If you’ve been asked to write a reference letter for a former manager, you may be wondering where to start. A reference letter can be a powerful tool in helping someone secure a job, so it’s important to take the task seriously. In this article, we’ll provide sample reference letters for former managers, along with tips for creating effective letters that will help your former colleagues stand out in a crowded job market.
When someone asks you to write a reference letter for them, it’s an indication of the trust they have in you and your professional expertise. Writing a reference letter is an opportunity to help someone else succeed, and it can be a very rewarding experience. In this article, we’ll provide a variety of sample reference letters for former managers that you can use as a starting point for your own letters. These examples can be adapted as needed to fit the specific circumstances of the person you’re writing for.
A reference letter for a former manager should provide insight into the person’s work ethic, strengths, and overall professionalism. It should be written in a professional tone, and should provide specific examples of the person’s skills and accomplishments. It’s also important to describe the person’s character and personality, as this can be just as important to a potential employer as their technical skills. These sample letters will provide a framework that you can use to create your own letters, customized to the individual you’re writing for.
You can find examples of sample reference letters for former managers online, and can edit them as needed to fit the specific circumstances of the person you’re writing for. It’s important to personalize each letter to the individual, so that it doesn’t sound like a generic form letter. Adding personal touches and specific examples will help the letter stand out and make a stronger impact.
Sample Reference Letter for Former Manager – Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the position of [job title] at your company. I had the pleasure of managing [Name] at [company name] for [length of time], and during that time I was consistently impressed with their work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to their job.
[Name] consistently exceeded expectations in their role at [company name]. They [specific example].
I am confident that [Name] would make a valuable addition to your team. They have a strong work ethic, excellent interpersonal skills, and a commitment to excellence that would make them an asset to any organization. I give them my highest recommendation without reservation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Reference Letter for Former Manager – Graduate School Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for admission to [graduate program]. I had the pleasure of managing [Name] at [company name] for [length of time], and during that time I was consistently impressed with their work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to their job.
[Name] consistently exceeded expectations in their role at [company name]. They [specific example].
I believe that [Name] would excel in a graduate program, and would be a valuable addition to your academic community. They have a strong academic record, excellent critical thinking skills, and a dedication to learning that would serve them well in a graduate program. I am confident that [Name] would make an excellent addition to your program, and I give them my highest recommendation without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Reference Letter for Former Manager – Immigration
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for their application for [type of visa or immigration status]. I had the pleasure of managing [Name] at [company name] for [length of time], and during that time I was consistently impressed with their work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to their job.
[Name] consistently exceeded expectations in their role at [company name]. They [specific example].
I believe that [Name] would be a valuable addition to [country name], both personally and professionally. They have a strong track record of success in their career, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to excellence that would make them an asset to any organization. I give them my highest recommendation without reservation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Reference Letter for Former Manager – Academic Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [scholarship name] scholarship. I had the pleasure of managing [Name] at [company name] for [length of time], and during that time I was consistently impressed with their work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to their job.
[Name] consistently exceeded expectations in their role at [company name]. They [specific example].
I believe that [Name] would be an excellent candidate for this scholarship. They have a strong academic record, excellent critical thinking skills, and a dedication to learning that would make them a valuable addition to your academic community. I am confident that [Name] would make the most of this opportunity, and I give them my highest recommendation without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Reference Letter for Former Manager – Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for volunteer work with your organization. I had the pleasure of managing [Name] at [company name] for [length of time], and during that time I was consistently impressed with their work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to their job.
[Name] consistently exceeded expectations in their role at [company name]. They [specific example].
I believe that [Name] would make a valuable volunteer for your organization. They have a strong commitment to community service, excellent interpersonal skills, and a dedication to excellence that would make them an asset to any organization. I give them my highest recommendation without reservation.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Reference Letter for Former Manager – Personal Recommendation
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for [purpose of recommendation]. I had the pleasure of managing [Name] at [company name] for [length of time], and during that time I was consistently impressed with their work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to their job.
[Name] consistently exceeded expectations in their role at [company name]. They [specific example].
I believe that [Name] is an exceptional individual, with a strong character, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to excellence in all areas of their life. They have a passion for [specific interest or hobby], and have achieved [specific accomplishment]. I give them my highest recommendation without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an Effective Reference Letter
If you’re writing a reference letter for a former manager, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
1. Be specific.
Provide specific examples of the person’s work, accomplishments, and strengths. Avoid generic statements like “they’re a hard worker” or “they’re a team player” without providing specific examples to back up those claims.
2. Use a professional tone.
Your letter should be written in a professional tone, with correct grammar and spelling. Avoid slang, jargon, or casual language.
3. Be honest.
Don’t exaggerate the person’s skills or accomplishments, but don’t sell them short either. Be honest and straightforward in your assessment of their abilities and potential.
4. Customize each letter.
Personalize each letter to the individual and the situation. Avoid using generic form letters that could apply to anyone.
5. Consider the audience.
Think about who will be reading the letter, and what they might be looking for in a candidate. Tailor your letter to the specific audience and situation.
6. Get permission.
Before you write a reference letter for someone, make sure you have their permission and that they’re comfortable with what you plan to say. Be sure to ask them what they want you to emphasize in the letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a reference letter for a former manager?
A reference letter for a former manager should include specific examples of the person’s skills, accomplishments, and character. It should be written in a professional tone, and should be tailored to the specific job or situation the person is applying for.
How long should a reference letter for a former manager be?
A reference letter for a former manager should be about one to two pages long, depending on the specific circumstances. It should be long enough to provide a thorough and detailed assessment of the person’s skills and potential, but not so long that it becomes repetitive or overly detailed.
What should the greeting be in a reference letter for a former manager?
The greeting in a reference letter for a former manager should be tailored to the specific situation and audience. Use a formal greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager” for a job application, or “To Whom It May Concern” for a more general recommendation letter.
What should the letter body contain in a reference letter for a former manager?
The letter body in a reference letter for a former manager should contain specific examples of the person’s skills, accomplishments, and character. It should provide a detailed assessment of their potential as a candidate for the specific job or situation they’re applying for.
What should the complimentary close be in a reference letter for a former manager?
The complimentary close in a reference letter for a former manager should be tailored to the specific situation and audience. Use a formal closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards” for a job application, or “Yours truly” for a more general recommendation letter.
What is the purpose of a reference letter for a former manager?
The purpose of a reference letter for a former manager is to provide insight into the person’s work ethic, strengths, and overall professionalism. It can be a powerful tool in helping someone secure a job, and can be an opportunity to help someone else succeed.
How can I make my reference letter for a former manager stand out?
To make your reference letter for a former manager stand out, provide specific examples of the person’s skills and accomplishments, and tailor the letter to the specific situation and audience. Personalize the letter to the individual, and avoid using generic form letters that could apply to anyone.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for a former manager can be a rewarding experience, and can help someone else succeed in their career or academic pursuits. By providing specific examples of the person’s skills and accomplishments, and tailoring the letter to the specific situation and audience, you can make your letter stand out and make a strong impact. Use these sample letters as a starting point, and customize them as needed to fit the individual you’re writing for.