Things You'll Need:
- Quality paper
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Step 1
Ask your employee to write something for you! This is the easiest way to write a reference. This might sound odd or even unethical. However, if you have a good relationship with your employee, letting them write employment references for his or herself assures that they will be satisfied with what you wrote. Obviously you need to read it after they write a reference letter for themselves to be sure you agree with it all. Use your judgment if you feel you can trust your employee to be realistic about his or her abilities if you ask them to write a reference for themselves. If you have doubts, simply move on to step 2 below.
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Step 2
Think of things your employee has done that has helped you, the company, or simply shown character, as you plan to write a reference letter. Think of 3 things because when you write employment references you want to paint a picture, but not overdo it on the length.
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Step 3
Write some adjectives you can add when you write a reference letter in its first draft form. Match these to the vignettes you thought of in step one. When you go to write employment references in the next draft you can find synonyms that are more specific if you need to.
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Step 4
Write a reference letter draft that is about 3 paragraphs long, or up to 5 short paragraphs. When you write employment references, three of the paragraphs should have a topic sentence with a quality adjective, a short vignette about how wonderful your employee, and a closing sentence with another great adjective. It is up to your writing style if you want to add an opening and closing paragraph when you write a reference.
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Step 5
Sign the reference once you are sure it is in business letter format, and as a courtesy let your employee look it over. Good luck in your effort to write a reference letter!
Comments
MeganK said
on 1/9/2009 Great tips! I wish I would have seen this earlier as my husband just had to do this. I'll keep it in mind for the future. Thanks!