us, I believe [he/she] would be an asset to any organization. [Optional: Additional Praise or Personal Recommendation].
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
Reference for a Volunteer
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Volunteer’s Name] for any future volunteer opportunities. [He/She] volunteered with us at [Organization Name] for [length of time] and was a dedicated and hard-working member of our team.
[Specific Example of the Volunteer’s Strength or Accomplishment].
[Additional Example if Applicable].
Based on [Volunteer’s Name]’s performance while working with us, I believe [he/she] would be an asset to any organization looking for a committed and enthusiastic volunteer. [Optional: Additional Praise or Personal Recommendation].
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
Reference for a Contractor
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Contractor’s Name] for any future contracting opportunities. [He/She] worked with us at [Company Name] on [Project Name] and provided excellent service and results.
[Specific Example of the Contractor’s Strength or Accomplishment].
[Additional Example if Applicable].
Based on [Contractor’s Name]’s performance while working with us, I believe [he/she] would be an asset to any organization looking for a skilled and reliable contractor. [Optional: Additional Praise or Personal Recommendation].
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
Reference for a Teacher
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Teacher’s Name] for any future teaching opportunities. [He/She] taught [Subject] to [Grade Level] at [School Name] for [length of time] and was an outstanding educator.
[Specific Example of the Teacher’s Strength or Accomplishment].
[Additional Example if Applicable].
Based on [Teacher’s Name]’s performance while working with us, I believe [he/she] would be an asset to any school looking for a passionate and effective teacher. [Optional: Additional Praise or Personal Recommendation].
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
Reference for a Student
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Student’s Name] for any future academic opportunities. [He/She] was a student in my [Subject] class at [School Name] and demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication.
[Specific Example of the Student’s Strength or Accomplishment].
[Additional Example if Applicable].
Based on [Student’s Name]’s performance in my class, I believe [he/she] would be an asset to any academic program looking for a highly motivated and skilled student. [Optional: Additional Praise or Personal Recommendation].
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Title]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in an employment reference letter?
An employment reference letter should include the person’s name, job title, and relationship to you; specific examples of their strengths and accomplishments; and any other information that’s relevant to the job or program they’re applying for.
Can I use a template to write an employment reference letter?
Yes, using a template can be a helpful starting point for crafting an employment reference letter. Just make sure to personalize the letter as much as possible and proofread it carefully before sending.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a reference letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a reference letter, it’s okay to decline the request. It’s better to be honest than to provide a lukewarm or negative reference.
Do I need to include my contact information in the letter?
Yes, it’s a good idea to include your contact information (such as your phone number or email address) in case the recipient has any follow-up questions.
Should I address the letter to a specific person?
If possible, it’s best to address the letter to a specific person rather than using a generic salutation like “To Whom It May Concern.” This can make the letter feel more personal and help the recipient feel more connected to the applicant.
How long should an employment reference letter be?
An employment reference letter should be long enough to provide all of the necessary information, but not so long that it becomes tedious to read. Aim for around one to two pages.
Conclusion
By using a template and following the tips in this article, you can create an employment reference letter that’s effective and professional. Remember to personalize the letter as much as possible, and proofread it carefully before sending. Good luck!