A reference letter, also known as a recommendation letter, is a document written by a supervisor or employer to vouch for the skills, character, and work ethic of a former employee. The letter is used by the employee to strengthen their job application, applying for a scholarship, or applying for admission to a school. In this article, we will discuss how to write a reference letter written by a supervisor.
Tips For Writing A Reference Letter Written By Supervisor
Here are some tips to follow when writing a reference letter for a former employee:
Reference Letter for a Sales Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Employee Name] for the sales position in your company. [Employee Name] was a sales representative in [Company] for over two years, and during that time, they demonstrated exceptional sales skills and work ethics.
[Employee Name] was always punctual, professional, and had a positive attitude, which made them an asset to our team. They consistently exceeded their sales quotas and helped the company grow. Their excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships with clients were instrumental in our company’s success.
I believe that [Employee Name] would be an excellent addition to your sales team and would bring the same dedication and passion that they brought to our company. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.
Sincerely,
[Supervisor Name]
Reference Letter for a Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Student Name] for the scholarship. I had the pleasure of being [Student Name]’s supervisor during their internship at [Company] last summer. Over the course of the internship, [Student Name] demonstrated their exceptional skills, diligence, and dedication to their work.
During the internship, [Student Name] worked on a number of projects and demonstrated a high level of attention to detail, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. They were able to work collaboratively with others, and their positive attitude and strong work ethic made them an asset to our team.
I believe that [Student Name] has the potential to excel in their academic pursuits, and I strongly recommend them for the scholarship. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Supervisor Name]
Reference Letter for a Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to your graduate program. I had the pleasure of supervising [Student Name] during their undergraduate studies at [University], and I was impressed by their intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and strong work ethic.
[Student Name] was a dedicated and hardworking student who demonstrated a high level of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. They consistently received high grades in their coursework and demonstrated exceptional research skills. In addition, their excellent writing and communication skills were evident in their coursework and in their interactions with faculty and peers.
I believe that [Student Name] has the potential to excel in your graduate program, and I strongly recommend them for admission. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Supervisor Name]
Reference Letter for a Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Employee Name] for the [Job Title] position in your company. [Employee Name] worked for me as a [Previous Job Title] for over two years, and during that time, they demonstrated exceptional skills, work ethic, and dedication to their work.
[Employee Name] was a valuable member of our team and consistently exceeded their performance goals. They demonstrated excellent problem-solving abilities, critical thinking skills, and were always eager to take on new challenges. Their communication skills were also exceptional, and they were able to build good relationships with clients and colleagues.
I am confident that [Employee Name] would be an excellent addition to your team and would bring the same dedication and passion that they brought to our company. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Supervisor Name]
Reference Letter for a Teaching Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Teacher Name] for the teaching position in your school. [Teacher Name] worked for me as a [Previous Job Title] for over five years, and during that time, they demonstrated exceptional teaching skills, work ethic, and dedication to their students.
[Teacher Name] was a dedicated and passionate teacher who always went above and beyond to ensure that their students were engaged and learning. They were able to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment, and their teaching methods were creative and effective.
I am confident that [Teacher Name] would be an excellent addition to your school, and I strongly recommend them for the teaching position. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Supervisor Name]
Reference Letter for an Internship
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Student Name] for the internship position in your company. I had the pleasure of supervising [Student Name] during their coursework at [University], and I was impressed by their academic performance, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
[Student Name] has a strong interest in [Field] and has demonstrated their commitment to gaining practical experience in the field. They have taken on a number of leadership roles on campus and have demonstrated their ability to work collaboratively with others. They are also highly organized, reliable, and have excellent communication skills.
I believe that [Student Name] would be an excellent addition to your team and would bring the same dedication and passion that they brought to their coursework. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Supervisor Name]
Reference Letter for a Volunteer Position
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing this letter to highly recommend [Volunteer Name] for the volunteer position in your organization. [Volunteer Name] has volunteered with us for over a year and has demonstrated exceptional dedication, reliability, and a passion for helping others.
[Volunteer Name] has taken on a number of roles within our organization, including [Role], and has demonstrated their ability to work collaboratively with others, organize events, and manage volunteers. Their communication skills are excellent, and they are able to build strong relationships with volunteers, staff, and clients.
I believe that [Volunteer Name] would be an excellent addition to your organization and would bring the same dedication and passion that they brought to our organization. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
[Supervisor Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a reference letter?
A reference letter should include the employee’s name, the supervisor’s name and position, the length of time the employee worked for the company, the employee’s job title, and a brief summary of the employee’s responsibilities and accomplishments. The letter should also include a statement regarding the employee’s work ethic, character, and skills, and a recommendation for the job or program they are applying to.
How long should a reference letter be?
A reference letter should be one to two pages long, and should include specific examples of the employee’s skills and accomplishments. It should also be well-structured, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
What should I do if I am asked to write a reference letter but cannot give a positive recommendation?
If you cannot give a positive recommendation, it is best to decline the request. If you do agree to write the letter, focus on the employee’s positive qualities and mention any areas where they may need improvement. Be honest in your assessment, but try to be constructive and provide suggestions for improvement.
Should I use a formal or informal tone in a reference letter?
A reference letter should have a formal tone, as it is a professional document that will be used to support the employee’s job or program application. It should be well-written and use appropriate language and grammar.
What is the difference between a reference letter and a letter of recommendation?
A reference letter and a letter of recommendation are two terms that are often used interchangeably. However, a reference letter is typically written by an employer or supervisor and is used to verify the employee’s skills, character, and work ethic. A letter of recommendation, on the other hand, is typically written by a teacher, professor, or academic advisor and is used to support the student’s academic or professional goals.
Can a reference letter be used for multiple job applications?
Yes, a reference letter can be used for multiple job applications, provided that it is relevant to the job or program the employee is applying to. However, it is always best to tailor the letter to the specific position or program to make it more effective.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter is an important task for a supervisor, as it can help the former employee secure their dream job, scholarship, or admission. By following the tips mentioned in this article and using the examples provided, supervisors can create effective reference letters that highlight the employee’s skills, character, and work ethic. Remember to be honest, specific, and professional, and tailor the letter to the job or program the employee is applying to.