If you’re a manager who’s been asked to write a recommendation letter for a former employee, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. However, writing a recommendation letter is an important part of being a manager and can help your former employee secure their next opportunity. In this article, we’ll provide tips and examples of how to write a recommendation letter for a former employee from a manager.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter for a Former Employee
Writing a recommendation letter can be a daunting task, but following these tips can make it easier:
1. Start with a Title
Include the title “Recommendation Letter for Former Employee from Manager” at the top of your letter.
2. Use Specific Examples
Use specific examples to demonstrate the employee’s skills and abilities. Be as detailed as possible and provide concrete examples to support your claims.
3. Be Positive
Focus on the employee’s strengths and accomplishments. A recommendation letter should highlight the employee’s positive qualities and attributes.
4. Keep it Professional
A recommendation letter should be professional in tone and content. Avoid using humor or sarcasm and stick to the facts.
5. Proofread
Make sure to proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors. A well-written and error-free letter will make a strong impression.
Examples of Recommendation Letters for Former Employees
Example 1: Recommendation Letter for a Sales Associate
Dear [Recipient],
I’m delighted to recommend [Employee Name] for any role related to sales. During their time at [Company Name], they consistently exceeded their targets and demonstrated excellent customer service skills. [Employee Name] is a dedicated, hard-working individual who would be an asset to any organization. I highly recommend them without reservation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Recommendation Letter for a Marketing Manager
Dear [Recipient],
I’m writing to recommend [Employee Name] for a marketing position within your organization. While at [Company Name], [Employee Name] demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic thinking skills. They were instrumental in launching several successful campaigns that resulted in increased revenue for the company. [Employee Name] is a creative thinker who is able to motivate and inspire their team to achieve their goals. I have no doubt that [Employee Name] will excel in any role they take on.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Recommendation Letter for an Administrative Assistant
Dear [Recipient],
I’m pleased to recommend [Employee Name] for any administrative or clerical role. During their time at [Company Name], they demonstrated excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. They were able to juggle multiple tasks and projects with ease, and always maintained a positive and professional demeanor. [Employee Name] would be a valuable addition to any team and I highly recommend them.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Recommendation Letter for a Software Developer
Dear [Recipient],
I’m writing to recommend [Employee Name] for a software development position. They are an exceptional developer with a deep understanding of coding languages and frameworks. During their time at [Company Name], they were able to complete complex projects on time and on budget. They are a team player who is always willing to help their colleagues and share their knowledge. I have no doubt that [Employee Name] will excel in any development role they take on.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Recommendation Letter for a Project Manager
Dear [Recipient],
I’m pleased to recommend [Employee Name] for any project management position. They are an exceptional leader with a proven ability to manage complex projects from start to finish. During their time at [Company Name], they demonstrated excellent communication and negotiation skills. They were able to motivate and inspire their team to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality work. I highly recommend [Employee Name] for any project management role.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Recommendation Letter for a Human Resources Manager
Dear [Recipient],
I’m writing to recommend [Employee Name] for a human resources position within your organization. They are an exceptional HR professional with a deep understanding of HR policies and procedures. During their time at [Company Name], they were instrumental in implementing several initiatives that improved employee engagement and retention. [Employee Name] is a compassionate and empathetic manager who is able to build strong relationships with employees at all levels of the organization. I highly recommend [Employee Name] for any HR role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter should include specific examples of the employee’s strengths and accomplishments, as well as their skills and experience. It should be positive in tone and professional in content.
How should I address the recipient of the recommendation letter?
Address the recipient using their full name and professional title. If you are unsure of their title or gender, use a neutral salutation, such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
What if I don’t feel comfortable writing a recommendation letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a recommendation letter, it is okay to decline. You can explain that you don’t feel you know the employee well enough to write an effective letter.
Should I send a copy of the recommendation letter to the employee?
It is a good idea to send a copy of the recommendation letter to the employee. They may need it for their job search and it can also serve as a reminder of their accomplishments.
Can I use the same recommendation letter for multiple employees?
No, each recommendation letter should be tailored to the specific employee and position they are applying for. Using the same letter for multiple employees can come across as impersonal and insincere.
What should I do if the employee asks me to include false information in the recommendation letter?
You should never include false information in a recommendation letter. If the employee asks you to do so, you should explain that it is unethical and could potentially harm their reputation and future job prospects.
Conclusion
Writing a recommendation letter for a former employee from a manager can be a valuable tool for the employee’s job search. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can write a strong and effective recommendation letter that highlights the employee’s strengths and accomplishments. Remember to keep it positive, professional, and tailored to the specific employee and position they are applying for.