When it comes to finding new job opportunities, having a strong work reference can make all the difference. A good work reference can showcase your skills, experience, and work ethic to potential employers, giving them a clear picture of what you can bring to their team. However, writing a work reference can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unsure of what to include. In this article, we’ll provide tips for crafting a strong work reference, as well as seven examples to get you started.
Tips for Creating a Strong Work Reference
Before we dive into the examples, let’s take a look at some tips for creating a strong work reference:
1. Be Specific
When writing a work reference, it’s important to be as specific as possible. Use concrete examples to showcase the employee’s skills, such as “During their time at the company, John consistently met or exceeded his sales goals, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue.”
2. Use Active Language
Active language can make a work reference more engaging and impactful. Instead of saying “Samantha was a hard worker,” try “Samantha consistently went above and beyond in her work, often taking on additional responsibilities to support the team.”
3. Include Relevant Details
Make sure your work reference includes relevant details, such as the employee’s job title, the dates of their employment, and any notable achievements or accomplishments.
4. Edit and Proofread
Before submitting a work reference, make sure to edit and proofread it carefully. Typos and grammar errors can detract from the overall impact of the reference.
Now that we’ve covered some tips for creating a strong work reference, let’s take a look at some examples.
Good Work Reference Example for Sales Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend John Smith for your sales position. During his time at our company, John consistently met or exceeded his sales goals, resulting in a 25% increase in revenue for the department. He is an excellent communicator who is able to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike. His strong work ethic and positive attitude make him a valuable asset to any team.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Good Work Reference Example for Customer Service Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend Samantha Jones for your customer service position. Samantha consistently went above and beyond in her work, often taking on additional responsibilities to support the team. She has a talent for resolving customer issues quickly and effectively, and always maintains a positive and friendly demeanor. I have no doubt that she would be an asset to your team.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Good Work Reference Example for Marketing Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend Sarah Lee for your marketing position. Sarah is a highly talented marketer who consistently brings new and creative ideas to the table. During her time at our company, she spearheaded several successful campaigns that resulted in significant increases in brand awareness and sales. She is a strong communicator who is able to collaborate effectively with both internal teams and external partners.
Best regards,
Tom Smith
Good Work Reference Example for Engineering Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend Michael Johnson for your engineering position. Michael is a highly skilled engineer who consistently produces high-quality work. He has a strong attention to detail and is able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. During his time at our company, he played a key role in several major projects and consistently delivered results that exceeded our expectations.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Good Work Reference Example for Teaching Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend Emily Nguyen for your teaching position. Emily is a highly skilled and passionate educator who is dedicated to helping her students succeed. She has a natural ability to connect with students and is able to create engaging and effective lesson plans. During her time at our school, she consistently received high marks from students and colleagues alike.
Best regards,
Tom Smith
Good Work Reference Example for Writing Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend David Kim for your writing position. David is a highly talented writer who consistently produces engaging and thought-provoking content. He has a strong grasp of grammar and writing mechanics, and is able to effectively tailor his writing to target audiences. During his time at our company, he played a key role in several major projects and consistently delivered high-quality work under tight deadlines.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Good Work Reference Example for Healthcare Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend Rachel Chen for your healthcare position. Rachel is a highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professional who is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to her patients. She has a strong attention to detail and is able to effectively communicate with patients and their families. During her time at our hospital, she consistently went above and beyond in her work and was highly respected by both colleagues and patients.
Best regards,
Tom Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a work reference?
A work reference should include the employee’s job title, dates of employment, notable achievements or accomplishments, and specific examples of their skills and work ethic. Use active language and be as specific as possible.
How should I format a work reference?
A work reference should be formatted like a formal letter, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use a professional tone and edit and proofread carefully before submitting.
What if I don’t have a lot of experience writing work references?
If you don’t have a lot of experience writing work references, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can find examples online and edit them as needed to fit the specific employee and job opportunity.
How many work references should I include with my job application?
It’s typically recommended to include three work references with your job application. Make sure to choose references who know you well and can speak to your skills and work ethic.
What if I don’t have any work references?
If you don’t have any work references, consider reaching out to former professors, coaches, or other mentors who can speak to your skills and character. You can also include personal references, such as family friends or community leaders.
What if I’m not sure if a former employer will give me a good reference?
If you’re not sure if a former employer will give you a good reference, it’s best to choose a different reference. You want to make sure that all of your references are able to speak positively about your skills and work ethic.
Conclusion
A good work reference can be a valuable tool in your job search. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can create strong and effective work references that showcase your skills and experience to potential employers.