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How do I write an employment reference letter?
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Jan 29, 2024 · Need to write a reference letter but not sure where to start? Explore our step-by-step guide with templates and examples for inspiration.
- Ammar Ahmed
- Overview
- What is an employment reference letter?
- What to include in an employment reference letter
- How to write an employment reference letter
- Tips for writing an employment reference letter
- Employment reference letter template
- Employment reference letter example
If you're in a management position, you may have to write an employment reference letter for a colleague at some point in your career. These letters are helpful when an employee is applying for a new position at another company, as they show prospective employers that the individual has a positive work history. If you're planning to or already work...
An employment reference letter is a document that expresses the employee's work ethic, abilities and achievements during their time with a company. Managers, human resources representatives, mentors and supervisors commonly write these letters. They can inform the potential employer of the applicant's ability to perform the duties of the job they'r...
What your relationship is with the employee or former employee
When writing an employment reference letter, it's important to first authenticate how you know the employee and your relationship with them. This shows the reader that you are a reliable reference and have personal experience working with the employee.Include how long you have known the employee, your professional relationship with them (such as if you were their manager or supervisor) and if you have a relationship with the employee on a personal level.Related: Employee Relationship Management: Definition, Benefits and Tips
How long the employee worked at the company
You can also include information about the duration of the candidate's employment at the company for which you work. The time that the employee worked at the company shows the reader how much time you had to assess the employee's abilities. This information can also show the employee's commitment to working in one place for a while. Related: How To Write a Reference Letter for an Employee Leaving
Why the employee qualifies for the position
You can also include specific reasons the employee would be a worthwhile fit for the position, along with examples to support those reasons. Consider mentioning an experience or project the employee was part of and how they handled the situation effectively. You can also vouch for their skills and character by providing anecdotes of ways the employee excelled in their role.Related: Job Qualifications: Types and Examples
1. Review the employee's current resume
Before writing the reference letter, you can first review the employee's up-to-date resume to ensure you fully understand their accomplishments, skills and abilities in relation to the job they are applying for.If you don't have their resume, ask them to send one so you can review it. Take notes on the most important and relevant aspects of their resume so you can mention them in your letter.Related: How To Write a Professional Resume: Getting Started
2. Use a business letter format
Consider using a business letter format to ensure your letter appears professional. If you're unsure of what a business format looks like for a letter, research employment letter examples or templates online. You can also use the template and example within this guide when crafting your own.
3. Include your contact information at the top of the letter
The first part of the letter is where you can include your full name, job title, the company you work for and your professional contact information. Your professional contact information can include your email and work phone number. This ensures the recipient can contact you if they have further questions regarding the candidate.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing an employment reference letter:
•Don't be afraid to say no. If you don't feel you can write a positive employment reference letter, you can tell the employee you don't feel comfortable writing one. You might suggest someone else who would be more appropriate to vouch for their abilities and skills.
•Read through the job description. Before writing the employment reference letter, ask the candidate for a copy of the job description for the position they are applying for. This can allow you to incorporate keywords from the job description to better express the candidate's abilities as they relate to the position.
•Use specific examples in the letter. Using quantifiable examples further supports your belief in the candidate's abilities to perform the duties for the position for which they're applying. Choose two or three skills the candidate possesses and specific examples of how they used them.
•Keep the tone positive. Keep the focus on why you believe the candidate is an excellent choice for the position and avoid using negative words or phrases. It's especially important to start and end the letter on a positive and reassuring note to help them make a good impression.
•Aim for a letter that is a page in length. By extending your letter to a page in length, you can show the recipient that you truly know the candidate and believe they would be successful in the position.
The following is a template you can use as a guide when writing an employment reference letter:
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Apr 1, 2022 · To help you draft a well-written letter of recommendation no matter the circumstances or occasion, below we’ve included four different situations in which you might need to give a coworker, employee, or friend a reference letter, with templates and examples to guide you.
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- As a supervisor, a recommendation letter written by you for an employee holds a lot of weight. As such, it’s important that your letter is as convi...
- When a colleague asks you to write a letter of recommendation letter for them, it can be a little daunting. You may feel like you aren’t really qua...
- Writing a character reference (or personal letter of recommendation) for a friend can be a huge aid when it comes to helping them land a job. Howev...
- A lot of people get confused about exactly how to write a recommendation on LinkedIn. At first glance, they seem like a completely different animal...
A letter of recommendation describes the qualifications someone has in relation to the workplace or in education. They discuss how the attributes of the applicant make them a good fit for the position. These letters are normally sent directly to the hiring manager by former employers, colleagues, clients or educators.
Jul 31, 2023 · Jennifer Herrity. Updated July 31, 2023. As you advance in your career, you might have colleagues or team members ask you for a reference letter. It's important to understand what's expected of you when accepting the task of writing a reference letter. Know how to respond to the request to help you confidently support your coworkers.
- An ideal reference letter is no longer than one page long, consisting of 300 to 400 words in three to five paragraphs. Reference letters additional...
- It is the applicant's decision whether their reference letter is confidential or non-confidential. To avoid any uncertainty, ask the applicant whet...
- Reference letters are among the most valuable tools for applicants applying for a job. They validate applicant resumes by confirming their skills,...
- Avoid using the following to create a good reference letter: Broad or vague language: Instead, be specific and use unique words. Over-explaining: I...
- While no rule explicitly says family members cannot write reference letters, it is generally avoided. This is because family members are more likel...
- While the term reference letter is commonly used, you may also hear people referring to such documents as a certificate of character or a letter of...
- Avoid sending your references unless an employer specifically requests them. It's helpful to gather one to three references that are most relevant...
May 15, 2024 · A letter of recommendation is a formal way to recommend someone based on their work, personal character, or academic performance. It’s your chance to tell potential employers, “Hey, this person is amazing; you should totally hire them!”
Nov 15, 2023 · How to Write a Reference Letter [6 Free Samples] A short and detailed reference letter can help a friend or colleague apply for a job successfully. Learn how to write a strong letter of reference with our examples, templates and writing tips. By Gabriela Barcenas | Career Expert. Rate This: 4.5 / 5. 200 votes. Build Your Resume. Featured in:
