Manager's reference for a promotion: reference letter example
When to use it
A manager's recommendation for a team member applying for an internal promotion, a leadership role or a talent programme.
The full letter
To: [Decision-maker or panel]
Subject: [Candidate's full name] — application for [new role]
Dear [Name],
I fully support [Candidate's full name]'s application for the [new role] position. [He/She/They] has worked in my team as [current role] for the past [X] years and has consistently exceeded expectations.
Over the last two years, [Candidate's first name] [achievement 1 — e.g. "led our department's largest project, delivering it on budget and two weeks early"] and [achievement 2 — e.g. "mentored two new hires, both of whom passed probation successfully"]. [He/She/They] has already become the team's informal leader: colleagues come to [him/her/them] for advice.
[His/Her/Their] decision-making, ownership and open communication show that [he/she/they] is ready for the [new role]. [A development area, if any, framed positively — e.g. "[he/she/they] is completing training in budget planning and we're already seeing the results"].
I am confident [Candidate's first name] will add even more value to the team and the company in this new role. I am happy to provide further detail at any time.
Kind regards, [Your full name] [Your title], [Department]
Replace the parts [in square brackets] with your own details. Cut generic phrases; add specific facts and numbers.
💡 Expert tips
- 1Take the new role's requirements and give one piece of evidence for each.
- 2Show signs of leadership: mentoring, leading projects, making decisions.
- 3If asked about weaknesses, pair each with a development plan.