As an employer, you may be asked to write a letter of recommendation for someone who has worked for you in the past. A reference letter from an employer is a very precious thing for a relationship as well as the career for the going to be an ex-employee. Providing a reference letter from a previous employer can be beneficial when looking for a job, and if you think you can provide positive approval, it is a good idea to accept the request.
Reference letter from employer
However, if you do not believe you can honestly recommend the person for the job, it is best to write the letter politely. Any recommendation is better than a negative reference, and there will be others who may be able to provide a strong recommendation for the position.
You may also be asked to draft a reference letter to use as a starting point for your reference author’s own letter.
Review information about the importance of reference, an employment reference letter written by employers for job seekers, and reference letter samples.
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Value of recommendation letter from past employers
When a person is applying for a new job, one of the most valuable references to use is from your previous employer. Recruiters will analyze what kind of employee the candidate will be and how they fit into the corporate culture at the firm.
A recommendation letter from a previous employer will provide valuable information – what kind of employees they are, how well they have interacted with others, what skills they have, and whether they are capable of their position. This is an endorsement, providing a positive recommendation for the person applying with the company.
In addition to helping to hire a good employee, keep in mind that written references to people also help strengthen your network relationships.
At some point in the future, you may want to plead for a former employee or colleague, and if you are a supporter of their career, they will have more positive opinions to share with others.
How to write a reference letter
First, when someone asks you for a reference letter, think whether you can actually offer them a good one. If you are unsure you can recommend them without thinking twice, it is best to send a referral letter (or negative comments to ruin the other person’s chances) instead of lying.
If you are sure you can write a positive professional reference letter, follow this process:
Refresh your memory about the person. For example, ask HR what their exact title was when they worked with your team and how long they stayed. Read your own records to see if they have useful notes about them.
Enter two or three qualities that identify this person. If you can think of specific examples that prove these qualities, put them in your reference letter as well.
Think about the specific experience you have with that person. Especially in instances where they showed a positive attitude or knowledge. If possible, include an example in your letter.
Recommendation Format Use our reference letter template to shape your own letter.
In any case, you should spend half an hour or so writing a good recommendation letter, but if you have something good to say, this person is worth it.
In your letter, you would like to include:
- Date of employment
- Held the position
- Company name
- Job responsibilities
- Qualification
- Strength and power
- Contact Information
The skills, qualities, and personality traits that apply to individuals need to be tailored appropriately. You can also mention that they received recognition or rewards while working for you.
You can mention any similarities between their former location and what they are currently searching for, and provide examples of success where possible. If your former employee has provided you with a contact, you must address their letter; Alternatively, you can use a generic greeting. Be sure to include your contact information, and your title and company.
When you are sending an email reference letter, list the person’s name in the subject line of the message. Your signature includes your contact information, so it’s easy to contact you for any questions or splashdowns.

Sample reference letter from employer # 1
This is an example of a letter of recommendation from a previous employer. Download the Letter of Recommendation template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
Previous Employer Sample Proposal Letter # 1 (Text Version)
Subject: Jane Applicant Reference
To whom it may be:
I highly recommend Jane Doe as a candidate for the job. Jane was appointed as an Advanced Assistant from 20XX to 20XX. Jane was responsible for supporting the office, including word processing, recruitment schedules and brochures, newsletters, and other office literature.
Jane has excellent communication skills. In addition, he is highly organized, reliable, and computer educated. Jane can work spontaneously and is able to follow through with the job, making sure to complete it. He is flexible and willing to work on any of his scheduled projects. Jane was also quick to volunteer to assist in other areas of the company’s operations.
Jane will be a tremendous asset to your company and I have the highest recommendation. If you have any further questions about his background or qualifications, do not hesitate to call me.
Sincerely,
John Lee
The manager
Acme Retail
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321
555-555-5555
[email protected]
Sample reference letter from employer # 2
Dear [Employer Name]:
This reference letter [or with written consent] is provided upon request [name of the former employee]. It is my understanding that [personal name] has applied for a [job title] position with your company. The information contained in this letter is confidential and should be treated as such. It should not be disclosed to anyone in your organization not involved in the decision to hire this person. Moreover, it should not be disclosed to anyone outside your organization without the written consent of [the organization’s name].
[Person’s name] has been appointed [or participated in [internship, cooperative education, or work-study program] to [us] and [date] has the following terms: [list position and salary at each position]. [His] most recent position was [his / her] responsibility [explain the person’s main responsibility at this position]. [Based on performance evaluations or other work records, your performance will support your assessment of the state]. [The person’s name] communicated well with colleagues, was reliable, and showed good judgment. [Give examples.]
If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Sample reference letter from employer # 3
Subject: Maxwell Jones Reference
Dear Mr. Green,
I am delighted to hear that Maxwell Jones has applied for a Sales Manager position with XYZ Enterprise. Mac worked for me from 20XX to 20XX as a sales associate with CNE Inc. He is a creative and dedicated salesman who consistently exceeded his quota, and it had a very high customer rating.
Maxwell is a purposeful employee and an excellent leader. Although he was an assistant to my department, he took the initiative to mentor new recruits and set a positive example for the team. I can enthusiastically recommend him for a management position.
If you have any questions or would like any other information please contact me.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Holt
Marketing Director
CNE Inc.
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321
555-555-5555
[email protected]
Sample reference letter from employer # 4
Dear [insert name]
I’m writing to recommend [employee_name]. [He / Company] worked with us at [company_name] as [our employee_job_title] [insert my job title] [as my position / work with me / work with me].
As an employee, [employee_name] was always [insert value]. My team managed [[he] [insert example] during [his / her] time.
I always put a [insert quality] premium on my team members and fail to provide [employee_name]. One example was [insert example].
[Employee_name] is a pleasure to work with and I would not hesitate to hire [her/him] again.
Should you have any further questions about [his / her], please contact me at [phone number].
Thanks
[Your name and signature]
Sample reference letter from employer # 5
Dear Mr. [ ],
I am writing to recommend Leia Thompson. He has worked with Acme Inc. as a Senior Product Manager and informed me of my position as VP of Engineering.
As an employee, Leia was always reliable and enthusiastic. During my time at the team, he conducted high-impact user research and made several important proposals that resulted in an improved product (and subsequently sales growth).
I always place a premium on initiative and interest in learning between my team members and Leia fails to reach both fronts. One example was when he suggested that we create regular in-depth interviews where more senior employees could answer questions about their work to other employees. He took advantage of this interview proposal and applied it to his own work.
Working with Leia is a delight – a team player with a positive, all the way. I will not hesitate to rent him again when the opportunity arises.
If you have further questions, feel free to contact me at +10000000.
Thanks
Sarah Long
Engineering VP, Acme Inc.
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How to use this reference character format
Be noticed, if you can. If the employee can apply for your job or program, tailor your letter to reflect specific requirements. For example, if you know you need leadership skills for this job, give relevant examples.
Get it out. Use one or two sentences in the context of each of your examples.
To be flexible Use the template as a guide, but write in your own voice and say what you think is important.
Be honest Your previous employee or co-worker may be asked about the example you provided. This does not embellish to make them look good as it may eventually come.
Use this sample reference letter if a colleague, former team member, student, or acquaintance requests personal advice. Be sure to change this reference letter template with specific examples from your experience with this person.