Secretary Reference and Recommendation Letter Samples

Writing an effective reference or recommendation letter is essential when supporting a candidate for a position, especially in a competitive field. These letters serve not only as testimonials of a candidate’s abilities and character but also reflect the recommender’s reputation.

The samples provided in this guide offer a framework to help you craft personalized and impactful letters that can significantly influence hiring decisions.

Secretary Reference and Recommendation Letter Samples

Sample 1: General Recommendation

John Smith
 Office Manager
 ABC Corporation
 123 Business Rd.
 Cityville, ST 12345
 [email protected]
 (555) 123-4567

May 12, 2025

Jane Doe
Hiring Manager
XYZ Limited
456 Corporate Ave.
Townsville, ST 67890

Dear Jane Doe,

I am writing to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of Executive Secretary. In my capacity as Office Manager at ABC Corporation, I have had the pleasure of working directly with Sarah for the past three years. During this time, she demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication that I believe would be an asset to your team.

As a secretary, Sarah consistently showcased her ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, maintain confidential information with discretion, and communicate effectively with both colleagues and clients. She possesses a keen attention to detail and is adept at using various office software, making her a highly competent professional.

In addition to her technical abilities, Sarah has a pleasant demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills, which have helped foster a positive workplace environment. I am confident that her proactive approach and strong organizational skills will greatly benefit your organization.

Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or [email protected] if you require any further information.

Sincerely,

John Smith
 Office Manager

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Sample 2: Specific Accomplishments

Mary Johnson
 Human Resources Director
 XYZ Limited
 789 Industry Blvd.
 Townsville, ST 67890
 [email protected]
 (555) 987-6543

May 12, 2025

Tom Brown
Operations Manager
Acme Corp.
654 Main St.
Hometown, ST 11223

Dear Tom Brown,

I am pleased to write this recommendation for Emily White, who is applying for the Administrative Secretary position at your esteemed organization. During the two years that Emily worked as a secretary under my supervision at XYZ Limited, I was continually impressed by her professionalism and work ethic.

Emily played a crucial role in organizing office files and improving our scheduling system, which led to an overall increase in team productivity by 25%. Her ability to streamline processes not only saved time but also enhanced communication within the team and with our clients.

Moreover, Emily is exceptionally skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace, and her willingness to learn new systems quickly was invaluable to our operations. She is a dedicated team player who consistently puts forth an exceptional effort in every project.

I wholeheartedly endorse Emily White for the position and believe she will be a valuable addition to your team. Should you have any questions or need further elaboration on her qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,

Mary Johnson
 Human Resources Director

How to Write a Great Recommendation Letter for a Secretary

1. Start with a Strong Introduction: Clearly state your relationship with the candidate and the purpose of the letter.
2. Highlight Key Skills and Qualifications: Provide specific examples of the candidate’s accomplishments and strengths relevant to the position.
3. Be Honest and Detailed: Share genuine observations about the candidate’s work ethic and interpersonal skills.
4. Conclude with Confidence: Reaffirm your recommendation and invite further contact for questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What should I include in the introduction?

Include your relationship to the candidate, your position, and the context in which you know the candidate.

Q2: How long should the letter be?

Aim for one page, focusing on 3-4 key points to keep it concise and impactful.

Q3: Can I write a recommendation for someone I don’t know well?

It’s best to write a recommendation only if you can speak confidently about the individual’s skills and attributes.

Q4: Should I mention any weaknesses?

While it’s important to be honest, focus on strengths. If weaknesses exist, frame them as areas for growth.

Conclusion

Writing a compelling recommendation letter requires careful thought and structure. By following the guidelines and examples provided, you can create letters that resonate with hiring managers and effectively advocate for the candidates you support.

Comments

Jane L.
“This guide is so helpful! I really appreciate the examples provided. They made it easy to structure my letter.”
Admin : “Thank you, Jane! We’re glad you found the examples useful. Good luck with your letter!”

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Mark R.
“I often struggle with how to start my recommendations. This has cleared things up!”
Admin: “We’re happy to hear that, Mark! A strong start can definitely set the tone for the rest of the letter.”

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Linda T.
“Are there any specific phrases that are good to include?”
Admin: “Great question, Linda! Phrases like ‘I wholeheartedly recommend…’ or ‘She would be an asset to any team…’ can be very effective.”