If you are a job seeker, a testimonial letter from a previous employer can be a valuable addition to your job application. It can provide potential employers with insight into your work ethic, skills, and character from someone who has worked with you before. In this article, we will provide tips and examples of testimonial letters from previous employers.
If you are looking for a way to enhance your job application and stand out from other candidates, a testimonial letter from a previous employer can help you do just that. This letter is a testament to your work ethic, skills, and character from someone who has worked with you before. Read on to learn how to create a strong testimonial letter and find examples you can edit as needed.
Tips for Writing a Testimonial Letter From Previous Employer
When writing a testimonial letter from a previous employer, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Highlight specific attributes
Focus on specific attributes that you found valuable in the employee. This could be their work ethic, creativity, problem-solving skills, or ability to work under pressure.
2. Be specific
Provide specific examples that illustrate the employee’s attributes. This could be a project they completed, a challenging situation they handled well, or a goal they achieved.
3. Use a professional tone
The letter should have a professional tone, similar to a business letter. Use a formal greeting and closing, and make sure the letter is free of errors.
4. Keep it brief
A testimonial letter should be no more than one page long. Focus on the employee’s strengths and keep the letter concise.
5. Offer to discuss further
Include your contact information at the end of the letter and offer to discuss the employee further if needed.
Examples of Testimonial Letters From Previous Employers
Letter of Recommendation for Problem-Solving Skills
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for the position of [Job Title]. During [his/her] time at [Company Name], [he/she] demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills that allowed [us/our team] to overcome a number of obstacles. For example, [he/she] was instrumental in developing a new process that reduced production time by 20%, resulting in significant cost savings for the company.
[Employee Name] is a dedicated and hardworking employee who consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of [him/her]. [His/Her] attention to detail and ability to think critically make [him/her] an excellent candidate for any position that requires problem-solving skills.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Employee Name]’s qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Leadership Skills
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for the position of [Job Title]. During [his/her] time at [Company Name], [he/she] demonstrated exceptional leadership skills that made [him/her] a valuable member of our team. [He/She] was responsible for managing a team of [number] employees and consistently exceeded expectations in terms of productivity and efficiency.
[Employee Name] is an energetic and enthusiastic employee who is always looking for ways to improve [his/her] team’s performance. [He/She] is an excellent communicator and is able to motivate [his/her] team to achieve even the most challenging goals. I have no doubt that [he/she] will be an asset to any company that values strong leadership skills.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Employee Name]’s qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Communication Skills
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for the position of [Job Title]. During [his/her] time at [Company Name], [he/she] demonstrated exceptional communication skills that made [him/her] a valuable member of our team. [He/She] was responsible for communicating with clients and vendors and consistently exceeded expectations in terms of professionalism and responsiveness.
[Employee Name] is an articulate and diplomatic employee who is able to build positive relationships with a wide range of people. [He/She] is able to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that clients and vendors are satisfied. I have no doubt that [he/she] will be an asset to any company that values strong communication skills.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Employee Name]’s qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Work Ethic
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for the position of [Job Title]. During [his/her] time at [Company Name], [he/she] demonstrated exceptional work ethic that made [him/her] a valuable member of our team. [He/She] was responsible for managing several complex projects and consistently exceeded expectations in terms of quality and timeliness.
[Employee Name] is a dedicated and hardworking employee who never hesitates to go above and beyond what is expected of [him/her]. [He/She] is able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and is always willing to lend a hand to colleagues who need assistance. I have no doubt that [he/she] will be an asset to any company that values strong work ethic.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Employee Name]’s qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Creativity and Innovation
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for the position of [Job Title]. During [his/her] time at [Company Name], [he/she] demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovation that allowed [us/our team] to stay ahead of the competition. [He/She] was responsible for developing several new products that were very successful in the marketplace.
[Employee Name] is a creative and innovative employee who is always looking for ways to improve [his/her] team’s performance. [He/She] is able to think outside the box and is not afraid to take risks. I have no doubt that [he/she] will be an asset to any company that values creativity and innovation.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Employee Name]’s qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Customer Service Skills
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for the position of [Job Title]. During [his/her] time at [Company Name], [he/she] demonstrated exceptional customer service skills that made [him/her] a valuable member of our team. [He/She] was responsible for interacting with clients and consistently exceeded expectations in terms of professionalism and responsiveness.
[Employee Name] is an empathic and patient employee who is able to build positive relationships with clients. [He/She] is able to listen carefully to clients’ needs and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that they are satisfied. I have no doubt that [he/she] will be an asset to any company that values strong customer service skills.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Employee Name]’s qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Attention to Detail
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I am writing to recommend [Employee Name] for the position of [Job Title]. During [his/her] time at [Company Name], [he/she] demonstrated exceptional attention to detail that made [him/her] a valuable member of our team. [He/She] was responsible for managing several complex projects and consistently exceeded expectations in terms of quality and accuracy.
[Employee Name] is a meticulous employee who is able to catch even the smallest errors. [He/She] is able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and is always willing to double-check [his/her] work to ensure that it is error-free. I have no doubt that [he/she] will be an asset to any company that values strong attention to detail.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or would like to discuss [Employee Name]’s qualifications further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a testimonial letter from a previous employer?
A testimonial letter from a previous employer should include specific attributes that the employee demonstrated, specific examples that illustrate those attributes, and a professional tone. Keep the letter brief and offer to discuss the employee further if needed.
Who should I ask to write a testimonial letter?
You should ask a previous employer or manager who can attest to your work ethic, skills, and character. Ideally, this person should have worked with you for a substantial amount of time and can provide specific examples of your contributions to the company.
Can I edit the testimonial letter before sending it to potential employers?
Yes, you can edit the testimonial letter before sending it to potential employers. However, make sure to get permission from the author of the letter and do not alter the content in a way that misrepresents what was said.
Do I need more than one testimonial letter?
No, you do not need more than one testimonial letter. However, having multiple letters from different employers can provide a more comprehensive view of your skills and character.
When should I provide a testimonial letter to potential employers?
You should provide a testimonial letter to potential employers when you submit your job application. You can include it in your cover letter or attach it as a separate document.
What if I do not have a previous employer who can write a testimonial letter for me?
If you do not have a previous employer who can write a testimonial letter for you, you can ask a colleague, mentor, or teacher who can attest to your skills and character. Make sure to get their permission and provide them with information about the job you are applying for.
Conclusion
A testimonial letter from a previous employer can be a valuable addition to your job application. It provides potential employers with insight into your work ethic, skills, and character from someone who has worked with you before. Use the tips and examples provided in this article to create a strong testimonial letter that highlights your strengths and sets you apart from other candidates.