How to Write an Employment Reference Letter

Writing an employment reference letter is a way to vouch for a colleague’s performance and character. It helps someone get their next job. This guide explains how to do it right.

What Should Be Included in an Employment Reference Letter?

A good employment reference letter should contain several key elements:

• Contact Information: Include your name, address, and contact details at the top. Also, add the date and the employer’s name and address.

• Introduction: Start by stating who you are and your relationship with the person you're recommending. Mention your job position and the duration you've known the person.

• Positive Qualities and Achievements: Describe the person’s strengths. Highlight their skills and achievements in the workplace. Be specific about what they did and how it helped the company.

• Professional Suitability: Explain why the person is suited for the new job. Connect their skills to the job requirements.

Example of Employment Reference Letter

Let's look at an example to understand better.

[Your Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]

[Date]

[Employer's Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Employer’s Name],

I am writing to recommend [Employee’s Name] for the position of [Position Name] at your company. During the [number] years [Employee’s Name] worked at [Your Company], I had the pleasure of being [his/her] [Supervisor/Manager/Colleague].

In [his/her] role as [Employee’s Job Title], [Employee's Name] demonstrated exceptional skills in [specific skill or area]. For example, [he/she] successfully led a project that [describe the project and results]. [He/She] is known for being [list qualities such as reliable, hardworking, or creative].

[Employee's Name] has an outstanding ability to [specific task or skill]. [He/She] consistently met all performance benchmarks. One particular instance was when [provide a specific example to showcase the skill or quality]. This quality would be beneficial for your role of [new position].

Moreover, [Employee's Name] is a pleasure to work with. [He/She] has a positive attitude and is always willing to help others. [Employee's Name] builds strong relationships with clients and colleagues, which benefits team and project success.

I believe [Employee’s Name] is an ideal candidate for your [Job Title] role. [He/She] has the skills, experience, and personality needed to excel. Please feel free to contact me at [your phone number] or [your email] if you need any more information.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

This letter shows how to praise the candidate's skills and character. It lists specific achievements and personal traits. This mix helps hiring managers see why the person is a great fit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague Language: Avoid phrases like “hard worker” without examples.
• Generic Format: Personalize each letter. Don’t use the same text for every recommendation.
• Exaggeration: Be honest about the candidate’s abilities.

Focus on these points to write an effective employment reference letter that helps someone secure a new job.