The Letter of Recommendation

In the world of downsizing, it is increasingly important to differentiate yourself from others when looking to land your next position.  This includes being able to distinguish yourself as a top performer who has been downsized rather than just someone who has been downsized for perhaps performance reasons.

The key to positing yourself?  A Letter of Reference from your manager or from your former manager.  Try to negotiate the letter before signing off on any termination documents.  If you are fortunate, you might have such a good relationship with your boss that they will allow you to write the letter.

If this is the case, try to make the letter as effective as possible by taking the following approach:

-Do not use a “reference letter” template.  It needs to appear as a personal letter from the heart.

-It should also include:

1.  positive sentiment from the Manager that they are extremely happy to write the letter on your behalf

2.  a mention of the employees’ high level of integrity and commitment (this eliminates ideas of crooked behavior)

3.  a recall of specific success or KPI achievements that were critical to the business (this tells people that this person was accomplishing something)

4.  a statement about really welcoming the opportunity to work with that employee again in the future etc.

Good luck!

Farewell,

Mike