How to write a recommendation letter to a valued employee

Note: Whether recommending a former employee or student, you should highlight the skills they brought to your company/ school - highlight achievements and any changed you noticed as a direct result of the work they did.

If writing a negative reference, the format will be the same - except you will be highlighting the reasons you do not think this person should work.

A personal recommendation while called ‘personal' should remain a professional letter and therefore include personal feelings that do not reflect the persons work ability.

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter is my personal recommendation for (name) Until just recently, I have been (position/ length of time) I found her to be .......

Besides ........, (Name) is a ........ During her/his time with us ............

She/he was an asset to ................., and was ..............................

I highly recommend (name) for employment. She/he is a team player and would make a great asset to any organisation.

Faithfully,