Professional Recommendation Letter Example

How to write a reference letter

If someone asks you for a letter of recommendation, first consider whether you can actually give a good recommendation. If you are unsure whether you can easily recommend the person, it is better to politely decline the letter of recommendation rather than be forced to lie (or make negative comments that will ruin the other person's chances).

If you are confident that you can write a positive letter of recommendation, follow these steps:

1. Refresh your memory about the person. For example, ask HR what the person's exact title was when they worked on your team and how long they stayed there.Consult your own records to see if there are any useful notes about the person.
2. Write down two to three qualities that characterize this person. If you can think of specific examples that demonstrate these qualities, you should also include them in your reference letter.
3. Think about specific experiences you have had with this person. Especially in cases where the person has shown a positive attitude or knowledge. If possible, include an example in your letter.
4. Use our letter of recommendation template to design your own format.

In any case, you may have to spend half an hour or so to write a good letter of recommendation, but if you have good things to say, this person is worth it.

Here is our recommendation letter template:

Dear [insert name],

I am writing to recommend [employee_name]. [He/She/They] worked at [Company_Name] as [Employee_Job_Title] and [reported to/worked with me] in my position as [insert job title].

As an employee, [employee name] was always [insert quality]. During [his/her] time on my team, [he/she] managed to [insert example].

I've always placed a high value on [insert quality] in my team members, and [employee name] has always delivered on that. An example was when [insert example].

[Employee Name] is a pleasure to work with and I would not hesitate to hire [him/her/him] again.

If you have any further questions about [he/she/it], please feel free to contact me at [phone number].

Thank you,

[Your name and signature]

To use this format for a reference letter:

• Make it more specific. In one or two sentences, provide the context for each of your examples.
• Be flexible. Use the template as a guide, but write in your own voice and say what you think is important.
• Be honest. Your former employee or colleague may be asked about the examples you provide. Don't sugarcoat it to make it look good, because that might come out eventually.
• Be targeted when you can. If you have information about the position or program the employee is applying for, you can tailor your letter to the specific requirements. If you e.g. For example, if you know that leadership skills are required for this position, provide relevant examples.

Here is an example of a reference letter based on our template:

Dear Mr. Skywalker,

I am writing to recommend Leia Thompson. She worked with me at Acme Inc. as a Senior Product Manager and reported to me in my position as VP of Engineering.

As an employee, Leia was always reliable and resourceful. During her time on my team, she managed to conduct highly effective user research and make a number of key recommendations that resulted in an improved product (and subsequently increased sales).

I have always placed great value on initiative and willingness to learn in my team members, and Leia has demonstrated both time and time again. An example of this was when she suggested having a regular internal meeting where senior employees could answer other employees' questions about their work. She was the first to take the knowledge these meetings offered and incorporate it into her own work.

Leia is a pleasure to work with - she is a team player with a consistently positive attitude where anything is possible. I wouldn't hesitate to hire her again if the opportunity arises.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach me on +10000000.

Thank you!

Sarah Long

Vice President of Engineering, Acme Inc.

IceHrm simplifies HR tasks. Get organized, streamline your processes, and focus on what matters most – your people. Visit IceHrm today.