How to Write an Employment Reference
If you are an employer or an employee of any sort, there may come a time in your career when you are asked to write an employment reference letter. A reference letter should be taken seriously and professionally as your input vouches for a person's abilities, character and integrity.
Before you agree to write an employment reference letter, make sure that you can honestly write a letter touting the requester's abilities. If you can't, gracefully decline. If you can, write about what you can personally vouch for.
Start by explaining your relationship with the job applicant and tell the new employer how long you’ve known him or her. List the qualities that you've noticed that you believe will be an asset to the new employer. Provide examples if you can. You can also describe talents, strengths and skills the applicant has.
Explain who you are and why your opinion would matter to the new employer. Provide your contact information and let the employer know that he or she can contact you if there are any further questions.
End the letter by saying that you recommend the applicant and that you believe he or she would be an asset for the company. Employment reference letters should be no more than one page long.