Reference Letter

Before exiting the organization, the employee should ask for a favorable letter of reference. The letter should mention the duration of the employment and the position(s) held, and that performance of the job was in a diligent and satisfactory fashion. It provides credibility if the letter is signed by a qualified officer or supervisor who worked with the employee.

During the hiring process, a prospective employer usually asks the job applicant for references. He/she might check with the former employer, and a good reference letter makes the interviewer less apprehensive about what the former employer has to say about the applicant’s performance and character. A good reference can also allay the interviewer’s doubts about the actual reason for the job loss, and (perhaps) if there may be any pending court cases.

Generally, employers are not legally required to give a reference. However, a few states—e.g., Indiana, Kansas, Missouri—have “serve letter” acts. This act states that at the time of termination, upon the request of the terminated employee, the employer should provide a letter that mentions the nature of the employee’s job, the length of employment, and the reason for separation.