Guidelines : Requesting for Verification of Employee

Request for Verification of Employment

Guidelines

• Inform the business that you are seeking an employment verification.
• Give the full name as well as the social security number of the candidate.
• Specify the exact time frame which the candidate gave as being an employee of the business. Ask any additional information that you may need.
• Thank them for their time and help.

Example 1: Sample request an employment verification letter

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State, Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Ms. Schwartz:

We are currently considering Killian St. John for a position with our company. Ms. St. John has supplied us with the following work history:

• She was employed with your company from 12/12/– to 11/09/–.
• She was promoted twice with appropriate raises, and the last position was supervisory.
• She used Excel, AutoCad and PageMaker on a regular basis.

We would appreciate it if you could give us confirmation of this information, as well as an evaluation of Ms. St. John’s attendance and punctuality, her strengths as a supervisor, and any other observations of her work performance you feel we should consider.

Thank you for your time in this matter.

Sincerely,

Example 2: Requesting letter for verification of employee

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State, Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Mr. Lovecraft:

We are currently considering a former employee of your company, Gina Ryder, for a position with our company. We would be highly appreciative if you could provide us with the following information (simply answer on this letter if you like):

1. Dates of employment

2. Job title

3. Brief description of job duties

4. Strengths in job performance

5. Areas in need of improvement

6. Attendance and punctuality record

7. Ability to work independently

8. Reason for leaving

9. Would you re-employ this person?

Thank you for your time and attention in this matter.

Yours Truly,

Example 3: Letter of request for verification of employee

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State, Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Ms. Goretti:

We are considering John Delgardo for a supervisory position with our company. While we have confirmed the standard information concerning his work history at your company with the Personnel Department, we would appreciate it if you could address the following areas concerning his job performance:

• What was the nature of Mr. Delgardo’s position?

• Could Mr. Delgardo’s past job be described as high pressure?

• Did Mr. Delgardo’s job require him to work on several projects simultaneously?

• Do you think Mr. Delgardo could delegate assignments effectively?

• What did you consider to be Mr. Delgardo’s strengths?

• In what areas would you consider Mr. Delgardo in need of further instruction?

• Would you re-employee Mr. Delgardo?

I appreciate you taking the time on behalf of our interviewing committee.

Yours truly,

Guidelines : Declining to Give

Declining to Give References

Guidelines and Alternate Phrases

• Acknowledge the request in a neutral tone.
• I received your letter asking for a recommendation on Harold Snow.
• As you requested, I’ve reviewed your employment record for the two years you were with our company.
• I am happy to hear you think you’ve found a job of interest to you in the Houston area.
• The prospective job you mentioned in your recent letter sounds perfectly suited to your interests and aptitudes.
• State your refusal in a positive manner.
• I don’t feel I know you quite well enough to comment on the qualities the new position would require.
• I wasn’t in a position, while you were employed here, to observe your work firsthand, and, therefore, I feel hesitant to give unknowledgeable opinions.
• Perhaps you might prefer to contact your direct supervisor about the new position. I think she could probably give a more accurate judgment of your work than I.
• Wish the former employee success in the job search.
• Good luck with the new job.
• I hope you find something you really enjoy.
• I am glad this new job interests you. Best of luck with it.
• I hope this new job meets your needs.
• I hope this new job provides the challenge you are seeking.
• Best wishes as you seek employment in Colorado.

Example 1: Decline to give job reference

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Jack:

I received your phone message asking I write you a letter of recommendation as you seek a new job in the New York area.

Through the five years we worked together, as you remember, we did not often see eye-to-eye on the department’s goals and accomplishments. Therefore, perhaps you could find someone who could write you a stronger letter of recommendation than I. I will, of course, verify your years of employment here and salary history if you’d like the new company to contact me for that information.

Best wishes in your job search.

Sincerely,

Example 2: Letter for declining to give references

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Barbara:

I’m pleased you thought of me in seeking references for your new position. However, in thinking of our association here, I’m reminded because we worked together for such a short time, I feel incapable of offering any meaningful evaluation of your work. Would you please forgive me for not being able to be more helpful to you?

I do hope you find a job you enjoy.

Sincerely,

Example 3: Samples of refusing to give a reference letter

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Ms. Bono:

Shirley Jackson in our department took your phone message asking I write you a letter of reference for the prospective sales job.

Because your work with us was so far removed from anything a job in sales would require, I am reluctant to pass on any comments that may interfere with your efforts in landing the new position.

I do wish you the best, however, in finding a position that allows you the flexible work schedule for which you have always wished. Good luck in whatever job you decide to pursue.

Sincerely,

Example 4: Letter for decline to give recommendation letter

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State, Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Ms. Juniper:

I recently received your request for a referral. While I have heard many good reports of your performance while in our employ, I must admit that I would find it difficult to write a strong letter as I did not work directly with you.

I realize your dilemma as your immediate supervisor, Phillipe Ortega, has taken a position with another company. If it is acceptable, you should ask if he can submit a letter for you. His number at Ortech is (213) 334-7593 ext. 65936. I can recall several favorable comments he made concerning your work, and feel sure he could furnish you with the sort of reference you deserve.

Good luck with this new opportunity.

Yours Truly,

Example 5: Decline employment refernce letter

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State, Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Elena:

I received your email asking for a reference for a teaching position. While I realize that you have achieved a great deal while in our department, and know that you have received excellent reviews of your teaching, I feel that the theoretical differences we had in regards to teaching styles and writing would make it difficult for me to write you the kind of reference you would like to receive. While I respect your positions, I cannot agree with them.

I suggest you contact some of the other professors that you worked closely with while you were working on your dissertation. Your teaching supervisor and dissertation head could probably provide you with excellent referrals.

I wish you well in your future teaching endeavors.

Sincerely,

Guidelines : For an Unsuitable Employee

Supplying References for Unsuitable Employees

Guidelines and Alternate Phrases

• Acknowledge the individual’s employment, giving position titles and dates of service.
• As a system engineer, Alissa Klein worked under my supervision for two years, until August 19–.
• Alissa Klein held the position of account executive with our corporation for two years, until October 4, 19–.
• Under the supervision of Moss Summers, Alissa Klein served as account representative to Grayson Corporation. She held that position for two years and then was promoted to a sales position within our regional office, where she worked for the remaining two years of her four-year tenure here.
• Verify the reasons for the employee’s termination.
• Alissa left this position to accompany her husband to San Francisco.
• Alissa left this position to re-evaluate her career goals and plans.
• Our files show Mr. Hightower gave no reason for his resignation when he left our firm.
• Alissa left this position to do freelance work.
• Alissa left this position to establish her own consulting firm.
• Alissa stated health reasons as her reason for leaving the company.
• Mr. Hightower’s resignation letter states he left the company to return to the West Coast.
• Alissa left this position to find employment in the computer area.
• Mr. Hightower left our employment to join Hill Associates in Austin, Texas.
• Alissa’s employment was terminated as part of a staff reduction here at Belcher Associates.
• State any weaknesses but keep in mind legal safeguards: Be honest; make sure you have proof of what you say; bear no malice. If you cannot give a strong recommendation, perhaps you can defer to someone “who can give a stronger recommendation than I.” But don’t let personal feelings affect your evaluation of a person’s abilities; keep in mind people react differently to various supervisory approaches. Remember, often the employee transferring to another department may see your comments.
• Alissa’s attendance record did not meet our standards of regularity.
• Alissa’s duties were not always performed with the extra attention to detail required in such a position. Perhaps that would not be the case in another situation.
• Alissa could not be as flexible as necessary in working the weekend hours our operations required.
• Alissa’s written communication skills were not satisfactory in the position she held here. In a situation where writing was not part of the job assignment, Alissa possibly would do quite well.
• Charles is an extremely knowledgeable individual and perhaps would be more challenged in a situation such as yours.
• Under other conditions with another supervisor, perhaps Denise would have a different outlook on her job.
• As long as the job did not require much heavy lifting, I think Gerald would make an excellent employee.

Example 1: Sample letter of recommendation for unsuitable employees

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Mr. Slaughterbaugh:

Alissa Klein was employed as an auditor by Hearst Corporation for four years, from June 19– to August 19–. After the first six months, she received a promotion and an appropriate salary increase. During the last 3-1/2 years, she received annual cost-of-living increases.

Ms. Klein left our company to move back to New York and seek employment there.

Sincerely,

Example 2: Sample references letters

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Reference for John Guerierre

Bill,

John did speak to me earlier about moving into your department as soon as there was an opening.

While working for me since July 19–, John has demonstrated considerable ability in all our statistical functions; he is organized and meticulous with details. Seldom do I find a mistake in his work.

He has had a problem, however, with tardiness. My records show he has been tardy 30 percent of the time, and for our department this creates a work-flow problem. Perhaps we run a tighter ship here than most departments do, and this lateness may not be a significant problem in your area. Also, let me add John has gone through a recent divorce that may have had some effect on his initiative to get to work on time. In a new environment with new responsibilities, perhaps he would be more conscientious about punctuality.

If you have other specific questions, please phone.

Example 3: Reference letter for an unsuitable employee

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Mr. Smith:

William Stablather held the position of systems engineer with our firm from May 19– to February 19–. During this period he was promoted twice with appropriate salary increases.

Mr. Stablather left our company to seek employment in the computer retail area.

Sincerely,

Guidelines : For a Suitable Employee

Supplying References for Suitable Employees

Guidelines and Alternate Phrases

• Recommend the person immediately.
• I am pleased to offer you my highest recommendation for Bill Eaton.
• For approximately 22 months I’ve had the privilege of working beside Bill Eaton, and I can heartily recommend him to you.
• Without reservation, I highly recommend Bill Eaton to you for any engineering position.
• I’m thrilled to be asked to write this recommendation for Bill Eaton.
• As Bill Eaton’s immediate supervisor for the past six years, I can offer only the highest recommendation for his experience, his skill, and his personal integrity.
• It is a pleasure to recommend Bill to you.
• With eagerness and all sincerity, we can recommend to you Gerald Forde for the position as geologist.
• We can offer only the highest recommendation for accountant Carol Lyons, who was previously employed at our firm for six years.
• I heartily recommend Bill Frazier to you. We would eagerly rehire him if a vacancy developed.
• Detail the individual’s association with your organization–length of employment, skills displayed on the job, and personal attributes that will contribute to his or her success. The more specific your comments are, the more helpful and more credible the recommendation. If you don’t know the individual well or can’t offer a high recommendation, you may choose to comment only vaguely.
• Bill’s loyalty and integrity have been above reproach. Bill’s commitment to helping people has been in the highest tradition of the social work profession.
• Bill’s willingness to work long hours and his ability to manage time extremely well allowed him to run the department almost single-handedly.
• Bill proved to be a capable engineer and was able to diagnose and solve mechanical problems with ease.
• Charles has been active in the community, participating frequently in civic fund-raisers with great success.
• Bill was career-motivated and self-motivated in achieving the goals he set for himself as well as those we set for him.
• Bill was loyal to the company and his superiors.
• Bill has a gentle but persuasive management style that motivates employees, but he can be firm and straightforward in difficult employee situations.
• Bill understands budgeting and can live within the budget guidelines set for him.
• Bill communicates well–he was very effective with both customers and with new employees who looked to him for training.
• Bill was very gracious in accepting different shifts when such scheduling became necessary.
• Bill’s technical skill and judgment are thorough and sound.
• I find Ms. Tate to be friendly, reliable, and diligent.
• While he was with us, Mr. Baubaum carried out his responsibilities in a very forthright manner. He met our deadlines and easily achieved and exceeded the goals we set for him.
• She handles customers well–on the phone, in person, and in writing.
• Bryan has a fine family and is quite well known in financial circles because of his successful CPA practice here.
• Clair is amiable and completely trustworthy.
• Mr. Jones has now moved into a new line of sales, and we are no longer able to use his products or services. However, we are happy to recommend him and his new firm to you.
• Her sales skills would be enviable among the most successful in the nation.
• Bob is a responsible, conscientious employee.
• Tom performed satisfactorily while he was with us.
• Verify the reason for the termination.
• Bill resigned his position as a manager, giving appropriate notice and leaving us with a trained replacement.
• Bill left his employment here to accompany his wife to a new job.
• Bill left his employment here to accept a position with Highland Corporation.
• Bill’s employment here terminated as part of a major staffing reduction of almost 40 percent.
• Due to the economic situation in our industry, we had to lay off several of our valued employees such as Bill.
• Donna simply outperformed the job. Not even six months after we hired her, we realized her skills far exceeded the requirements of the job. We hated to lose her but didn’t want to stand in the way of her advancement.
• We had to eliminate Sharon’s department altogether as one of the economic realities of our declining market share.
• Ms. Jones left our company to accept a position with a larger CPA firm.
• Our records show Ms. Michaels left her engineering position here to move to California to be nearer her family.
• Close with a summary of your opinion of how the new employee will work out in the position.
• Bill will make a valuable contribution to your organization.
• If past performance is any indication of future success, Bill will be a superb employee in your organization. Bill will succeed anywhere he chooses to work.
• Bill has been and will continue to be a valuable employee–the kind that keeps customers and clients coming back.
• In my opinion, you will be lucky indeed if Bill chooses to accept a position with your company.
• Bill will be an asset wherever he is hired.
• Bill has my highest regard both personally and professionally.
• Bill should prove to be an excellent manager with your organization.
• Given Bill’s outstanding record here, we would not hesitate to rehire him. You will have made an excellent decision, should you offer him a position with your firm.
• Best wishes in filling the new position.
• We think Joan will prove to be a valuable asset to your organization.
• Don has my highest regard. You will be very lucky to have such an employee.
• We think you’ll be very pleased to see how Don James performs.

Example 1: Sample Letter of recommendation

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Reference for Henry Malone

Yes, I’d be happy to recommend Henry Malone as a member of your legal staff in Chicago. He has worked with me since June 19– and has provided legal opinions on just about every governmental regulation we’ve encountered. He’s self-motivated, thorough in his research, and knowledgeable in all aspects. Although not particularly articulate, Henry does communicate effectively in writing. I only wish there was a way to give him the promotion here he deserves; I hate to lose him.

I wish both of you the best when his transfer is approved.

Example 2: Sample references letters

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Mr. Weldon:

I am pleased to write to you concerning Dianna Frazier’s work history here at Fornsbury and Associates. From March 19– to June 19– she did a splendid job as administrative assistant to me, owner of the firm, and to our vice president.

To be honest, I’d have to say she was more than an assistant. In many cases, she managed the entire office of 23 professionals and kept us all free to deal with clients while she took on the problems of day-to-day operations. Specifically, she coordinated travel arrangements for 12 to 15 of us, selected and purchased office equipment, maintained our inventory of manuals and videos, prepared financial reports, and supervised a staff of three clerical support people. Dianna required very little direction in these duties and no day-to-day supervision, because she approached the job as if she were the owner and as if every problem client signed her paycheck.

Dianna resigned her position here to move to Miami to care for her elderly parents. However, if she ever returned to the area, we would be most eager to have her rejoin us.

I highly recommend Dianna to you and know, without a doubt, she will handle any administrative assistant or office manager position with great success.

Sincerely,

Example 3: Reference letter for an employee character

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Mr. Sheraton:

I am eager to comment on Sharon Tatum’s performance as a senior professional in the training industry.

Sharon joined MacIntosh Company in May 19– to plan and implement a number of resource and organizational development programs, which were badly needed. After two successful years in that capacity, she was promoted to training manager, a new position established under the operations division. She served in that capacity until June 19–.

The continuing recession in the energy-services industry forced us to reduce our critical support functions to lower our operating costs; thus, Sharon was terminated during these staffing cuts.

I have worked closely with Sharon since she joined our company and have the highest respect for her, both personally and professionally. She is highly self-disciplined and dedicated to her work. Additionally, she always supports the goals and principles of the organization.

Under Sharon’s leadership and direction, MacIntosh’s training programs have been substantially improved despite limited resources. Some of her most noteworthy programs include the establishment of a highly successful new performance-appraisal system and the development of a skills inventory for managers.

I highly recommend Sharon for any position in the training field.

Sincerely,

Example 4: Personal reference letters,

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Letter of Reference

This letter will introduce Donna Stewart, a senior human resources professional. Donna joined Hammerly Inc. (a chain of 34 retail outlets across six states) in October 19–, as a human resources representative. She has been under my supervision since that time.

Donna has been actively involved in all human resources activities. She has demonstrated particular strengths in workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance activities, group health administration, selection interviewing, and forms/policy development. She is completely knowledgeable of COBRA, as well as the provisions of work eligibility verification. During the 10-month expansion that added 28 stores and more than 400 employees to Hammerly, she frequently supervised all human resource functions while I was traveling.

I have the highest personal and professional regard for Donna. She is a unique blend of natural ability, directness, common sense, congeniality, and sincerity. She is completely loyal and totally trustworthy. She smiles readily and interacts effectively at all levels.

Upon the occasion of my resignation, I recommended Donna assume all of my duties and responsibilities. I did so because of her demonstrated competence, her dedication, and her desire to assume additional responsibilities.

Without reservation or qualification, I recommend that Donna receive every consideration for any position in the human resource field.

Sincerely,

Example 5: Employer reference letter sample

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

To Whom It May Concern:

Efficient in adminstrative tasks. Knowledgeable. Excellent people skills. If these attributes are important to you in your business, I highly recommend Jean King.

Ms. King has worked for me since 19–, first as my secretary while I was comptroller at Hrogon Company and most recently on a contract basis at my CPA firm. During this time, she has continuously exhibited the qualities noted above. She is thoroughly familiar with computer software such as LOTUS 1-2-3, Multi-Mate, and Wordstar. She is particularly adept at typing and putting together lengthy reports with complex attachments and compiling slides and other graphic presentations for proposals to clients.

If you’d like to discuss her credentials in more detail, please feel free to call me at 713-344-5995.

Sincerely,

Example 6: Reference letter for a suitable employee

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Ladies or Gentlemen:

I have known Henry Appleby for nearly 20 years, during which time he has served as general counsel for Blayton Associates. Mr. Appleby has represented the company in all legal actions before various courts and other tribunals, and he has advised on and handled the day-to-day legal matters that have arisen in the company.

In my opinion, he has advised and represented us well, and I can recommend him to you wholeheartedly.

Sincerely,

Guidelines : Requesting

Requesting References

Guidelines and Alternate Phrases

• Mention the reason for your request for reference.
• Would you do me the favor of supplying a reference?
• May I ask a favor? I need a reference letter covering the period I worked for your organization (May 19– to September 19–).
• I’m considering an engineering position with Dalton Services and need a reference letter about my work with your organization.
• Dalton Services, an engineering firm in Atlanta, is considering me for an accounting position, and I’m writing to ask you for a letter of reference.
• Recall the dates of previous employment, if applicable, so the reader can immediately check past records.
• Overview the new job responsibilities so the reader can comment appropriately about experience, skills, or personal qualities that would make you (or the individual you’re inquiring about) successful. The more specific you can be in your request, the more appropriately the recipient can focus on the job in question.
• The job will require the ability to get along well with people and an even temperament in handling dissatisfied customers.
• The job will require travel and flexibility in week-to-week scheduling.
• Attention to detail and punctuality, as you can imagine, will be extremely important in such a job.
• Tenacity and determination are key ingredients for the successful person who accepts this position.
• Extensive knowledge of desktop publishing packages is a real plus in the job.
• As with many jobs, sound judgment and the ability to make quick decisions will be qualities uppermost in the prospective employer’s mind when filling this position.
• Communication skills–both verbal and written–will be of utmost importance in this particular assignment.
• My extensive experience in sales will certainly come in handy as a springboard for this managerial job.
• Although this may sound trite, the prospective employer is looking for someone who really cares about doing a good job–who cares as much as if the business were his or her own to run.
• Extensive computer experience is a must in the new job, along with the natural curiosity that spurs one to continue to look for ways to improve the current program or process.
• The job will require excellent communication skills.
• I’d appreciate your offering an opinion on my management philosophy and the way I interacted with senior management to “sell” our departmental ideas.
• Punctuality, dependability, and a pleasing disposition are of prime importance in this job. In your opinion, does John have these attributes?
• We expect the person we hire to have good analytical skills and to be self-motivated on long-term projects.
• Assure the reader of confidentiality if you are asking for a reference on a prospective employee.
• Of course, we appreciate your frankness and will hold the information in confidence.
• We can assure you your opinions will be kept confidential.
• This information, of course, will be only for our own use.
• Thank the reader for her efforts. Remember this request, often considered a personal rather than business matter, takes time away (from your reader) from other more important tasks.
• Thank you for your trouble.
• Thank you for providing this help. We’ll be happy to return the favor for you if we are ever in a position to do so.
• Please let us know when we can provide you with a similar reference.
• John, please know how very much I appreciate your giving this reference for me. I want this job very much.
• Thank you so much for your help in this way.
• I appreciate your time in doing this favor.
• I appreciate so much your help in securing this position.
• Thank you for helping me land this new assignment.
• This job will mean a great deal to me. Thank you for helping with this reference.
• Thank you for your comments; they will be highly beneficial as we try to match the position with the most suitable candidate.
• I appreciate your honesty in helping us determine how successful and happy Bob would be in this job.
• My thanks for writing on my behalf.

Example 1: Sample request for recommendation letter

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Mr. Davenport:

I’m currently seeking employment with Bledson Healthcare Services and need a letter of reference from you. If you recall, while employed by your firm, I worked on long-term assignments with elderly patients (Ms. Elma Scott and Mr. Todd Forenzon) from March 19– to April of 19–.

This new job will require experience and temperament quite similar to that I had with your organization. I’ll be administrator for all nursing services provided to home-bound patients. As administrator, I’ll need to evaluate what the individual can do for himself or herself and what kinds of services the situation warrants. Then, I’ll match nurse to patient according to personalities. The job will require interaction with the public (family members and those of the medical community) and extensive knowledge about government-assisted medical aid and all the administrative paperwork required by law. Finally, the job requires someone who can work alone with very little supervision because Bledson’s headquarters are in Atlanta.

If you can comment on my experience in getting along with both patients and family members, my self-motivation, and my attention to the detail and the technicalities of the medical and legal fields, that should give my prospective employer great insight into how successful I might be in this new job. Thank you for taking the time to prepare this reference. The job means a great deal to me.

Sincerely,

Example 2: Requesting recommendation letters

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Mr. Murphy:

Ms. Carol Meyers, one of your former engineers, has applied for an engineering position in our Atlanta office and has given your name as a reference.

Would you be so kind as to complete the attached form, commenting on her ability to work with little supervision, and her ability and willingness to work under pressure with sometimes short deadlines?

Of course, we will hold your comments in the strictest confidence. If you’d rather respond by phone, please call me collect at 123-456-6789. Thank you for any help you can give.

Sincerely,

Example 3: Requesting letter for character references

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Mr. Tartar:

Our conference has been asked to prepare the required character report on Ralph Schell, a member of the bars of New York and Pennsylvania, who is now applying for admission to the bar of Texas.

We wish to verify the positions Mr. Schell has held as vice president and general counsel with your organization. We also will appreciate any facts and opinions concerning Mr. Schell’s qualifications for being admitted to the Texas bar.

Thank you for your assistance in verifying the information supplied to us by Mr. Schell.

Sincerely,

Example 4: Letter for requesting references

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Fred:

I have recently applied for a consulting position with Barker Management Consultants and am hoping to begin developing some performance-appraisal video programs and some negotiation-skills packages.

Would you please write a letter of reference for me about the work I did while under your supervision (June 19– to August 19–)?

Let me outline briefly what the new job entails so you can comment appropriately on those qualities and skills that will have a bearing on my new situation. In this position I’ll be interacting with clients to analyze their needs and then turning my research into a training product. Additionally, I’ll have to work well both independently and also with several team members to coordinate the video and print components of the packages. Finally, my organizational skills will be of paramount importance in writing these programs.

Thank you for taking the time from your always busy schedule to help me in this way. I will appreciate it most sincerely.

Cordially,

Example 5: Requesting reference letters

Memorandum

TO:

FROM:

DATE:

SUBJECT: Reference Request for Sales Rep Transfer

As I mentioned to you during our phone conversation last month, I have had my eye open for a sales job for some time. At last, I have had the opportunity to interview with Martin Waggoner for such an opening in the western division and have given your name as a reference.

Should he contact you about previous work under your supervision (February 19– to June 19–), I’d appreciate any comments you can make about my interpersonal skills in dealing with customers there in the office and about my product knowledge gained in relaying such information from headquarters to field personnel. The sales rep job, of course, heavily depends on skills in these areas, as well as initiative and organizational ability in handling a larger territory.

Thanks so much for any help you can give in arranging this transfer.