Are you looking for a new job? One of the most important things you need is a recommendation from your previous employer. A recommendation can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting hired. In this article, we will discuss the importance of a recommendation from your previous employer, give you tips on how to get one, and provide examples to help you get started.
Tips for Getting a Recommendation From Your Previous Employer
If you want to get a strong recommendation from your previous employer, here are some tips to help you:
- Ask for a recommendation in person or over the phone.
- Provide your previous employer with a list of your accomplishments and responsibilities.
- Give your previous employer enough time to write the recommendation.
- Ask for feedback on the recommendation before it is finalized.
- Thank your previous employer for their time and effort.
Examples of Recommendation From Previous Employer
Recommendation for Sales Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am pleased to recommend [Name] for the sales position in your company. [Name] was an outstanding member of our sales team for three years and was consistently one of our top performers.
[Name] has excellent communication skills and is very adept at building relationships with clients. [He/She] also has a strong work ethic and consistently met or exceeded [his/her] sales targets. I am confident that [he/she] will be a valuable asset to your company.
Thank you for considering [Name] for the sales position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Project Manager Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the project manager position in your organization. [Name] worked as a project manager in my team for three years and demonstrated excellent project management skills during that time.
[Name] is a detail-oriented individual who is capable of managing complex projects within tight deadlines. [He/She] is also skilled at managing project teams and ensuring that everyone is working towards a common goal. [He/She] has a strong work ethic and is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that projects are completed successfully.
I highly recommend [Name] for the project manager position in your organization. [He/She] would be a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you for considering [Name] for the position. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Teaching Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the teaching position in your school. [Name] worked as a teacher in our school for five years and demonstrated excellent teaching skills during that time.
[Name] has a passion for teaching and is dedicated to ensuring that every student in [his/her] class is successful. [He/She] is patient, kind, and has a unique ability to connect with students of all ages. [He/She] is also skilled at developing lesson plans that are engaging and effective.
I highly recommend [Name] for the teaching position in your school. [He/She] would be an excellent addition to your team.
Thank you for considering [Name] for the position. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Engineering Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Name] for the engineering position in your company. [Name] worked as a mechanical engineer in our company for six years and was an outstanding member of our team.
[Name] is a highly skilled engineer with excellent problem-solving skills. [He/She] is also a great team player and is always willing to help others. [He/She] has a strong work ethic and consistently met or exceeded [his/her] targets.
I am confident that [Name] would be a valuable addition to your team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Customer Service Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the customer service position in your company. [Name] worked as a customer service representative in our company for three years and was one of our top performers.
[Name] is an excellent communicator who is skilled at dealing with customers in a professional and courteous manner. [He/She] is also very patient and has a unique ability to resolve customer complaints in a timely and effective manner.
I highly recommend [Name] for the customer service position in your company. [He/She] would be an asset to your team.
Thank you for considering [Name] for the position. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Graphic Designer Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the graphic designer position in your organization. [Name] worked as a graphic designer in my team for four years and demonstrated excellent design skills during that time.
[Name] is a creative individual who is capable of developing unique and innovative designs. [He/She] is also skilled at using various design software programs and is always up-to-date with the latest design trends. [He/She] has a strong work ethic and consistently met or exceeded [his/her] design targets.
I highly recommend [Name] for the graphic designer position in your organization. [He/She] would be an excellent addition to your team.
Thank you for considering [Name] for the position. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for IT Position
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Name] for the IT position in your company. [Name] worked as an IT professional in our company for five years and was an outstanding member of our team.
[Name] is a highly skilled IT professional with excellent technical skills. [He/She] is also a great team player and is always willing to help others. [He/She] has a strong work ethic and consistently met or exceeded [his/her] targets.
I am confident that [Name] would be a valuable addition to your team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is a recommendation from a previous employer?
A recommendation from a previous employer can be very important, especially when you are applying for a new job. It can help you stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of getting hired. A strong recommendation can also give potential employers insight into your work ethic, skills, and character.
How do I ask my previous employer for a recommendation?
You can ask your previous employer for a recommendation in person or over the phone. Be sure to provide them with a list of your accomplishments and responsibilities so they can include specific examples in their recommendation. Give them enough time to write the recommendation and ask for feedback before it is finalized. Finally, thank them for their time and effort.
What should I do if my previous employer declines to give me a recommendation?
If your previous employer declines to give you a recommendation, try to understand why. They may not have the time or resources to write a recommendation or they may not feel comfortable doing so. Ask if there is anything you can do to change their mind and be respectful of their decision.
Can I write my own recommendation and have my previous employer sign it?
While it is not recommended, you can write your own recommendation and have your previous employer sign it. However, it is important to remember that the recommendation should be honest and accurate. Your previous employer may make changes to the recommendation before signing it.
How many recommendations should I include with my job application?
It is generally recommended to include two to three recommendations with your job application. Make sure the recommendations are relevant to the position you are applying for and come from individuals who can speak to your skills and experience.
Can I use a recommendation from a previous employer if I was fired?
It is possible to use a recommendation from a previous employer even if you were fired, but it is important to be honest about the circumstances surrounding your departure. Your previous employer may still be able to provide a positive recommendation based on your work ethic and skills.
Can I use a recommendation from a previous employer if I haven’t worked for them in a long time?
Yes, you can use a recommendation from a previous employer even if you haven’t worked for them in a long time. However, it is important to make sure the recommendation is still relevant and that the employer can speak to your skills and experience.
Conclusion
A recommendation from your previous employer can be a valuable asset when you are searching for a new job. By following the tips we have provided and using the examples as a guide, you can increase your chances of getting a strong recommendation that will help you stand out from other candidates. Remember to be respectful of your previous employer’s time and effort and to thank them for their help.