As the job market becomes more competitive, a positive and glowing recommendation from a previous or current employer may be the most valuable tool for a person seeking a job.If you want to give a positive reference for an employee, you need to think about how you'll present them.It is possible to help an employee or other person land the job of their dreams by considering what you will say or write for them and presenting them in the most positive and professional way possible.
Step 1: There is an offer to write a positive letter.
Before you give someone a reference, consider their request.If you have had a good experience with the person and can support their candidacy for a position, then offer to write them a positive letter.If the person doesn't act in the manner you described at their new job, your reputation could be damaged.If you cannot write anything positive, don't offer to write a letter.You don't want to hurt the person's chances of getting a jobIf you have worked with the person for a long time, you should provide a reference.It is difficult to get a sense of someone's capabilities and working style in a few months.Make sure you're the right person to give the reference.Check your company's policies on references.
Step 2: There is a position and details for it.
Ask the person to give you information on the job for which they are applying, as well as any other relevant data you should know including her resume.Performance reviews and any other information relevant to the person's job should be collected.Ask the person for whom you will write a reference letter to tell you about the job for which you are going to recommend her, an updated resume, and how she could benefit your company or projects.Consider reading through your correspondence with the person to get an assessment of their professionalism and how they work.Performance reviews can be used for this purpose.
Step 3: A preliminary letter should be drafted.
Before you give a positive reference for your former employee or colleague, you should use the information you gathered to draft a preliminary letter.Ensuring that your reference is positive and comprehensive will be helped by this.A reference letter is between one and two pages.The potential employer could miss important information about the candidate if they don't read the entire text.A brief introduction should state the person's name, the job for which they're applying, and if you recommend them for the position.It's with pleasure that I recommend Christopher Smith for the position of brand manager.Christopher has made a significant contribution to my work, and I think he could be a great asset to your team.You want to show why the person is the best choice for the job.It is possible to discuss the person's character in the main body of the letter, though you should be careful not to include personal information that could prejudice a potential employer.If the potential employer has questions, you should offer to make yourself available and note that you highly recommend the person.I would recommend Christopher Smith for the position of brand manager with Brand Management, Inc., based on my experience with him.You can contact me via email or telephone if you have any questions.
Step 4: Positive and actionable words can be used.
Positive and actionable language is important when describing a candidate in a reference letter.This can help the potential employer get a better sense of the candidate and may also show a more positive image of her.Contribute, cooperate, and promote are some of the verbs that can be used.Team-player, asset, and responsibility are used as nouns.Indicated by reliable, intelligent, good-natured, diligent.He was a significant asset to our gaining several new clients and we collaborated on a marketing project with him.He is a team player who will make a positive impact on your company.
Step 5: Don't exaggerate and be honest.
You want to sell the candidate the best you can while being honest about their qualifications.Potential employers don't find your letter disingenuous if you avoid honesty and exaggeration.You don't need to say the person is the best unless they are.Writing something like "Christopher is one of the most responsible and collegial co-workers with whom I have had the pleasure to work" is a good way to assess someone's technical skills and abilities.
Step 6: Take your letter and make it better.
When you draft a preliminary letter, revise the text to strengthen it and iron out any areas that need further development.This will allow you to make changes to the letter.Make sure the revised draft has the appropriate components of an introduction, body, and closing that are honest, incorporate positive vocabulary and present the best picture of the candidate possible.It's a good idea to read the letter aloud and make sure it sounds professional.The information in the letter should be tailored to the new job.
Step 7: You should format your letter.
You need to format the reference letter correctly.Ensuring that the potential employer takes your reference letter seriously can be done by this.The letter should be on company stationery.Write in the date of the reference letter on the first line of text.The address of the potential employer should be put underneath the date.Either contact the candidate's possible supervisor or the human resources department.Underneath the potential employer's information, include your contact address.Signing your name in black ink is a must after your greeting.If you want, you can include your title, email and phone number.
Step 8: One final time to proofread.
The final time to read the text is before you send the reference letter.This can help make sure you don't make any mistakes.
Step 9: Check your company's policy on verbal references.
Basic information such as employment tenure can only be released by some companies.Some allow for written references.Ensuring that you provide the best possible verbal reference can be done by checking your company's reference policy.
Step 10: Provide a verbal reference.
If an employee asks you to give her a reference, make sure you accept the request.If you've had a good experience with the person, you can give a reference to the potential employer.If you cannot say something positive about the person, don't offer to serve as a reference.You don't want to make her less likely to get the job.If you have worked with the person for a while, you should speak to the potential employer.It might be hard to answer questions about a person in a few months.Check with your boss or the company's policies on references to make sure you are the right person to give them.
Step 11: You can use the person's information for your reference.
You will need some basic information from the person about the job for which they are applying and any other relevant data that you should know.Request an updated resume for the candidate.She could benefit from an assessment of how she contributed to your company or projects.Performance reviews and any information relevant to the person's job should be collected.Reading through your correspondence with the person will give you an assessment of their professionalism and how they work.Performance reviews can also be used for this purpose.
Step 12: It's a good idea to schedule a phone conversation.
You should schedule a time to speak with the candidate's potential employer, as most verbal references are provided by phone.Setting aside a specific time to discuss the candidate can help ensure that you are able to give a positive reference.If you want the candidate to give your contact information to the potential employer, ask for the data from the new company.You should schedule the appointment for a time when you can relax and not be pressed to make a meeting.
Step 13: Write notes for the phone.
You should sketch some notes about the candidate once you have had a chance to meet them.It is possible to ensure that important information about the candidate is not forgotten during the conversation.Since you will not know what questions the potential employer may ask, make sure to write notes on various aspects of the candidate including how you know them and for how long, in what capacity you worked together, and an assessment of their skills.
Step 14: Answer questions honestly.
A potential employer may ask you questions about the candidate in a verbal reference.The answers to the questions may help the candidate land the job.You should not exaggerate the person's qualifications.You don't have to say "he's the greatest ever", but you can say he is one of the best employees I've ever had.
Step 15: Positive and descriptive words are used.
When you answer a potential employer's questions, make sure to use words that make the candidate attractive.The edge can be given to the candidate by this.The person can be described with a variety of words.It is helpful for the potential employer if you can be more descriptive.You can say things such as "Christopher is a very creative problem-solver" or "she communicate her ideas clearly" if you use language that also incorporates skills the person will need in their new position.
Step 16: Personal subjects should be avoided.
Talk about things that are relevant to the person's job performance, such as his superior leadership skills or ability to resolve disputes among colleagues.Don't talk about his personal life because it might make him look less professional to potential employers.Religion, marital status, age, and health should not be discussed.The candidate's chances of getting hired could be jeopardized by providing personal information.Depending on the type of information you give, it may be illegal.
Step 17: The reference conversation is over.
Once you have answered the potential employer's questions, you should Conclude the phone reference.If you think it's necessary, you can ask questions.Thank the potential employer and offer to give more information if necessary.