Recommendation Letter For Employee From A Manager (With Examples)

Writing a recommendation letter for an employee is an important responsibility. This letter can significantly impact their career by helping them advance in their professional journey. To craft an effective recommendation letter, begin with a proper salutation and a brief introduction explaining the purpose of your letter. Following this, use the body to detail why you recommend this individual.

As a manager or supervisor, your insights into the employee’s skills and talents are invaluable. This article will guide you on how to write a recommendation letter for an employee, share examples of reference letters, and provide tips to consider while writing.

Key Takeaways

• A recommendation letter from a manager serves the same purpose as a reference letter.

• After the header and salutation, include an introductory paragraph that outlines the reason for your letter and transition into the specifics of your recommendation.

• Engage with the employee and review their job records before composing the reference letter.

What is a Recommendation Letter?

A recommendation letter is a formal note from someone who can affirm your qualifications and work ethic. These letters can be written by various individuals, including former employers, professors, colleagues, and mentors. However, obtaining a letter from a manager or supervisor often carries more weight in the job market.

How to Write a Recommendation for an Employee

Writing a recommendation letter for an employee requires adherence to a professional format. Below is a structured approach to creating a compelling letter:

1. Header. The top of the letter should follow the format of a formal business letter, including your contact information, the date, and the recipient’s name, title, company, and contact information.

2. Salutation. Use a simple salutation such as “Dear [Recipient’s Name],” followed by a comma. If you do not have a specific name, “To Whom It May Concern,” is acceptable.

3. Introductory Paragraph. Begin the letter by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship with the applicant. Clearly state that the purpose of the letter is to provide a recommendation.

4. Specifics and Recommendation in the Body. This section should detail your recommendation, highlighting the employee’s strengths, providing examples of their accomplishments, and demonstrating their effectiveness in their role.

5. Closing. Conclude by offering to answer any questions and end with “Sincerely,” followed by your signature and printed name.

Recommendation Letter from Manager Examples

Below are examples of recommendation letters from managers. Tailor your letter to reflect the specific qualities of the employee you are recommending.

1. Sample Recommendation Letter for Employee from Manager

   Jane Doe, Floor Manager
   Factory ABC
   11 South 22nd St.
   Cincinnati, OH 45208
   jdoe@abc.com
   (555) 123-4567

   December 31, 2026

   Jim Cast, Hiring Manager
   Factory XYZ
   22 South 11th Street
   Cincinnati, OH 45208

   Dear Jim Cast,

   I am writing to recommend Kelly Kid, who worked under my supervision for five years at Factory ABC. Due to our recent transition to remote operations, Kelly is seeking opportunities with your company.

   I highly endorse Kelly for the management position at Factory XYZ. Throughout her tenure, she consistently demonstrated professionalism and a strong work ethic. She was poised for a managerial role, and I am confident in her ability to excel in this position.

   Kelly has shown remarkable growth, taking on additional responsibilities and inspiring her team. Her contributions were evident in meeting production targets and maintaining impressive safety records.

   If you have any questions or would like to discuss Kelly’s qualifications further, please feel free to reach out.

   Sincerely,

   Jane Doe

2. Generic Reference Letter Example

   Jane Doe, Parent
   11 South 22nd St.
   Cincinnati, OH 45208
   jdoe@email.com
   (555) 123-4567

   December 31, 2026

   To Whom It May Concern,

   I am pleased to recommend Susie Smith as a babysitter for your family. I have known Susie for five years, during which she has cared for our three children. She is honest and reliable, and we trust her completely.

   Our children adore Susie, eagerly anticipating her visits. As our oldest is now a sophomore in high school, we no longer require her services. We wholeheartedly recommend her for your family, confident in her ability to engage with children and provide active support during their activities.

   If you have any questions, I would be happy to discuss Susie’s qualifications further.

   Sincerely,

   Jane Doe

3. Professional Recommendation Letter for Employee from Manager Example

   Jane Doe, Library Manager
   Cincinnati Library
   11 South 22nd St.
   Cincinnati, OH 45208
   jdoe@CincyLibrary.com
   (555) 123-4567

   December 31, 2026

   Jim Cast, Hiring Manager
   South City Library
   22 South 11th Street
   Cincinnati, OH 45208

   Dear Jim Cast,

   I am writing to recommend Mike Gentle for the Library Assistant position. Mike interned at our library during high school and excelled in his role. His passion for literature and dedication to helping others was evident from the start, and we were thrilled when he chose to pursue a degree in Library Sciences.

   Mike will be a valuable addition to your library. His ability to relate to customers, whether academics or casual readers, is outstanding, and he effectively addresses their inquiries. Mike took the initiative to start a free computer skills class for our elderly patrons, showcasing his commitment to community service.

   We will miss Mike but are excited for his future. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

   Sincerely,

   Jane Doe

4. Professional Reference Letter Example

   Jane Doe, Principal
   Cincinnati School
   11 South 22nd St.
   Cincinnati, OH 45208
   jdoe@abc.com
   (555) 123-4567

   December 31, 2026

   Jim Cast, Superintendent of Schools
   Madison School District
   1 CESA Drive
   Madison, WI 53719

   Dear Jim Cast,

   I am excited to recommend Frances St. Clare, who has been an exceptional English teacher in our district for the past five years, impacting over 1,500 students.

   During her tenure, Frances consistently engaged students in literature, creating an inclusive and stimulating classroom environment. She founded the Cincinnati Journal, a monthly creative writing publication that has become popular among students and faculty.

   Frances’s departure has saddened both staff and students, but I am confident she will excel in your school. I am available for further discussion regarding her qualifications.

   Sincerely,

   Jane Doe

Tips for Writing a Recommendation Letter for Your Employee

Before writing the letter, engage with the employee and review their job record. Here are additional tips to consider:

1. Communicate with the Employee. Gather information directly from the employee about their needs and accomplishments. This will help you understand their perspective and tailor the letter effectively.

   • When do you need the letter?
   • What position are you applying for?
   • Do you have the name of the hiring manager, or do you prefer a generic letter?
   • What skills are most relevant to the job?
   • What is your strongest skill?
   • Can you provide examples of how you utilized that skill while working here?
   • What are your greatest accomplishments with our company?
   • What interests you most about the new position?
   • Why do you believe you are a good fit?
   • Are there other qualities you would like to highlight?

2. Review Their Job Record. Consider re-examining the employee’s performance records. This review may remind you of notable achievements or areas for improvement that could be relevant to include.

3. Be Honest. While it may be tempting to embellish, honesty is crucial in recommendation letters. If you feel the employee’s work was unsatisfactory, it’s better to decline to write a letter than to misrepresent them.

4. Maintain Professionalism. Regardless of your personal relationship with the employee, the letter should remain professional. These letters may be reviewed by future employers, so it’s important to uphold a standard of professionalism.

5. Use Concrete Examples. Highlight the employee’s strengths with specific examples demonstrating how they contributed positively to your organization.

Letter of Recommendation for Employee from Manager FAQ

1. Can a letter of recommendation be from a manager?

   Yes, a letter of recommendation can be from a manager. A manager is ideally positioned to provide insights about the employee’s performance and work ethic, making their letter more impactful than one from a coworker or friend.

2. How do you write a good letter of recommendation for an employee?

   To write a good letter of recommendation for an employee, you should:

   • Communicate with the employee before writing.
   • Review their job record.
   • Be truthful in your assessment.
   • Maintain a professional tone.
   • Provide examples that illustrate the employee’s strengths and successes.

3. How do you describe someone’s character for a professional reference?

   To describe someone’s character effectively, provide examples demonstrating their traits. Words like “trustworthy” and “integrity” are helpful, but real-life examples are far more impactful.

4. What are five adjectives to describe a person?

   Five adjectives to describe a person include:

   • Reliable
   • Motivated
   • Consistent
   • Dedicated
   • Adaptable

5. Who should write a letter of recommendation?

   A trusted adult who is not related to the candidate should write the recommendation. This could be a manager, professor, coach, or mentor who can provide an informed perspective on the individual’s abilities and character.

   It’s advisable to avoid asking friends or individuals who aren’t familiar with the candidate’s relevant skills or experiences in the field they are pursuing.

References

1. Entrepreneur – Why Are Reference Letters Important for Getting a Job?

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.