Writing a recommendation from an employer is a significant task that can greatly impact an employee's future opportunities in finding new work. A well-crafted recommendation highlights the candidate's skills, achievements, and character, while providing a potential employer with a clear and professional perspective on their qualities. In this article, we will explore how to create an effective recommendation from an employer, offer a sample job recommendation template, list five key "Do's" and five "Don'ts" to follow, and include tips for enhancing authority in the process.

Why is an Employer's Recommendation Important?

A recommendation from an employer serves as a bridge between an employee's past experience and their future career goals. It is often required alongside a resume or during an interview to validate the information provided by the candidate. A well-written recommendation can make the difference between securing a job offer or being rejected, as it offers an objective assessment of the candidate's professional qualities. Furthermore, it demonstrates the authority of the employer to evaluate and certify the competence of their employees.

Sample Job Recommendation Template

Here is a versatile sample job recommendation template that you can adapt as needed:

[Company/Organization Name]
[Address]
[Date]

Recommendation for [Employee's Name]

Dear [Recipient's Name or "To Whom It May Concern"],

It is with pleasure that I recommend [Employee's Name], who worked at [company name] as [position] from [start date] to [end date]. During this time, [name] demonstrated exceptional skills in [specific skills or responsibilities, e.g., project management, client relations, data analysis], significantly contributing to our team's success.

Among [name]'s key achievements were [description of specific achievement, e.g., increasing sales by 20%, implementing a new management system]. He/she stood out for [personal qualities, e.g., responsibility, initiative, teamwork], making him/her a valuable team member.

[Name] possesses a strong work ethic and the ability to handle challenges under pressure. We would recommend him/her without reservation for any position requiring [specific skills or qualities].

For additional information, please contact me at [phone] or [email].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]

This sample job recommendation template is flexible and can be customized to reflect the employee's unique qualities and the context of their work.

5 Do's When Writing a Recommendation from an Employer

1. Be Specific and Provide Examples

Instead of vague phrases like "excellent worker," describe specific achievements. For example, if the employee increased revenue or streamlined a process, mention it. Specificity adds authority to the recommendation and makes it more persuasive.

2. Highlight Skills Relevant to the Position

If you know what work the employee is applying for, focus on the most relevant skills. For instance, for a managerial role, emphasize leadership qualities and decision-making skills.

3. Maintain a Professional Tone

Even if you had a close relationship with the employee, avoid overly personal or informal language. Professionalism is key to maintaining authority in the eyes of the future employer.

4. Be Honest but Positive

Highlight the employee's strengths without exaggerating. If the employee had weaknesses, do not mention them unless they are relevant and can be presented constructively.

5. Include Contact Information

Providing your email or phone number shows that you are willing to verify the recommendation's content. This builds trust and enhances the authority of the document.

5 Don'ts When Writing a Recommendation from an Employer

1. Don't Be Overly General

Avoid clichés like "is a good worker" without providing evidence. Generic recommendations do not help the candidate stand out during an interview or when submitting a resume.

2. Don't Mention Salary

Information about salary is confidential and inappropriate in a recommendation. Focus on skills and achievements, not financial details.

3. Don't Include Negative Comments

If you cannot write a positive recommendation, it is better to decline. Negative comments can harm the employee's chances of securing new work.

4. Don't Ignore Format and Structure

An unprofessionally formatted recommendation, with grammatical errors or a chaotic structure, can undermine the authority of the document. Use a clear sample job recommendation template for the best results.

5. Don't Write Too Long

The recommendation should be concise and clear, typically no longer than one page. Lengthy letters may seem unfocused and reduce the reader's attention.

How to Personalize the Recommendation

To make a recommendation from an employer as effective as possible, tailor it to the specific context. For example, if the employee is applying for a team-oriented position, highlight their ability to collaborate with colleagues. If you know they will have an interview for a leadership role, emphasize their leadership qualities. Personalization shows that you have invested time and care, which increases the authority of the recommendation.

Additionally, ensure the recommendation aligns with the information in the employee's resume. Inconsistencies can raise doubts with the potential employer and reduce the chances of success.

Tips for Enhancing Impact

- Use Strong Action Verbs: Instead of "was responsible for," use "led," "developed," or "achieved." This makes the recommendation more dynamic.

- Focus on Results: Quantifiable metrics (e.g., "increased sales by 15%") add credibility.

- Sign with an Official Title: Your position and organization enhance the authority of the recommendation.

Conclusion

Writing a recommendation from an employer is an opportunity to support an employee's future and showcase your organization's professionalism. By using our sample job recommendation template, following the five "Do's," and avoiding the five "Don'ts," you can create a document that helps the candidate stand out during an interview or when submitting a resume. Be specific, professional, and honest to ensure the maximum authority of the recommendation.