Expert: Susan Shabetta - 8/22/2004

Question
I'm a logistic manager of a chemical company. One of my customer service staff who responsible for order processing has submitted her resignation and request me to give her a "Reference Letter" which can facilitate her in finding future job.
Can you please provide me with a sample of "Reference Letter" so that I can just tailor-made it with our own situation. No need to be a sophisticated one, just a generic sample would be fine. Thank you!  

Answer
Dear Ms. Lai, I just want to apologize for jokingly using the word "nameless" in my response to your recent e-mail.  When your question first reached me, for some reason it did not include your name, which then did arrive in a follow-up e-mail.  I meant my greeting in a playful spirit and hope I did not give offense.
Sincerely,
Susan Shabetta

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Hello, nameless logistic manager of a chemical company!  I must tell you that I have no real expertise in writing letters of reference, so you may want to look elsewhere for a more knowledgeable response.  But after some quick research I did put together the following two samples in case they may be a good starting point.
Sincerely,
Susan Shabetta  

SAMPLE EMPLOYMENT REFERENCE #1:
                                                                                         Date:  
To Whom It May Concern:

Re: (Name of Applicant)

Dear Sir or Madam:

This is to advise that (Name of Applicant) was employed by our company as a (Job Title) from: (Specify dates of employment).

The job duties included: (Specify in some detail the duties performed by applicant).

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Very truly yours,

Name & Title


SAMPLE LETTER OF REFERENCE #2:

Date:  

Dear [Name of Employer]:    Or: [To Whom It May Concern]:

This reference letter is provided at the request of [name of employee or former employee]. It is my understanding that [individual's name] has applied for the position of [job title] with your organization.

[Individual's name] has been employed by our company since [date] and has held the following position(s): [list positions and salary in each position].

In [his/her] most recent position, [he/she] had responsibility for [explain the person's main responsibilities in this position].

[You may wish to state your estimation of his/her performance, based upon performance appraisals or other work records that would support your evaluation].

[You may wish to add specifics, possibly with examples, such as the following]:  [Individual's name] was prompt and reliable, got along well with others, showed good judgment, etc.

If you need further information, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

[Name and title of person writing the letter of reference]