Sample Letter for Employment Reference Letter - Unfavorable
About this form
The Sample Letter for Employment Reference Letter - Unfavorable is a legal document used to provide feedback on an employeeâs performance when that evaluation is negative. This form differs from other employment reference letters by explicitly outlining shortcomings, making it crucial for potential employers to understand the risks or challenges associated with hiring the individual in question. It serves as a formal communication method for expressing concerns about an applicantâs work ethic and suitability for a position.
What’s included in this form
- Return address: Includes the sender's name, address, and date.
- Recipient's address: Contains the name and address of the prospective employer.
- Subject line: Clearly states that the letter is an unfavorable employment reference.
- Evaluation of the employee: Details specific issues with the employeeâs performance and behavior.
- Closing statement: Offers availability for further questions or clarifications.
- Signature: The sender's name for authenticity.
When to use this form
This form should be utilized when a former employer or colleague needs to provide a candid assessment of an employeeâs capability when requested by a potential new employer. Situations may include instances where the employee has left previous positions under less than favorable circumstances, or when the hiring manager seeks insight into the candidate's work habits and attributes from past employers.
Intended users of this form
- Former employers who need to provide a reference for an ex-employee.
- Human resource professionals tasked with drafting reference letters for distressed employees.
- Colleagues asked to comment on a peerâs job performance.
How to prepare this document
- Enter the return address with your name and contact information at the top.
- Add the date of writing the letter.
- Provide the recipient's name and address in the space designated.
- Clearly state in the subject line that the letter is an unfavorable employment reference.
- Outline the employee's performance issues, citing specific examples where necessary.
- Close the letter with your signature and contact information for follow-up inquiries.
Is notarization required?
Notarization is not commonly needed for this form. However, certain documents or local rules may make it necessary. Our notarization service, powered by Notarize, allows you to finalize it securely online anytime, day or night.
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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Typical mistakes to avoid
- Failing to provide concrete examples of the employee's shortcomings.
- Using vague language that lacks specificity could confuse the recipient.
- Neglecting to offer a way for the recipient to contact you for further information.
Benefits of completing this form online
- Convenience of downloading and editing the form to suit particular needs.
- Access to templates that are created by licensed attorneys, ensuring legal compliance.
- Time-saving as forms are available for immediate use without the need for face-to-face meetings.
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FAQ
Avoid vague, general statements of the applicant's personal ability. Instead, provide specific examples of performance and the situation in which the performance occurred. Provide specific facts for any negative information.
In your reference letter for a bad employee, it's best to stick to the pertinent details such as their dates of employment and their job title. You don't need to provide any additional details about performance.
Contact your former employer. Ask for feedback from your potential employer. Ask others for help. Check your other references. Make positive changes.
Yes, generally if they really don't like the student, but the student pesters them into writing a letter of recommendation. If they seriously don't like the student, some may even write a poor letter out of spite.
Tell the employee the reference will be negative. Instead, tell the employee you can't write a positive reference. This will give the employee a chance to choose someone else for a reference. You can say, Sorry, Janet, I'm not sure I can write a really strong reference. Are you sure you can't find someone else?
Keep it Short and Simple. If you don't know the person well, or what you do know makes you hesitant to risk your reputation by offering a recommendation, let him or her down easy, but keep it brief. Offer to Help in Other Ways. Be Honest. Tell a White Lie. Focus on the Positive.
Avoid a Lawsuit. You want to give a negative reference in a positive way, so a former or current employee doesn't have legal grounds to sue you or your company. State Something Positive. Start with something positive when you issue a written or a verbal reference for an employee. Stay Professional. Be Honest.
It is commonly assumed that a previous employer must give a reference and is legally prohibited from giving a bad one. This is not the case. Your employer can give you a bad or unfavourable reference, but only if they genuinely believe it to be true and accurate and have reasonable grounds for that belief.
