Are you in need of a recommendation letter from your previous employer? Look no further! This article will provide you with tips, examples, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you create a strong and effective recommendation letter.
Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter From Previous Employer
Start with a strong opening, explaining your relationship with the employee and why you are writing the letter. Use specific examples to showcase the employee’s skills and achievements. Be honest and detailed, but also professional and concise. End with a strong closing, offering your contact information and willingness to further discuss the employee’s qualifications.
Example 1: Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend John Doe for admission to your graduate program in computer science. As John’s former supervisor at XYZ Company, I had the pleasure of working closely with him for two years, and I can attest to his exceptional skills and work ethic.
John consistently demonstrated his technical proficiency and creativity in his work, often going above and beyond to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. He also worked effectively in a team environment, collaborating with colleagues and clients to achieve successful outcomes.
I am confident that John’s dedication and passion for computer science, along with his strong communication and leadership skills, will make him an asset to your program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information. Thank you for considering John’s application.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Former Supervisor at XYZ Company
Example 2: Recommendation Letter for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to strongly recommend Sarah Lee for the position of Marketing Manager at your company. As Sarah’s former employer at ABC Agency, I had the pleasure of working with her for five years, and I can attest to her outstanding skills and accomplishments in the field of marketing.
Sarah consistently demonstrated her creativity and strategic thinking in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns for our clients. She also showed exceptional leadership and teamwork skills, often mentoring and guiding her colleagues to achieve their goals.
I am confident that Sarah’s experience, skills, and dedication to the field of marketing will make her a valuable addition to your team. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information. Thank you for considering Sarah’s application.
Best regards,
David Kim
Former Employer at ABC Agency
Example 3: Recommendation Letter for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend Maria Lopez for the scholarship program at your institution. As Maria’s former supervisor at DEF Corporation, I had the pleasure of working with her for three years, and I can attest to her exceptional skills and dedication to her goals.
Maria consistently demonstrated her academic excellence and passion for learning, often taking on challenging projects and assignments with great enthusiasm. She also showed exceptional leadership skills, often mentoring and guiding her peers to achieve their academic and personal goals.
I am confident that Maria’s academic achievements, skills, and dedication to her goals will make her a worthy recipient of your scholarship program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information. Thank you for considering Maria’s application.
Sincerely,
Robert Johnson
Former Supervisor at DEF Corporation
Example 4: Recommendation Letter for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to strongly recommend Michael Brown for your volunteer program. As Michael’s former supervisor at GHI Foundation, I had the pleasure of working with him for two years, and I can attest to his exceptional skills and dedication to volunteering and community service.
Michael consistently demonstrated his commitment to helping others and making a positive difference in his community. He also showed exceptional organizational and teamwork skills, often leading and coordinating volunteer projects with great success.
I am confident that Michael’s passion for volunteering and his outstanding skills and leadership abilities will make him a valuable asset to your program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information. Thank you for considering Michael’s application.
Best regards,
Lisa Rodriguez
Former Supervisor at GHI Foundation
Example 5: Recommendation Letter for Graduate School Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to strongly recommend James Kim for the graduate school scholarship at your institution. As James’ former employer at JKL Consulting, I had the pleasure of working with him for four years, and I can attest to his exceptional skills and dedication to his professional goals.
James consistently demonstrated his outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills in his work, often developing innovative solutions and strategies for our clients. He also showed exceptional leadership and communication skills, often mentoring and guiding his colleagues to achieve their goals.
I am confident that James’ experience, skills, and dedication to his professional goals will make him a worthy recipient of your graduate school scholarship. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information. Thank you for considering James’ application.
Sincerely,
Emily Park
Former Employer at JKL Consulting
Example 6: Recommendation Letter for Internship Application
Dear Internship Coordinator,
I am writing to strongly recommend Anna Lee for the internship program at your company. As Anna’s former supervisor at MNO Corporation, I had the pleasure of working with her for one year, and I can attest to her exceptional skills and dedication to her professional goals.
Anna consistently demonstrated her strong work ethic and attention to detail in her work, often producing high-quality and accurate results. She also showed exceptional communication and teamwork skills, often collaborating effectively with her colleagues to achieve successful outcomes.
I am confident that Anna’s experience, skills, and dedication to her professional goals will make her a valuable addition to your internship program. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or require additional information. Thank you for considering Anna’s application.
Best regards,
John Kim
Former Supervisor at MNO Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter should include an introduction that explains your relationship with the employee and why you are writing the letter, specific examples that showcase the employee’s skills and achievements, and a strong closing that offers your contact information and willingness to further discuss the employee’s qualifications.
How should I address the recipient of a recommendation letter?
You should address the recipient of a recommendation letter with a formal greeting, such as “Dear Admissions Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” If you are unsure of the recipient’s name or title, you can use a general salutation such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
What should I avoid in a recommendation letter?
You should avoid vague or generic statements that do not provide specific examples of the employee’s skills and achievements. You should also avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting the employee’s qualifications, as this can undermine the credibility of the letter.
Can I use a template for a recommendation letter?
Yes, you can find many templates for recommendation letters online or in writing guides. However, it is important to customize the letter to the specific employee and situation, and to avoid using generic or overused language.
How long should a recommendation letter be?
A recommendation letter should be one to two pages long, depending on the specific requirements of the recipient or situation. It should be detailed and specific, but also concise and easy to read.
What should I do if I cannot write a strong recommendation letter?
If you cannot write a strong recommendation letter for an employee, it is better to decline the request or suggest that the employee find another reference who can provide a more positive assessment. It is important to be honest and transparent, but also professional and respectful.
Can I offer to edit or revise a recommendation letter?
Yes, you can offer to edit or revise a recommendation letter that you have written for an employee, or that another reference has written. However, it is important to ensure that the final version accurately reflects the employee’s skills and achievements, and does not misrepresent or exaggerate their qualifications.
Conclusion
Writing a strong and effective recommendation letter from a previous employer requires careful attention to detail, specific examples of the employee’s skills and achievements, and a professional and respectful tone. By following the tips, examples, and answers to frequently asked questions provided in this article, you can create a compelling and persuasive letter that showcases the employee’s qualifications and potential for success.