When an employee moves on to a new job, it’s important to provide them with a reference letter. This letter can help them land their next job and provides a positive reflection of your business. In this article, we’ll cover tips for creating a reference letter for a previous employee, provide examples that you can edit as needed, and answer common questions about reference letters.
Tips for Creating a Reference Letter for a Previous Employee
Creating a reference letter for a previous employee can be daunting, but with these tips, you can create a strong letter that reflects positively on your business:
1. Start with a Title
Begin your letter with a clear title, such as “Reference Letter for [Employee Name].” This will ensure that the recipient immediately knows the purpose of the letter.
2. Provide a Detailed Explanation
In the first paragraph, explain who you are, your relationship with the employee, and why you are writing the letter. Be sure to briefly highlight the employee’s strengths and accomplishments.
3. Use Specific Examples
In the following paragraphs, provide specific examples of the employee’s skills and successes. This will help the recipient understand the value that the employee can bring to their organization.
4. Keep it Positive
Throughout the letter, maintain a positive and professional tone. Avoid negative comments or criticisms of the employee, as this can reflect poorly on your business.
5. Edit as Needed
Use these examples as a starting point, but be sure to edit them to fit your specific needs. Customize the letter to highlight the employee’s strengths and showcase your business in the best possible light.
Examples of Reference Letters for Previous Employees
Letter of Recommendation for Sales Associate
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Name] for any sales position. [Employee’s Name] worked as a sales associate at [Company Name] for two years, during which time [he/she] consistently exceeded sales targets and provided excellent customer service. [He/She] is knowledgeable about our products and has an innate ability to connect with customers.
[Employee’s Name] is a team player and was always willing to go above and beyond to help others. [He/She] was often commended by customers for [his/her] professionalism and dedication. I have no doubt that [Employee’s Name] would be an asset to any sales team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Marketing Manager
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Name] for any marketing position. [Employee’s Name] worked as a marketing manager at [Company Name] for three years, during which time [he/she] developed and executed successful marketing campaigns that resulted in increased revenue and brand awareness.
[Employee’s Name] is a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills. [He/She] is able to identify opportunities and develop effective solutions that deliver results. [Employee’s Name] also has excellent communication skills and is able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
I recommend [Employee’s Name] without reservation and am confident that [he/she] will be an asset to any marketing team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Administrative Assistant
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Name] for any administrative position. [Employee’s Name] worked as an administrative assistant at [Company Name] for two years, during which time [he/she] provided exceptional support to our executives and management team.
[Employee’s Name] is a skilled organizer, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. [He/She] is able to prioritize effectively and consistently meets deadlines. [Employee’s Name] is also proficient in a variety of software programs, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
[Employee’s Name] is a positive and enthusiastic team player who is loved by all. I have no doubt that [he/she] will be an asset to any organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Reference for Graphic Designer
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Name] for any graphic design position. [Employee’s Name] worked as a graphic designer at [Company Name] for three years, during which time [he/she] created beautiful and effective designs for our clients.
[Employee’s Name] is a talented artist with a keen eye for detail. [He/She] has a strong understanding of design principles and is able to create compelling visuals that communicate our clients’ messages effectively. [Employee’s Name] is also proficient in a variety of software programs, including Adobe Creative Suite.
[Employee’s Name] is a team player with excellent communication skills. [He/She] consistently delivers high-quality work on time and on budget. I strongly recommend [Employee’s Name] for any graphic design position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Software Developer
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Name] for any software development position. [Employee’s Name] worked as a software developer at [Company Name] for four years, during which time [he/she] was instrumental in developing our most successful software products.
[Employee’s Name] is a gifted programmer with a deep understanding of software architecture and development principles. [He/She] is able to develop complex software solutions that meet business objectives and exceed customer expectations. [Employee’s Name] is also proficient in a variety of programming languages, including Java and Python.
[Employee’s Name] is a team player who is able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. [He/She] consistently delivers high-quality work on time and on budget. I recommend [Employee’s Name] without reservation and am confident that [he/she] will be an asset to any software development team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Customer Service Representative
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Name] for any customer service position. [Employee’s Name] worked as a customer service representative at [Company Name] for two years, during which time [he/she] consistently provided exceptional service to our customers.
[Employee’s Name] is a skilled communicator who is able to listen to customers’ needs and provide solutions that meet their expectations. [He/She] is also able to handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism. [Employee’s Name] consistently received high marks in customer satisfaction surveys.
[Employee’s Name] is a team player who is able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. [He/She] consistently delivers high-quality work on time and on budget. I recommend [Employee’s Name] without reservation and am confident that [he/she] will be an asset to any customer service team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Project Manager
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Name] for any project management position. [Employee’s Name] worked as a project manager at [Company Name] for three years, during which time [he/she] successfully managed numerous projects, from conception to delivery.
[Employee’s Name] is a strategic thinker with excellent organizational and problem-solving skills. [He/She] is able to identify risks and develop contingency plans to ensure successful project delivery. [Employee’s Name] also has strong leadership skills and is able to motivate project team members to deliver high-quality work.
[Employee’s Name] is a team player who is able to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. [He/She] consistently delivers high-quality work on time and on budget. I strongly recommend [Employee’s Name] for any project management position.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a reference letter for a previous employee?
A reference letter for a previous employee should include an introduction, explanation of your relationship with the employee, examples of the employee’s skills and successes, and a positive and professional tone. Be sure to customize the letter to highlight the employee’s strengths and showcase your business in the best possible light.
How long should a reference letter for a previous employee be?
A reference letter for a previous employee should be one to two pages long, or approximately 50 to 80 sentences. Be sure to provide specific examples of the employee’s skills and successes, but avoid including too much unnecessary detail.
What should the greeting be in a reference letter for a previous employee?
The greeting in a reference letter for a previous employee should be formal and professional. Use “Dear [Recipient’s Name],” or “To Whom It May Concern:” if you are unsure of the recipient’s name.
What should the letter body be in a reference letter for a previous employee?
The letter body in a reference letter for a previous employee should provide specific examples of the employee’s skills and successes. Use one to two paragraphs to describe the employee’s accomplishments, and be sure to avoid negative comments or criticisms.
What should the complimentary close be in a reference letter for a previous employee?
The complimentary close in a reference letter for a previous employee should be formal and professional. Use “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
Should a reference letter for a previous employee include negative comments or criticisms?
No, a reference letter for a previous employee should always maintain a positive and professional tone. Avoid negative comments or criticisms, as this can reflect poorly on your business and the employee.
Can a reference letter for a previous employee be edited as needed?
Yes, a reference letter for a previous employee can and should be edited as needed to fit your specific needs. Customize the letter to highlight the employee’s strengths and showcase your business in the best possible light.
Conclusion
A reference letter for a previous employee is an important way to help them land their next job and provide a positive reflection of your business. By following our tips and using our examples, you can create a strong letter that reflects positively on your business and highlights the employee’s strengths.