How to draft an Employment Reference Letter
Are you applying for a visa or Skills Assessment?
The employment reference letter is a key document for your visa application or Skills Assessment. While the format and style may vary, certain non-negotiable requirements must be included.
We will guide you through the format and structure of the employment reference letter.
Purpose of Employment reference letter
Relevant authorities frequently require proof of employment with a legitimate company. A reference letter provides verification of your employment history, including essential details. In this article, we use the ACS employment reference template and Vetassess skill assessment reference letter as examples:
Vetassess Employment Reference Letter
Format and Structure
1. Date and Salutation
- Date: Place the date at the top of the letter.
- Salutation: Address the recipient professionally (e.g., “To whom It May Concern”).
2. Introduction
- Introduce Yourself: Provide your name and your role within the company (e.g., “Manager/Director”).
3. Employee Details
- Specific Details: Provide specific details about the employee and their tenure with the company.
- Employment Dates: Include the correct start and end dates of employment or indicate if the employment is ongoing.
- Job Title: Mention the employee’s job title.
4. Employment Information
- Work Location: Include the address of the workplace or site where the employee worked.
- Type of Employment: State the type of employment (e.g., Full-Time/Part-Time/Casual).
- Hours Worked per Week: Specify the number of hours worked per week (e.g., 38 hours p/w or 20 hours p/w).
5. Job Responsibilities
- Detailed Responsibilities: Write detailed job responsibilities that align with the job title and ANZSCO code.
6. Employee Attributes
- Skills and Qualities: Add positive notes about the skills, qualities, and work ethics of the employee.
7. Closing and Signature
- Closing: Sign the letter and include your details:
- Name: Your full name.
- Professional Salutation: Your role or title (e.g., Manager/Director).
- Contact Number and Email: Provide your contact information.
- Business Address: Include the address of the company.
Example Format
[Date]
To whom It May Concern,
My name is [Your Name], and I am the [Your Position] at [Company Name]. I am writing to provide a reference for [Employee Name], who has been employed with our company since [Start Date] and is currently serving as [Job Title].
[Employee Name] has worked at our [Location/Address] office and has been employed on a [Full-Time/Part-Time/Casual] basis, working [Number of Hours] hours per week.
During their tenure at [Company Name], [Employee Name] has demonstrated exceptional skills in [mention specific skills related to job responsibilities]. Their primary responsibilities included:
- [Responsibility 1]
- [Responsibility 2]
- [Responsibility 3]
[Employee Name] has shown a strong work ethic, excellent problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to delivering high-quality work. They have consistently met and exceeded our expectations, and their contribution has been invaluable to our team.
I am confident that [Employee Name] will bring the same level of dedication and skill to any future role they undertake. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email] if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
This format ensures that the employment reference letter is comprehensive, professional, and provides all necessary information about the employee’s role, responsibilities, and attributes.
Important things to remember
Provide an employment reference letter on Business letterhead or put the company stamp next to your signatures if letterhead is not available.
NOTE: This guide is for employment reference letters to be provided for the employment tenure in each company. Some Skills assessment authorities may ask you to use their Templates/forms if they are not satisfied with the contents of your reference letter.
Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice
The information provided in this blog post/article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create a representative-client relationship. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content may not reflect the most current legal developments or specific circumstances.
Do not rely solely on the information presented here – but please book in a consultation with us to see how you this information applies to you and may benefit you. Any reliance on the material in this post is at your own risk.
Australian immigration law is arguably one of the most complex laws in Australia. Seek professional legal advice tailored to your individual needs before making any decisions based on the content of this post.
