Career Planning Finding a Job Reference Letter Samples From an Employee's Manager By Alison Doyle Alison Doyle Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts. learn about our editorial policies Updated on June 21, 2021 In This Article View All In This Article What to Include in a Reference Letter Sample Reference Letters From a Manager for an Employee General Letter From a Manager More Reference Letter Examples Photo: JGI/Jamie Grill / Getty Images Have you, as a manager, been asked by an employee to write a letter of reference on their behalf? If one of your direct reports is leaving for new opportunities, you can help them by writing a reference letter. Although you’re not obligated to vouch for your workers, it’s a nice gesture. If your employee has demonstrated a strong work ethic, excellent results, and has been a positive member of your team, then it's appropriate to write a reference letter. Note Some organizations have a company policy stating what type of reference you’re allowed to provide. For example, some employers insist that all references go through human resources. Research company policy before you commit. What to Include in a Reference Letter The reference letter should include: In what capacity the employee worked for youHow long the employee was on the jobThe skills and attributes that will make the person a strong candidate for employmentWhy you're endorsing the individualHow to contact you for follow-up questions Most importantly, make sure the reference letter includes any specific information that the employer requires and that it’s formatted in the appropriate fashion. Follow any instructions about the file type, delivery method, etc., to help your employee make the best possible impression. Note Use examples of reference letters to guide your writing. Note that most are written in business letter format and are more formal than the usual office correspondence. Sample Reference Letters From a Manager for an Employee You can use these reference letter examples as models for your own letter. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version letters below. Download the Word Template Reference Letter for an Employee #1 Charlie Rodriguez123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321818-850-5888charlie.rodriguez@email.comJune 15, 2021Dr. Josh LeeDirectorAcme Retail321 Business Ave.Charlotte, NC 28213Recommendation for Michele MoodyDear Dr. Lee,I have worked very closely with Ms. Moody during the several years that she has served as an assistant in my office. Michele has excelled in this role, exhibiting one of the highest levels of productivity I have seen in an assistant during my 20-year tenure with the company. Michele produces a high volume of work while consistently maintaining high standards for quality and accuracy.Michelle possesses the ultimate "can do" attitude while taking on all tasks with a positive energy and a smile. Her upbeat personality and engaging personal style enable her to interact effectively with clients and staff. She is very well organized and keeps track of the details necessary to coordinate events of this kind and run an efficient office.Proactive in anticipating rising administrative needs, she takes initiative to go beyond the expected parameters of her job.All the intangibles that lead to success in the workplace are in order with Michele. There will be no unpleasant surprises and I am confident she will fit in and add to office morale.I volunteered to write this recommendation for Michele because I am very grateful for her contributions to our office and very confident that she has the intelligence, work ethic, and communications skills to add value wherever she works.Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this outstanding young woman.Sincerely,Signature (hard copy letter)Charlie RodriguezManagerAcme Supplies Reference Letter from Manager #2 Frank Lau123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321555-555.555frank.lau@email.comJune 25, 2021Bernadette LeeDirectorAcme Accounting321 Business Ave.Business City, NY 54321Dear Ms. Lee:I have known John Smith for the past year while he has worked as an Accounting Assistant in the Company Accounting Office. I have been consistently impressed by both John's attitude towards his work and his performance on the job.His interpersonal and communication skills have allowed him to develop productive working relationships with both our clients and our staff. John has the listening and interviewing skills necessary to extract information from our clientele while performing financial assessments.John possesses solid writing skills which have enabled him to compose quality correspondence. He also has the analytical skills to diagnose problems and devise viable solutions. His ability to remain unflustered during frenzied periods like tax season proves his ability to work well under pressure.I recommend him for employment without reservation. Please let me know if you need further information.Best regards,Signature (hard copy letter)Frank LauManagerAcme Accounting General Letter From a Manager This sample reference letter is from a manager who has been transferred. The employee asked for a general letter for their files so they wouldn't have to track him down for a reference letter in the future. Reference Letter from a Manager #3 Thomas Jones123 Business Rd.Business City, NY 54321555-555.555thomas.jones@email.comJune 30, 2021To Whom it May Concern:Jane Doe has worked for me as a Merchandiser Supervisor for the past two years. While under my supervision, her responsibilities have included hiring, training, and supervising store service personnel.She has established an outstanding rapport with store managers and owners. Her ability to get work done through the service personnel has been outstanding. Jane is highly respected by the people who work under her supervision; she is organized, thorough in her paperwork, and is always on time.Jane has done an excellent job and I would highly recommend her for a position with your organization.Please let me know if I can provide you with any further information.Respectfully,Signature (hard copy letter)Thomas JonesManagerAcme Retail More Reference Letter Examples More examples of reference letters written for friends, co-workers, clients, employees, students, teachers, vendors, and professional connections. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. National Association of Colleges and Employers. “Legal Q&A: Writing a ReferenceLetter.” Accessed June 15, 2021.