Letter of reference?

Fuzz · 9 Apr 2011 at 17:31

Is there any particular format in which a reference letter should be written.

Should it include duties the employee undertook and then say a bit about his/her attitude, time keeping and appearance or what?

Tongue in cheek...

I can confirm the employee is a work-shy layabout with no enthusiasm for the job and that's why he is no longer employed here.

and Yes I understand that you cannot say anything "bad"...

Pudney · 9 Apr 2011 at 17:35

You can say anything bad you like. You just need to be able to back it up with evidence if you get sued.

Wyrdo · 9 Apr 2011 at 17:44

Most just confirm that the person worked for the company and the date they started and finished.

semi-pro waster · 9 Apr 2011 at 18:02

Scubascorpion said:
and Yes I understand that you cannot say anything "bad"...

A letter of reference can contain pretty much anything you want but what you've outlined as an idea ought to be fine for a basis. As Pudney@work says you can give a bad reference if you choose, be aware though that a reference leaves you open to legal action if it is not factually accurate i.e. you can prove that the person either is as you say or that you reasonably believe in the qualities you attribute to them.

DM · 9 Apr 2011 at 18:36

70 quid, you type it and i'l sign it

Fuzz · 9 Apr 2011 at 19:31

ha, I already have the signing member sorted, it's the construction I need help with.

DM · 9 Apr 2011 at 19:46

Scubascorpion said:
ha, I already have the signing member sorted, it's the construction I need help with.

Im thick dont look at me

But i will sign it for ya

Jedeye · 9 Apr 2011 at 20:04

I had to write some of these fellas for some people leaving my employment recently. I did not want to see them go, and was adamant that I would give them shining recommendations.

I googled "letter of recommendation" and used parts of the formats I saw. Make it about half a page, no-one wants to read a novel telling you all the things they are capable of including lacrosse or whatever. Three paragraphs tops. One for a general intro?outline of who the manager is and then another two for what the employee did and how good they were at it.