Charles D. White 2121 Eastern Ocean Avenue San Ramon, California 75944 (415) 363-8630 November 12, 20-- Mr. Timothy Henning California Home Health Care 24 Sandpiper Road West, Suite 1400 San Ramon, California 75944 Dear Tim: Thank you for your offer to act as a reference for me. I believe it is important for me to be able to provide a reference from my last job. As I mentioned, most prospective employers prefer to speak personally to the reference rather than being provided a written document. Should the occasion arise, I would like to request that you be willing to speak personally to a prospective employer. I am following the recommended procedure by contacting each of my references and sharing with them a brief outline I have developed for each job. Having such an outline available serves as a convenient tool to jog the memory and organize thoughts when a call is received. The outlines cover the following key factors: My strengths as an employee and manager. Significant accomplishments achieved during my tenure. The reason for leaving the job. Of course, I want to ensure that the appraisal is honest and one with which you are in agreement. At the same time negative comments should normally be avoided. Please review the attached outline for my job with CHHC. It parallels what I am communicating in my written materials (resumes, marketing letters) as well as what I say in interviews. I'll call in a few days after you've had a chance to review the material. Sincerely, Charles D. White Charles D. White General Business Manager July 20-- - October 20-- Charles was hired through a search conducted by a national retained search firm, interviews with senior company finance and operations personnel and a review by Rohrer, Hibler & Replogle, Inc--a national executive appraisal firm. SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1. Brought the accounting organization from chaos to a high level of professionalism. -handled consolidation into new center -released poor performers -upgraded staff, recruited nine new people -coordinated successful implementation of several new systems (accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets) -set up internal controls and procedures 2. Improved quality of accounting records and reports. -accurate and timely closings -clean FY20-- audit (per Arthur Andersen) -created reports by subunits (board reports, statements) 3. Excellent job of handling the yearly budgeting project -(20-- & 20-- fiscal years). -provided historical data and tools for assisting managers -one of only a few zones to completely fulfill requirements for content and timing 4. Significantly improved the yearly physical inventory project. -wrote detailed instructions for field staff -sent accountants into the field to observe and assist the count -provided instructions and oversight for the reconciliation by accounting staff 5. Spearheaded purchase and training of staff on PC's, maximized use of PC's for routine or repetitive tasks. 6. Improved human resources support for zone. -hired excellent personnel specialist to support zone in hiring and compensation/ -benefits matters -encouraged improvement in hiring practices to reduce turnover -cleaned up personnel records and fulfilled corporate data requirements for new retirement plan, 401K plan, and payroll system STRENGTHS AS A MANAGER 1. Organizational skills. -thinks through a task -gathers and allocates resources -follows up to ensure completion as planned 2. Recruitment skills. -a good judge of people -careful to do the background and reference checks -trusts his judgement, willing to present people with new challenges 3. Innovative. -likes challenges -enjoys bringing order from chaos and improving techniques 4. Positive attitude to technology. -tries to maximize use of personal computers and other office automation equipment 5. Keeps lines of communication open with subordinates. -highly regarded by his staff STRENGTHS AS AN EMPLOYEE 1. Good business sense developed through broad experience in several industries. 2. An excellent analyst. -researches questions in a logical manner -digs into details, good at manipulating data 3. Does not make hasty or politically motivated decisions. 4. Good personal work habits. -focuses on organizing the task -meets deadlines 5. A good communicator. -expresses thoughts clearly -equally comfortable preparing written or oral material REASON FOR LEAVING Charles was hired to be the general business manager of the whole Tustin processing center, supervising accounting, accounts receivable, data processing and personnel. I initially limited his scope to supervision of the accounting group because this was the area where we had the greatest deficiencies which needed attention. Subsequently, the home office revised the organization model to be used in each of the regional processing centers. The General Business Manager position was eliminated. Supervision of the center was split between as existing manager of receivables and a zone controller. Job specifications for the zone controller--education, experience and salary grade--were below those possessed by Charles. Consequently he was released. PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS 1. High level of dedication to his work. 2. Strong personal values of honesty and integrity. 3. A stable family life--a wife with a professional career and two young children. 4. Excellent education. 5. Professional appearance and manner. 6. Even tempered--handles stress well.

 

Author's Note: It's often hard to get a decent reference from someone who has just fired you. It often helps if you draft ideas for him or her to review, as Charles has done here. He outlines significant accomplishments, strengths as a manager and employee, reason for leaving, and personal characteristics--a great package.

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