When applying for a new job or seeking to further your education, a reference letter from a former employer can go a long way in helping you secure your desired position. A reference letter provides a prospective employer or academic institution with insight into your work ethic, skills, and character. In this article, we will discuss the basics of writing a reference letter from a former employer, provide tips for creating effective reference letters, and present a few examples to guide you in crafting your own.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter From a Former Employer
Before creating a reference letter, consider the following tips:
- Begin by addressing the letter to the appropriate individual or institution.
- Introduce yourself and state your position and the company or organization you represent.
- Briefly explain your relationship with the applicant and the length of time you worked together.
- Provide specific examples of the applicant’s skills, work ethic, and accomplishments.
- Use positive language to describe the applicant.
- Avoid general statements or exaggerations.
- End the letter by offering your recommendation and providing your contact information.
Examples of Reference Letters From a Former Employer
Reference Letter for a Sales Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend Jane Doe for the sales position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with Jane for three years while she was a sales representative at ABC Corporation. Jane consistently met or exceeded her sales targets while providing excellent customer service to her clients. She has excellent communication skills, is highly organized, and is always willing to take on new projects. I am confident that Jane will be an asset to your team.
Best regards,
John Smith
Reference Letter for a Graduate School Application
Dear Graduate Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend John Doe for admission to your graduate program. I had the pleasure of supervising John for two years while he worked as a research assistant in the psychology department at XYZ University. John is an intelligent, hardworking, and dedicated individual. He consistently demonstrated excellent research and writing skills and contributed to several research projects that resulted in published articles. I am confident that John has the academic ability and motivation to excel in your program.
Best regards,
Jane Smith
Reference Letter for a Teaching Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend Sarah Johnson for the teaching position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah for five years while she was a teacher at ABC Elementary School. Sarah is an excellent educator who is passionate about teaching and dedicated to her students. She has excellent classroom management skills, is highly organized, and is always willing to try new teaching strategies. I am confident that Sarah will be an asset to your school.
Sincerely,
Tom Wilson
Reference Letter for a Medical School Application
Dear Medical School Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend Michael Lee for admission to your medical school. I had the pleasure of supervising Michael for two years while he worked as a research assistant in the neuroscience department at XYZ University. Michael is a highly motivated and intelligent individual who consistently demonstrated excellent research and analytical skills. He contributed to several research projects that resulted in published articles and presented his work at several national conferences. I am confident that Michael has the academic ability and motivation to excel in your medical program.
Best regards,
Emily Chen
Reference Letter for a Customer Service Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend David Kim for the customer service position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with David for three years while he was a customer service representative at ABC Corporation. David consistently provided excellent customer service to our clients and demonstrated excellent communication and problem-solving skills. He is highly organized, reliable, and has excellent attention to detail. I am confident that David will be an asset to your team.
Sincerely,
Amy Lee
Reference Letter for a Law School Application
Dear Law School Admissions Committee,
I am writing to highly recommend Jennifer Park for admission to your law school. I had the pleasure of supervising Jennifer for two years while she worked as a paralegal at XYZ Law Firm. Jennifer is a highly intelligent and dedicated individual who consistently demonstrated excellent research and writing skills. She contributed to several complex cases and assisted in drafting legal briefs that resulted in successful outcomes for our clients. I am confident that Jennifer has the academic ability and motivation to excel in your law program.
Best regards,
David Kim
Reference Letter for an IT Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to highly recommend Alex Lee for the IT position at your company. I had the pleasure of working with Alex for four years while he was a network administrator at ABC Corporation. Alex consistently demonstrated excellent technical skills and knowledge, and was always willing to take on new projects. He has excellent problem-solving skills, is highly organized, and has excellent attention to detail. I am confident that Alex will be an asset to your IT team.
Sincerely,
Emily Kim
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I ask for a reference letter from a former employer?
You can ask for a reference letter from a former employer by sending them a polite email or message explaining why you need the reference letter and providing a deadline for when you need it. It’s important to give your former employer enough time to write the letter, and to thank them for their time and assistance.
What information should be included in a reference letter from a former employer?
A reference letter from a former employer should include the name and contact information of the person to whom the letter is addressed, the name and position of the applicant, the length of time the writer worked with the applicant, specific examples of the applicant’s skills, work ethic, and accomplishments, a recommendation for the applicant, and the writer’s contact information.
Can a reference letter from a former employer be negative?
While a reference letter from a former employer can be negative, it’s important to remember that negative letters can harm an applicant’s chances of securing employment or admission to a program. As a result, it’s generally best to decline to write a letter if you cannot write a positive one.
What’s the best way to format a reference letter from a former employer?
A reference letter from a former employer should be professional and formatted like a business letter. It should include the writer’s contact information, the date, the recipient’s contact information, a greeting, a brief introduction, the body of the letter, a conclusion, and a signature.
Do I need to provide a copy of my resume or CV to my former employer when requesting a reference letter?
It’s not necessary to provide a copy of your resume or CV to your former employer when requesting a reference letter. However, it’s a good idea to provide them with an update on your career goals, accomplishments, and any relevant information that will help them write a strong letter.
How long should a reference letter from a former employer be?
A reference letter from a former employer should be around one page or less. It should be long enough to provide specific examples of the applicant’s skills, work ethic, and accomplishments, but not so long that it becomes repetitive or loses the reader’s attention.
Conclusion
A reference letter from a former employer can be a valuable asset when applying for a new job or seeking further education. By following the tips outlined in this article and using the examples provided, you can create a strong and effective reference letter that showcases your skills and abilities to potential employers or academic institutions.