Employment Reference Letter

Employment Reference Letter: Create a Verified Job Reference

A verified employment reference letter is a letter from an employer or manager about a current or former employee, for a new employer, landlord or other organisation. It confirms the person's job title and dates of employment and, if you choose, describes their responsibilities, skills and performance. Robot Lawyer drafts the reference from your answers, for the law of the country or state you choose. On the Verified plan, a legal professional checks it before you send it.

CONTENTS

What Is an Employment Reference Letter?

A reference gives a prospective employer reliable information about a candidate. A good reference is specific and honest. Because the person receiving it may rely on it, and the employee may be affected by it, a reference must be true, accurate and fair.

When Do You Need One?

• A new job
  A former employee has applied for a role and named you as a referee.
• Renting or studying
  A landlord, letting agent or university asks for confirmation of employment.
• Visas and other applications
  An organisation needs to confirm someone's role and dates.

What's Included in Your Letter?

• The person and the role
  Their name, job title and dates of employment.
• Responsibilities
  The main duties of the role, where you choose to include them.
• Skills and performance
  Specific, fair comments about their work.
• A recommendation
  Your view on their suitability, if you want to give one.
• Your details
  Your name, position and how to contact you to confirm.

Giving References Fairly (UK Only)

In the UK, there is usually no legal duty to give a reference, except in some regulated sectors. If you do give one, you owe a duty of care to make it true, accurate and fair, and not misleading by what it leaves out. Many employers give a short factual reference confirming only the role and dates, which is acceptable.

How It Works on Robot Lawyer

1. Answer the questions
   Tell us about the employee, the role and what you want to say.
2. Generate your letter
   We draft a clear, professional reference.
3. Get it verified
   On the Verified plan, a qualified legal professional checks the letter within 24 hours and makes amendments where needed. See how our documents are verified.
4. Send it
   Send it to the person who asked for it, marked confidential if appropriate.

Employment Reference Letter FAQs

Can a reference be negative?

It can include negative facts if they are true, accurate and fair, such as a dismissal for misconduct after a proper process. It must not give an unfair impression.

Can an employee see their reference?

Often, yes. In the UK, the employee may be able to obtain a reference from the organisation that received it through a subject access request.

What is a factual reference?

A short reference that confirms only the person's job title and dates of employment, with no comment on performance.

Create a Verified Employment Reference Letter

Give a clear, fair reference. Related documents: Resignation Letter, Employee Appraisal Form, Employment Offer Letter and Employment Termination Letter.