Writing a reference letter for a subordinate
Your subordinate, Mark Smith has not really delivered. Your boss Helen really does not like him and he has given her some shoddy work. Otherwise, Mark has some good qualities. He is punctual, considerate, works well with others, appears ethical and has sound judgment. He is a creative thinker though and this job (supply requisitioning) requires a rational, logical, detail oriented worker"not Mark's strength.
Your boss has you fire him, which goes well. In fact, Mark says he was not happy anyway and knew his skills were in a different area. He has an interview with a Marketing firm to write advertising copy and would like you to personally provide a reference letter. You clear this with your boss who says it is fine as long as you sign it personally and not as a representative of the firm; but your boss says you must be honest about Mark's history with the firm, and his strengths and weaknesses. Write a letter for Mark that will possibly help him get the new job, while still meeting your commitment to your boss. Use any appropriate business letter format.
Create a tip sheet (15 - 20 tips) outlining techniques useful in sending the following types of written messages: persuasive, goodwill, negative or bad news, good news, "you-centered," and sales oriented.