Is there a standard way to write a reference for a former employee?
611935
Dear Prospective Employer,\nThis reference letter is provided at the request of Jay Bean, who has asked me to serve as a reference on his behalf. It is my understanding that Jay is being considered by your esteemed institution for the employment. Please be advised that the information contained in this letter is confidential and should be treated as such. The information should not be disclosed to Jay, [if he has waived access] or anyone in your organization who would not be involved in the decision regarding this individual. Additionally, the information should not be disclosed to anyone outside of your organization without the consent of the applicant. \nJayis a multi-talented life insurance expert (underwriter, trainer, IT savvy, strong financial skills) of the highest caliber, who meticulously researches, justifies his decisions, and helps in knowledge management.  I've received many compliments from Sales Managers who rely on his underwriting acumen. Management and personnel in tech support, training, and other departments praise his work. \nHow long have you known the applicant? I have known Jay professionally for over 2 years and 7 months\nWhat was the nature of your relationship? \nAs Chief Manager of Client Servicing desk had daily interaction with Jay as he was my counterpart at ABC Life Insurance being the Chief Manager Underwriting. His ability to break down the most difficult of the insurance concepts for better understanding made him a “generalizing specialist” on the shop floor.\n\nPlease comment on the applicant’s academic attainments. \nHis academic brilliance can be understood from the way he was able to learn, improve and grow on the shop floor. Jay is the only underwriter ever to be sent from ABC Life to Old Mutual, South Africa and RGA South Africa, for training. He joined us in April 2003 as Manager Underwriting and within a year was re-designated to Senior Manager and the very next year promoted as Chief Manager Underwriting responsible for the underwriting function at ABC Life directly reporting into the Vice President Underwriting. His growth at ABC was unheard of and his ability to create and design software applications without any technical education helped him design ABC’s first automated underwriting solution.\nPlease comment on the applicant’s personal character. \nJay is a very easy to get along kind of individual. He always went out of his way to explain critical underwriting terms/ decisions to the Customer Support Executives. His fierce streak of loyalty to his team members made him popular in both senior management and his team. Coming from GE he was always immaculately particular about his interaction with employees of the opposite gender and was always held in high regard for his integrity.\n\nPlease indicate your overall evaluation of the applicant. \n√ Strongly recommended \nRecommend  \nRecommended with reservation \nNot recommended \n\nPlease make whatever additional comments you wish. \nJay Bean Chief Manager Underwriting ABC Life Insurance Company\nEmployee Performance  \n     Top 10%  Top 25%   Average Cannot Judge\nOrganization √   \nSoundness of Judgment√  \nVerbal Communication Ability√    \nWriting Ability          √  \nCompetence In Chosen Field√   Motivation to Succeed √ \nCreativity or Research Potential√\nWork Habits √   \nEmotional Stability √  Professional Behavior √  Interpersonal Relationships  √  \n\nJay is an innovative self-starter, who rarely needs supervision. He is punctual and typically exceeds expectations.  He handles pressure well, and will voluntarily work overtime to meet a deadline.  For example, we received a last minute approval from senior management to proceed with automation in underwriting, including critical user documentation.  Jay not only made the extremely tight deadline, but beat it; yet he still produced stellar, technically-accurate, standard product specifications.  New Business, Underwriting, Sales, train
549381
You may want to use a Functional Resume, which focuses on your skills & accomplishments rather than your employment history.\n\nYou will still most likely deal with the interviewer's questions, but try to answer them in a positive note that focuses on the employer's need.\n\nYou can find out more info at http://www.effective-resume-writing.com
733401
The next time you go in, simply make a comment such as "You know, all the time I've been coming here and I don't know your name?"  Say it with a smile and pause.  The staff member will be happy to provide you with their name.  Then add "Hi, (insert name here), I'm (your name), it's nice to have a name to put with you."\n\nIt sounds a bit corny, but it's a nice gesture.  Most people don't bother to learn the names of the people who serve them.
1040828
You could bring out any customer relations experience you recieved in your old job.  If you did any working with customers, distributers, or outside contractors.  If you recieved any "awards" for being a good employee.  Be sure to not hide your references and make sure that your references will speak for your personality.\n\nAlso, don't be afraid to hide what you did before.  But, as you have metioned, you do want to relate your previous work to the new job if at all possible.\n\nFinally, if you have a community college in your area... many community colleges have what is known as a "Carrer Center".  These are typically open to the public by apointment.  Try calling a college near you to see if they offer this type of service.
220903
Yes.  First, find several good references, document them, then write it yourself.\n\nNo cheating allowed!
783550
It's against the law for them to give any type of reference on your actual work habits.  The only thing they can verify is your Start / End dates with the company and your starting / ending salary information.\n\nTry having a friend calling to ask for a reference on you.  Tape the call from another line and contact a lawyer if they give your friend anything other that what is allowed.
468198
Try http://www.resumeedge.com/.
741255
You can go back and edit any part of your application. What you could do is type the reference in putting all the info such as contact details etc...  send them also a copy (scan it) of the reference and don't forget to let him know what you've done.   Good luck with your application, I just sent mine (I'm a so called mature student!)
120857
Applicant’s Address\nPhone Number\nDate of Letter \nEmployer’s Name and Title\nEmployer’s Address\n\nSalutation:\n\nOpening Paragraph: State why you are writing, name the position or type of work for which you are applying. You may want to mention how you became aware of the opening and/or the organization.\n\nMiddle Paragraph(s): Explain why you are interested in working for this employer and specify your reasons for wanting this type of work. If you have had relevant work experience or education, point these out, but do not reiterate your entire resume. Emphasize skills or abilities you have that relate to the job for which you are applying. Be sure to do this in a confident manner and remember that the reader will view your letter of application as an example of your writing skills. \n\nClosing Paragraph: You may refer the reader to your enclosed resume (which gives a summary of your qualifications), or whatever material you are using to illustrate your training, interests, and experience. Have an appropriate closing to pave the way for an interview and indicate the steps you will take to initiate an interview date.\n\nSincerely,\n\n(Your Signature)\n\nYour typed name\nenclosure
1024412
List it as you normally would. When they ask for a reference, explain the business is no longer in business and provide an alternate reference.
849022
They are unlikely to ask for this information on a reference. However, you will have to pass your P45 on to them (from your previous employer) and this will reveal how much you have earned with them that year.
779927
This is my oppionion:\nPut it in this type of format.\nfirst part \nSituation : I was fired due to blah blah (whatever happened)\nForm (don't write that just giving you an idea) Write down exactly what happened and why you responded the way you did...and with your apologizes or whatever (even if you don't feel that way) for creating any upset with the company...why you like the company etc..\nAt the bottom next paragraph put how long you have worked there...how you have done or whatever on your job and why you are an asset to the company...and that it will never happen again.\n\nGet it? gosh sorry that happened....sounds like they were a bit tough on both of you really....you should have at least gotten a warning or something :(\nHope this helps! :) good luck xxxooo\nHey worse case You will find another job that knows your worth.
84007
You could contact the previous employer and ask for a copy, but if that's not reasonable the IRS has a copy too, just ask them.  They've become pretty personable and easy to work with.
926802
Good luck with that.  Legally, all a former employer can confirm is dates of employment.  Anything else will violate EOE standards.  But, proving something was said will be impossible as neither side would have any reason to fess up to any in depth conversation.
885136
Same thing happened to me - 3 years at a company that closed and cannot get ahold of any ex-fellow employees.  I did have contact with the owner, but he as been MIA for over a year.  \n\nI use people that knew me from companies I delt with such as suppliers and customers.  Contact someone you feel comfortable with and ask for a reference.  They may have to check with their HR departments about this, but it's worth the effort.
71061
Simply ask the person if they mind if you use them as a reference.. most people will not mind
607421
Quit trying to step around the bad reference and be the first to explain the situation to the potential new employer.  Stick to the facts, if asked, and leave out personal feelings.\n\nI've been in your shoes before, and that's what I did.\n\nWhen I applied, I explained very briefly on the application that my previous employer and I parted on unfavorable terms, and would enjoy the opportunity to discuss with them.\n\nI don't think I was overlooked by any company due to thus statement, a few asked about it, and we had a brief discussion of the issues involved.  When they checked for the reference and my statements and the response from my previous employer were similar, they understood I was being honest, which was a big PLUS.\n\nDuring this process, I received several job offers.  So, by being honest and being first to deal with the issue, I believe I prevented the "Bad Reference" from having much affect.