One of your best employees is leaving and you need to write an employment reference letter. You want to write good things without sounding rehearsed or standardized. At the same time, you do not want the letter to read too sappy. There are three main areas which should be addressed in any reference letter. You want to discuss your subject’s skills, how he/she performed in the old job, and how he/she will do in a new job.
Discuss Your Employee’s Skills
You need to discuss how your subject’s education and past experience translates into his/her skill set. What are his or her best assets? Is he/she very organized, self motivated, good at research, punctual, or good at writing? Pick out two or three of this employee’s best features and really play them up. How does the employee demonstrate these attributes in the office and in productivity? Think about what this employee brings to the table that you appreciate; then write about it.
How Your Employee Performed in The Old Job?
Next you should relate these skills to how the subject functions in an office environment. How did his/her skills translate into functionality? You can use this opportunity to discuss the employee’s attitude. Is he/she cooperative and happy in the office? Does he/she work well in a group for the good of the company? Feel free to get a little personal, what is it that you will miss about this worker? Describe what the employee brought to the table- how he/she benefitted your company.
How Your Employee Will Perform in The New Job?
Finally, you must address the purpose when you write an employment reference letter – why a new company should hire this person. Discuss how his/her attributes are flexible and can benefit various types of companies and organizations. Stress that the subject’s skills are not limited to a specific field, but can adapt and translate to fit any company’s needs.
A Good Example of An Employment Reference Letter is As Follows:
“To whom it may concern,
_________ has been a valued member of _____________ for the past six years. I have found him to be a hard worker. He excels in working with computer programs. He has applied this in designing many spreadsheets for the company in his department.
______ is knowledgeable and has a talent for conducting good research. He translates this research into results. He has created charts and grafts portraying how to boost efficiency levels within the company. He is punctual and reliable-a true team player.
I am sure that wherever ________ goes he will be an enormous asset. His talents combined with astounding work ethic will make him a valuable part of any company or organization. He will truly be missed at _________.
Sincerely,
__________”
In general, keep it brief when you write an employment reference letter. This is not to say that you do not have plenty about which to praise your former employee. Potential employers, however, do not have all day to read a letter gushing over every detail of someone’s abilities. Be concise. Remember to praise, but be professional about it. In signing the letter, include your full name with title below the signature. Use a professional template to type the letter. The letter should appear as legitimate as possible. You are talking to another employer who holds the key to your employee’s future success.
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