As an employer, you may be asked to provide reference letters for old employees. These letters are important as they vouch for the employee’s work ethic and skills. In this article, we will provide tips on how to write a great reference letter and provide seven examples that you can use or edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Great Reference Letter
When writing a reference letter for an old employee, it is important to keep in mind the following tips:
1. Use the Correct Format
Start with a formal greeting and introduction. In the body of the letter, include specific examples of the employee’s work and accomplishments. Finally, close with a complimentary close and signature.
2. Be Honest
Provide an honest assessment of the employee’s work and skills. If there were any issues or areas of improvement, mention them in a constructive way.
3. Use Specific Examples
Include specific examples of the employee’s work and accomplishments. This will help the reader understand the employee’s strengths and skills.
4. Keep it Professional
A reference letter should be professional in tone and language. Avoid using slang or casual language.
5. Get Permission
Before writing a reference letter, make sure to get the employee’s permission. They may have specific information or accomplishments they want you to include.
6. Customize for the Job
If the employee is applying for a specific job or industry, tailor the reference letter to highlight skills and accomplishments that are relevant to that job.
7. Proofread Carefully
Before sending the letter, proofread it carefully for any errors or typos. A well-written and error-free letter will make a better impression on the reader.
Examples of Reference Letters for Old Employees
Letter of Recommendation for Sales Associate
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am happy to provide a reference for John Doe, who worked as a sales associate at our company for five years. John was an outstanding employee and consistently exceeded his sales goals. He has excellent communication skills and was always able to build strong relationships with customers.
Overall, I highly recommend John for any sales position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Letter of Recommendation for Graphic Designer
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this reference letter for Sarah Brown, who worked as a graphic designer at our company for ten years. Sarah is an extremely talented designer with a keen eye for detail. She consistently produced high-quality work and was able to meet tight deadlines.
Overall, I highly recommend Sarah for any graphic design position. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
David Lee
Letter of Recommendation for Customer Service Representative
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this reference letter for Emily Johnson, who worked as a customer service representative at our company for seven years. Emily is a highly skilled and dedicated employee who always put the customer first.
Her communication skills are exceptional, and she was always able to handle difficult customer situations with tact and professionalism. Overall, I highly recommend Emily for any customer service position.
Thank you for your time,
Michael Smith
Letter of Recommendation for Accountant
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am happy to provide a reference for Jack Wilson, who worked as an accountant at our company for eight years. Jack is an extremely competent accountant with a deep understanding of accounting principles and practices.
He was always able to complete tasks accurately and on time, and his attention to detail was exceptional. Overall, I highly recommend Jack for any accounting position.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Davis
Letter of Recommendation for Project Manager
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this reference letter for James Smith, who worked as a project manager at our company for six years. James is an outstanding manager who consistently delivered projects on time and within budget.
His communication skills are exceptional, and he was always able to keep stakeholders informed and engaged. Overall, I highly recommend James for any project management position.
Best regards,
Angela Lee
Letter of Recommendation for Software Developer
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am happy to provide a reference for David Brown, who worked as a software developer at our company for ten years. David is an extremely talented developer with a deep understanding of software development principles.
He was always able to complete projects on time and with high quality, and his attention to detail was exceptional. Overall, I highly recommend David for any software development position.
Sincerely,
John Kim
Letter of Recommendation for Human Resources Manager
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this reference letter for Lisa Johnson, who worked as a human resources manager at our company for eight years. Lisa is an outstanding HR professional with a deep understanding of HR principles and practices.
She was always able to handle complex HR situations with tact and professionalism, and her communication skills are exceptional. Overall, I highly recommend Lisa for any HR management position.
Thank you for your time,
Robert Davis
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter for an old employee?
Include specific examples of the employee’s work and accomplishments. Also, mention their skills, work ethic, and any other relevant information that may help the reader understand the employee’s strengths.
How should I format a reference letter for an old employee?
Start with a formal greeting and introduction. In the body of the letter, include specific examples of the employee’s work and accomplishments. Finally, close with a complimentary close and signature. Keep the tone professional and avoid using casual language or slang.
What if I can’t provide a positive reference for an old employee?
If you cannot provide a positive reference for an old employee, it is best to politely decline the request. Providing a negative reference can harm the employee’s job prospects and damage your professional relationship with them.
Do I need the employee’s permission to write a reference letter?
Yes, it is important to get the employee’s permission before writing a reference letter. They may have specific information or accomplishments they want you to include.
How long should a reference letter for an old employee be?
A reference letter should be one to two pages long. Include specific examples of the employee’s work and accomplishments, but avoid making the letter too long or detailed.
Can I use a template for a reference letter for an old employee?
Yes, there are many reference letter templates available online that you can use or edit as needed. However, it is important to customize the letter for the specific employee and job application to make it more effective.
Conclusion
As an employer, providing a reference letter for an old employee is an important part of maintaining professional relationships and helping your former employees succeed in their careers. By following the tips and using the examples provided in this article, you can write a great reference letter that will help your former employees stand out to potential employers.