Sample Letter to Employment Applicant's Former Employer
A previous employer can be a valuable source of information regarding someone you are considering hiring. While some may refuse to provide any information, many will be happy to share their thoughts and opinions with you. Bear in mind that they too are in business, and send them a request that they can deal with quickly while still supplying you with the information you need to make an informed hiring decision.
This sample letter to a former employer can be adapted to your particular needs. Make an effort to explore not only what activities the potential employee engaged in, but also whether he was a good employee. Open-ended questions on topics such as reliability and team skills provide the former employer with a chance to provide important input on the more subjective aspects of the applicant's performance as an employee.
Employment reference check
Re: Reference for [Applicant Name]
[Position Held at Former Employer]
[Dates of employment]
[Provide Social Security Number or information supplied by applicant for identification purposes.]
Dear [Former Employer]:
The above named individual has applied for employment with [Your Organization] and has named you as a former employer. In order to make an informed hiring decision, we need to know the applicant's work history. [Applicant] has signed a release permitting you to provide us with the requested information, and a copy is attached. Any information that you give will be held in the strictest confidence.
Please verify employment by answering the following questions:
1. How long was [Applicant] with your company?
2. Please provide all dates of employment
3. What position(s) were held by [Applicant]?
4. What was the [Applicant's] final rate of pay?
5. Was [Applicant] reliable? Please provide examples.
6. Was [Applicant's] work satisfactory? (If no, explain)
7. Why did [Applicant] leave your employ?
8. Would you rehire this person?
9. Any additional remarks?
Information furnished by (signature/date):
Thank you for your cooperation and prompt response.
Reprinted with permission. © CCH
Sample Letter to Employment Applicant's Former Employer. A previous employer can be a valuable source of information regarding someone you are considering hiring. While some may refuse to provide any information, many will be happy to share their thoughts and opinions with you.