Ever heard a popular saying when leaving your job?

“Never burn your bridges”! We’ve all heard it from time to time.

And quite frankly, when switching careers, one might be tempted to vent against your former boss and just let them have it.

However, the saying “Never burn your bridges” illustrates why that is not such a good idea. When switching jobs, new employers most of the time, if not always, request a recommendation letter.

What is a Recommendation Letter?

A recommendation letter is a tool that validates your interview performance. The information you would have supplied during the interview will be evaluated against what your former manager has to say about you. Usually written and provided by a former superior, the recommendation letter serves as evidence to the accomplishments, competencies and skills contained in your CV. It also is used by recruiters to distinguish who is the right candidate for the job based on the first-hand reviews by former employers.

How to ask for a Recommendation Letter?

If you’ve had a positive working relationship at your previous company, obtaining a letter of recommendation is not a tedious task. A simple phone call or email to your former manager outlining the details of the letter should be enough.

However, if you’ve had a negative experience at your former workplace and left under tense conditions, obtaining that recommendation can be trickier. You may have to put aside your pride and reach out nevertheless, to see if your former boss is willing to extend an olive branch. If the relationship was truly volatile, it would be in your best interest to seek another alternative.

An alternative can be someone in the past who you would have had an amicable relationship and can vouch for your expertise. You can also try community leaders such as pastors or government officials, former teachers or professors, respected industry leaders or high-ranking professionals.

Keep in mind though, the most valuable and authentic recommendation would come from your former boss, as this person had direct knowledge of your work ethic and character. Therefore, as a rule of thumb, when leaving a workplace, always seek to do so under the best conditions possible. Barbados is a small country and you may never know who knows whom.

How to Write a Recommendation Letter?

When writing a recommendation letter, you are essentially speaking to your former staff’s new employer. As such, it is important that the letter reflects a great deal of professionalism, truth and integrity without bias. Recommendations letters require clear, concise language in a conversational tone. Write the letter as if you were speaking directly to the person face-to-face.

Keep the length simple and straightforward. Use a maximum of three paragraphs, averaging four to six lines on one letter-sized sheet. Include in the letter how you know the candidate, how long have you known them, your evaluation of their job performance and whether you believe they will be an asset to another employer’s workplace.

How to Structure the Recommendation Letter?

Letters of recommendation should be appropriately typed on the company’s letterhead. The candidate would have indicated he or she worked at that company in their CV. This serves as proof that the recommendation is coming from an authentic source.  

The heading for the letter includes the date and the company’s department you’re addressing – usually the human resources department. Include underneath the full company’s name as well as its address.

The Nature of the Relationship

Your first paragraph follows your salutation to the person the letter is intended for, with the appropriate titular Mr, Mrs or Ms. Your first line specifies that this is a recommendation for whoever the candidate in question is. Indicate the nature of your professional relationship. How long you have worked with that candidate and in what job capacity?

Effective Work Capabilities

Your second paragraph details the candidate’s positive attributes of the candidate. What was their character like – were they honest and diligent? Were there any projects that you managed together that allowed you to witness their skills and capabilities? In this paragraph, discuss specifically what value they brought to the organisation and affirm your trust in them to do the same for future employers.

Positive Traits and Attributes

Within your final paragraph, emphasise on the character of the person you are recommending. Include any personal traits you found welcoming or anything you admire about them. Conclude the last paragraph by stating your firm belief in them being the best person for the job and the competency and value they will bring to their new employer. Mention if further information is required, you will gladly assist.

Closing the Recommendation Letter

Close your recommendation letter with ‘Yours Respectfully’, ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Warmest Regards’. Your handwritten signature is important here to show authenticity. If you are emailing the letter, include your email signature instead.  The final items on the letter should be your job title and contact info – mobile and work extension number as well as your email address.