Looking for a job is never an easy task. Besides having to prove yourself in an interview, you also need an arsenal of written documents. One of those crucial documents for job seekers is a general employment reference letter. It can solidify your first impression to a potential employer in a big way. In this article, you’ll find examples of general employment reference letters, which can guide and inspire you to create your own version. With the right template, you can customize your letter to highlight your strengths and showcase why you’re the right person for the job. Keep reading to find out how you can draft a winning general employment reference letter today!
The Best Structure for a General Employment Reference Letter Sample
When it comes to writing a general employment reference letter sample, there are a few key things that you need to keep in mind in terms of structure. The letter should be well-organized, easy to read, and provide a clear picture of the candidate’s abilities and work history. Here’s how to structure your letter:
Paragraph 1: Start with a brief introductory paragraph that explains your relationship to the candidate and the purpose of the letter. For example, if you are a former employer, you might start by saying, “I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for any future employment opportunities. Jane worked for me as a sales associate for three years, and during that time, she proved to be a valuable asset to our team.”
Paragraph 2: In the next paragraph, provide an overview of the candidate’s work history and accomplishments. This should include any relevant experience, education, and training that the candidate has completed. For example, you might say something like, “During her time with our company, Jane consistently met and exceeded her sales targets. She was also responsible for training new team members and was recognized for her exceptional customer service skills.”
Paragraph 3: The third paragraph should provide specific examples of the candidate’s skills and accomplishments. Use bullet points to make this section easier to read. For example:
- Jane consistently met or exceeded her sales targets by an average of 20% each month.
- She was responsible for training all new sales associates, and her trainees consistently outperformed those trained by other managers.
- She received multiple awards for her exceptional customer service skills, including the “Customer Service Excellence” award two years in a row.
Paragraph 4: In the fourth paragraph, summarize your recommendation and express your confidence in the candidate’s ability to succeed in future employment opportunities. You might say something like, “Based on our experience working with Jane, we highly recommend her for any future employment opportunities. She is a skilled, dedicated, and reliable employee who would be an asset to any company.”
Closing: End the letter with a polite closing and your contact information. You might say something like, “Thank you for considering our recommendation. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions about Jane’s qualifications.”
In conclusion, when writing a general employment reference letter sample, it’s important to structure your letter in a clear and organized way. By following the basic structure outlined above, you can make sure that your letter provides a comprehensive picture of the candidate’s abilities and work history, and demonstrates why they would be a valuable employee for any future employer.
General Employment Reference Letter Samples
Sample 1: Recommendation for an Employee
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for any future employment opportunities. [He/She] has been an asset to our company and has shown an incredible work ethic during [his/her] employment here.
[Employee Name] has consistently exceeded our expectations, particularly in regards to [specific job duty]. [His/Her] attention to detail and willingness to take on new challenges make [him/her] a valuable asset to any team. In addition, [he/she] has excellent interpersonal skills and is able to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients alike.
I highly recommend [Employee Name] and am confident that [he/she] will excel in any future endeavors.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Recommendation for a Former Employee
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Former Employee Name] for any future employment opportunities. Although [he/she] is no longer with our company, [he/she] made a significant impact during [his/her] time here.
[Former Employee Name] was an extremely talented [specific job title] and consistently provided high-quality work. [He/She] was also an excellent team player and was always willing to lend a helping hand to colleagues. [His/Her] positive attitude and strong work ethic were an inspiration to those around [him/her].
I highly recommend [Former Employee Name] and am confident that [he/she] will make a valuable contribution to any organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Recommendation for a Volunteer
Dear [Organization’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Volunteer Name] for any future volunteering opportunities. [He/She] has been an invaluable member of our organization and has made a significant impact during [his/her] time here.
[Volunteer Name] has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to our mission. [He/She] has consistently gone above and beyond what is expected, particularly in regards to [specific volunteer duties]. [His/Her] positive attitude and willingness to take on new challenges make [him/her] a valuable asset to any team.
I highly recommend [Volunteer Name] and am confident that [he/she] will continue to make a positive impact in whatever capacity [he/she] chooses to serve.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Recommendation for an Intern
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Intern Name]. [He/She] has been a valuable member of our team and has made a significant contribution during [his/her] time here.
[Intern Name] has continually demonstrated a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn. [He/She] was able to quickly adapt to new situations and responsibilities, particularly in regards to [internship-specific tasks]. [His/Her] ability to work independently and as part of a team made [him/her] a valuable asset to our organization.
I highly recommend [Intern Name] and believe that [he/she] has the potential to achieve great success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Recommendation for an Employee Promotion
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for a promotion within our organization. [He/She] has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance and has made significant contributions to our team.
[Employee Name] has an exceptional work ethic and consistently exceeds expectations in regards to [specific job duties]. [He/She] is a proactive team player and is able to quickly adapt to new situations. [His/Her] excellent interpersonal skills and strong leadership abilities make [him/her] a valuable asset to our organization.
I highly recommend [Employee Name] for this well-deserved promotion and believe that [he/she] will continue to make a significant contribution to our organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Recommendation for an Employment Opportunity
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for any future employment opportunities. [He/She] was an outstanding employee during [his/her] time with our organization and consistently demonstrated exceptional work ethic and commitment to our mission.
[Employee Name] has a track record of success in regards to [specific job duties] and has an excellent ability to collaborate and communicate with colleagues and clients alike. [He/She] is a quick learner and is able to adapt to new situations with ease. [His/Her] strong work ethic and can-do attitude make [him/her] a valuable asset to any organization.
I highly recommend [Employee Name] and am confident that [he/she] will excel in any future endeavors.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Recommendation for a Contractor
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Contractor Name] for any future contracting opportunities. [He/She] has provided exceptional service to our organization and has consistently exceeded our expectations.
[Contractor Name] has demonstrated a strong commitment to quality and is able to work independently on complex projects. [He/She] was able to quickly understand our specific needs and consistently delivered on time and within budget. [His/Her] excellent communication skills and responsiveness made [him/her] a valuable partner to our organization.
I highly recommend [Contractor Name] and am confident that [he/she] will be a valuable asset to any organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a General Employment Reference Letter
When writing a reference letter for a colleague or employee, it’s important to provide an accurate and compelling recommendation that highlights their strengths and achievements. Here are some tips to consider when drafting a general employment reference letter:
- Include specific examples: Avoid vague statements and instead, provide examples of the employee’s accomplishments and positive qualities. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how the employee has contributed to the company, how they have performed well in their role, and how they have exceeded expectations.
- Focus on relevant skills: Tailor the reference letter to the position the employee is applying for and focus on their relevant skills and experience. Avoid providing information that is not pertinent to the position or is not a strong selling point.
- Highlight character traits: In addition to outlining the employee’s qualifications, it’s important to highlight their positive character traits, such as their work ethic, teamwork abilities, and reliability. These traits can be just as important as technical skills when it comes to landing a job.
- Keep it concise: While it’s important to provide enough detail to sell the employee, it’s also important to keep the letter concise. Ideally, the letter should be no longer than one page and should only include relevant information that will help the employee stand out in a positive way.
- Personalize the letter: Rather than using a form letter or generic template, take the time to personalize the letter for the employee. Use their name and specific details about their experience and skills to create a letter that feels tailored to their individual strengths.
- Be honest: Avoid exaggerating or providing false information about the employee’s qualifications or experience. It’s important to be honest in your assessment of their skills and abilities, even if that means pointing out areas where they need improvement. Employers will appreciate your honesty and candor.
By following these tips, you can create a strong reference letter that will help your colleague or employee stand out to potential employers and make a positive impression.
General Employment Reference Letter Sample FAQs
What is a general employment reference letter sample?
A general employment reference letter sample is a template or example of a reference letter that can be used by employers when writing a letter of recommendation for a former employee.
What should be included in a general employment reference letter sample?
A general employment reference letter sample should include the name of the former employee, their job title, the dates of their employment, and a brief description of their responsibilities and accomplishments while in the role.
Is it necessary to include the reason for the employee’s departure in the reference letter?
No, it is not necessary to include the reason for the employee’s departure in the reference letter. However, if the former employee left under good terms and their departure is relevant to their employment history, it can be beneficial to mention it briefly.
Can personal information about the employee be included in the reference letter?
It is generally not recommended to include personal information about the employee in the reference letter, as this information is not relevant to their job performance. However, if the employee has specifically requested that certain personal information be included, it may be appropriate to do so.
Should the reference letter be addressed to a specific person or company?
It is best to address the reference letter to a specific person or company if possible, as this shows that the letter was written specifically for that individual or organization. If you are unsure of who to address the letter to, it is acceptable to use a general greeting, such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
How long should a general employment reference letter sample be?
A general employment reference letter sample should be no longer than one page, and should be concise and to the point. It is generally more effective to focus on the employee’s specific skills and accomplishments rather than provide a lengthy summary of their employment history.
Is it appropriate to ask the former employee for input on the reference letter?
It is generally not necessary to ask the former employee for input on the reference letter, as this is the employer’s responsibility. However, if the former employee has specific information or accomplishments they would like the employer to include, it is appropriate to ask for their input.
Thank You For Reading!
I hope that this general employment reference letter sample has been helpful for you. Remember to always tailor your reference letter to fit the specific needs and qualifications of the job applicant. Providing a thoughtful and honest reference can make all the difference in their job search. If you need more tips or information on employment reference letters, feel free to check back later for more updates. Good luck with your future reference writing!