If you’ve been asked to provide a reference for a former employee, it’s important to write a strong letter that can help them secure their next job. In this article, we’ll provide tips for writing a great reference letter, as well as seven examples that you can use as a starting point. Whether you’re writing a reference for a former employee, colleague, or student, this guide will help you create a letter that will make a positive impression on potential employers.
Tips for Writing a Former Employee Reference Letter
When writing a reference letter for a former employee, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:
1. Be specific
Provide specific examples of the employee’s work and accomplishments. This will help potential employers get a better sense of what the employee is capable of.
2. Be positive
A reference letter should be positive and supportive. Avoid any negative comments or criticism, as this can reflect poorly on both you and the employee.
3. Be honest
While it’s important to be positive, you should also be honest about the employee’s strengths and weaknesses. This will help potential employers get a more well-rounded view of the employee.
4. Keep it concise
A reference letter should be no more than two pages long. Be sure to include all the necessary information, but avoid going into too much detail.
5. Edit and proofread
Before sending the letter, make sure to edit and proofread it carefully. This will help ensure that there are no errors or typos that could reflect poorly on you or the employee.
Examples of Former Employee Reference Letters
Reference Letter for a Sales Associate
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for any sales associate position. During [his/her] time working with us, [he/she] consistently exceeded sales targets and provided excellent customer service. In particular, I was impressed with [his/her] ability to [specific example].
I strongly recommend [Employee Name] for any sales associate position. [He/She] would be a valuable asset to any team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Marketing Manager
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee Name] for any marketing manager position. During [his/her] time working with us, [he/she] was responsible for [specific responsibilities], and consistently exceeded our expectations.
What impressed me most about [Employee Name] was [specific example]. [He/She] has an exceptional ability to [specific skill], which would make [him/her] an excellent addition to any marketing team.
Thank you for considering [Employee Name] for this position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Teacher
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for any teaching position. During [his/her] time working with us, [he/she] demonstrated a deep commitment to [specific area], and was able to [specific accomplishment].
[Employee Name] has a natural ability to connect with students and create a positive learning environment. [He/She] is able to [specific skill] in a way that inspires and motivates students.
I strongly recommend [Employee Name] for any teaching position. [He/She] would be an excellent addition to any school community.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Software Developer
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee Name] for any software developer position. During [his/her] time working with us, [he/she] was responsible for [specific responsibilities], and consistently demonstrated exceptional programming skills.
What impressed me most about [Employee Name] was [specific example]. [He/She] has an exceptional ability to [specific skill], which makes [him/her] an invaluable asset to any development team.
Thank you for considering [Employee Name] for this position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Graphic Designer
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for any graphic designer position. During [his/her] time working with us, [he/she] was responsible for [specific responsibilities], and consistently demonstrated exceptional design skills.
What impressed me most about [Employee Name] was [specific example]. [He/She] has an exceptional ability to [specific skill], which makes [him/her] an invaluable asset to any design team.
I strongly recommend [Employee Name] for any graphic designer position. [He/She] would be an excellent addition to any creative team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for a Project Manager
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for any project manager position. During [his/her] time working with us, [he/she] was responsible for [specific responsibilities], and consistently demonstrated exceptional organizational and leadership skills.
What impressed me most about [Employee Name] was [specific example]. [He/She] has an exceptional ability to [specific skill], which makes [him/her] an invaluable asset to any project team.
I strongly recommend [Employee Name] for any project manager position. [He/She] would be an excellent addition to any organization.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for an Administrative Assistant
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am pleased to recommend [Employee Name] for any administrative assistant position. During [his/her] time working with us, [he/she] was responsible for [specific responsibilities], and consistently demonstrated exceptional organizational and communication skills.
What impressed me most about [Employee Name] was [specific example]. [He/She] has an exceptional ability to [specific skill], which makes [him/her] an invaluable asset to any administrative team.
Thank you for considering [Employee Name] for this position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter?
A reference letter should include your contact information, the recipient’s contact information, a brief introduction, specific examples of the employee’s work and accomplishments, your recommendation, and a closing statement.
How long should a reference letter be?
A reference letter should be no more than two pages long. Be sure to include all the necessary information, but avoid going into too much detail.
How should I address the recipient in a reference letter?
Use the recipient’s name and formal title, such as “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable providing a reference?
If you don’t feel comfortable providing a reference, it’s important to be honest with the employee. Let them know that you don’t feel able to provide the kind of reference they’re looking for, and suggest that they ask someone else.
Should I include any negative comments in a reference letter?
No. A reference letter should be positive and supportive. Avoid any negative comments or criticism, as this can reflect poorly on both you and the employee.
Can I use a reference letter template?
Yes. Using a template can help ensure that you include all the necessary information and that your letter is well-organized. However, be sure to customize the template to fit the specific needs of the employee and the position they’re applying for.
Conclusion
Providing a reference letter for a former employee can be a great way to help them secure their next job. By following the tips and examples in this article, you can create a strong and supportive letter that will make a positive impression on potential employers.