Recommendation Letter From A Previous Employer (With Samples)

In today’s competitive job market, hiring managers increasingly value recommendation letters from previous employers.

This article will explore the purpose of a recommendation letter, provide formatting guidance, and share examples to help you craft an effective letter.

Key Takeaways:

• A reference letter confirms your professional skills, experience, and character from a credible source.

• When seeking a reference letter, it should ideally come from a former employer such as a manager or supervisor.

• Provide ample notice to your reference when requesting a letter.

What is a Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation, also referred to as a reference letter, outlines why you would be a valuable addition to a new employer. Typically penned by a previous employer, these letters provide insight into your skills and character, serving as a testimonial during your job search.

A well-crafted recommendation letter can be instrumental in differentiating you from other candidates. It goes beyond the bullet points on your resume, offering a narrative that helps potential employers better understand your capabilities.

Just as you would check reviews before dining at a new restaurant, employers seek insights from former employers to gauge your professional reputation.

Why Do You Need A Letter of Recommendation?

Employers are interested in more than your job history and educational background; they seek insight into your work ethic and soft skills. A recommendation letter gives potential employers a glimpse into your professional persona from someone who has previously evaluated your performance.

A recommendation from a former employer can be particularly beneficial and, in some cases, necessary.

Your previous superior is often the best choice for a reference, as their endorsement is typically viewed as more credible. A former employer’s recommendation can enhance your application and increase your chances of receiving an interview invitation.

Tips for Requesting a Letter of Recommendation From a Previous Employer

When requesting a recommendation letter from a former employer, it’s crucial to reach out early and express gratitude for their time and effort.

1. Give notice in advance. Requesting a recommendation letter requires your former employer to invest time in your success. Be considerate by providing as much notice as possible before any application deadlines.

2. Be aware of reference checks. When applying for a new role, remember that hiring teams may conduct reference checks beyond what’s listed on your resume.

   Familiarize yourself with the process and expectations surrounding reference checks.

3. Expect thorough reference verification. A strong reference is vital, but hiring managers may reach out to your former boss for additional insights. Ensure your recommender is prepared to provide further information if needed.

4. Express gratitude throughout the process. When a former employer agrees to write your recommendation, it’s a sign of their support for your career growth. Acknowledge their assistance and express your appreciation regularly.

Tips For Writing A Letter of Recommendation for a Former Employee

1. Consult with the applicant beforehand. Prior to writing, discuss the candidate’s expectations, including relevant skills to highlight and specific accomplishments they wish to feature. Essential questions might include:

   • What is the application deadline?

   • Which skills should be emphasized?

   • What was their most significant achievement while at your company?

   • What position are they applying for?

   • Who is the hiring manager or recruiter?

   • Why do they believe they will excel in this new role?

   Based on your discussion, draft the recommendation letter, ensuring it reflects the applicant’s strengths.

2. Be truthful. Honesty is paramount when writing a reference letter. Hiring managers depend on your insights to assess the candidate’s fit, so present them in a positive light without exaggeration.

3. Provide examples. Support your claims about the candidate by citing specific instances where their skills were demonstrated. Highlight one or two significant achievements to reinforce the applicant’s strengths.

4. Include all contact information. Make it easy for the hiring team to reach you by including multiple contact methods, such as:

   • Phone Number

   • Email Address

   • Company Mailing Address

   • LinkedIn Profile

   • Skype, Zoom, or Google Meet Accounts

   Providing various contact options simplifies the process for everyone involved.

Recommendation Letter Format

Letters of recommendation should adhere to professional standards while also reflecting your unique style. The hiring committee should gain a clear understanding of both you and the candidate through the letter.

1. Use proper business letter format. Start your letter with the standard business format, including your contact details, the date, and the recipient’s information. If the hiring manager’s information isn’t available, address the letter to the company with a generic greeting such as:

   Business Letter to Unknown Recipient Greeting Examples

   Dear Sir or Madam

   or

   To Whom It May Concern

2. Paragraph 1 – Introduction. Clearly state your name, position, and your intent to recommend the candidate. Include details about your professional relationship, such as:

   • Company Name

   • Candidate’s Former Position Title

   • Duration of Employment

   • Your Position Relative to the Candidate

   This sets the context for your recommendation.

3. Paragraph 2 – Describe the applicant’s performance and strengths. Use this section to underscore why the applicant deserves the recommendation. Focus on relevant skills and provide concrete examples from your experience to illustrate their value to your organization.

   Highlight specific strengths such as:

   • Excellent Communication Skills

   • Leadership Qualities

   • Positive Attitude

   • Trustworthiness

   • Commitment to Performance

   • Strong Writing Skills

   • Ability to Work Independently

   A compelling reference letter is crucial for the candidate’s success. If you struggle to identify the applicant’s strengths, it might be best to decline writing the letter.

4. Paragraph 3 – Closing the recommendation letter. Summarize your recommendation, reiterating your support for the candidate. Invite the hiring manager to reach out for additional information and ensure you provide your full contact details.

Sample of Recommendation Letter From Previous Employer

1. Previous Employer Recommendation Letter Example:

   Delivery Address:
   James Jackson
   Editor-in-chief
   City Scene Magazine
   111 Lakewood St.
   Albany, NY, 30440

   Return Address:
   Blake Richards
   Associate Editor
   Los Angeles Weekly
   567 Bridge St.
   Los Angeles, CA, 34481

   September 10, 2026

   Dear Mr. Jackson,

   My name is Blake Richards and I’m an associate editor at Los Angeles Weekly magazine. Between 2015-2019, Erin Knight worked for me as an investigative journalist. It is my pleasure to contact you with a strong recommendation on Erin’s behalf for the position of journalist at City Scene Magazine.

   During her four years with us, Erin consistently demonstrated professionalism, exceptional work ethic, and receptiveness to feedback. Her writing skills are outstanding, making her one of the most valuable journalists on our team.

   Erin produced several of our most impactful articles, including a story about small businesses that evolved into an ongoing series due to its popularity.

   As an experienced and talented investigative journalist, I wholeheartedly recommend Erin for this position, as I am confident she will be a tremendous asset to your team.

   Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions about Erin. My contact information is below.

   Best regards,

   Blake Richards (Signature)

   Blake Richards (Printed)

   Associate Editor
   Los Angeles Weekly
   (303)-829-4427

   BlakeRichards@LAweekly.com

2. Previous Employer Recommendation Email Example:

   Subject Line: Recommendation for Timothy Jones

   Lily Thompson
   1347 Smith Lane
   Los Angeles, CA, 70201
   (716)-434-2237
   Lthompson@Springvalley.edu

   September 10, 2026

   Bright Horizons Preschool
   427 Nathan St.
   Los Angeles, CA, 80302
   hiring@brighthorizons.edu

   To Whom It May Concern:

   My name is Lily Thompson and I’ve been a Kindergarten teacher at Spring Valley Elementary School for the last eleven years. I am pleased to recommend Timothy Jones for the teaching position at Bright Horizons Preschool. Timothy served as my assistant teacher from 2017-2019.

   During our time together, I witnessed significant growth in his teaching skills and leadership abilities. Timothy has a remarkable talent for connecting with children, and I often sought his assistance with challenging students. Additionally, he consistently prepared lesson plans in advance, ensuring smooth classroom operations.

   One memorable initiative he created was a book club for the children, encouraging weekly reading sessions with their parents. This innovative idea has since become a staple in my teaching approach.

   For these reasons, I highly recommend Timothy Jones for the preschool teacher position at Bright Horizons, confident that he will exceed your expectations.

   If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

   Sincerely,

   Lily Thompson

Letter of Recommendation From a Previous Employer FAQ

1. What is a reference letter from a past employer?

   A reference letter from a past employer is a document that outlines why a job candidate would be a suitable hire, detailing their skills and contributions to the organization.

2. Can you get a reference from a previous employer?

   Yes, obtaining a reference from a previous employer is common, and some employers may require it. However, be mindful that you may face challenges if the previous employer is no longer operational or if they feel unable to provide a favorable recommendation.

3. Do employers verify reference letters?

   Yes, employers typically verify reference letters by contacting the individual who wrote the letter to confirm its authenticity and relevance.

Ask the Experts

How To Ask For A Recommendation Letter From A Previous Employer

Shannon Hilmar
Owner/Founder AUDACITY Career Consulting

The key to an effective employment recommendation is specificity. When requesting a letter from your former employer, provide clear examples of your accomplishments and remind them of your strengths relevant to the new role.

References

1. Boston University – Writing a Letter of Recommendation

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.