Writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker can feel like a big responsibility. After all, you’re vouching for their skills and character formally. But don’t worry—it’s not as difficult as it seems.
Whether you’ve worked alongside them for years or just a few months, you already know the qualities that make them shine. All it takes is putting those thoughts into words, in a way that highlights their strengths and sets them up for success
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of crafting a compelling recommendation letter and offer templates and tips to guide you; carefully read through.
What Is A Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a formal way to endorse someone based on their job, personal qualities, or academic achievements. It is your opportunity to tell potential employers, “Hey, this person is amazing; you should totally hire them!”
Consider suggesting your favorite hairstylist to a friend. You wouldn’t just state they’re good; you’d emphasize their abilities and why they’re ideal for the position. This letter highlights their strengths beyond a resume.
Many employers may use the letter of recommendation to gain a better understanding of the candidate through the eyes of someone else. This is why it is so crucial. Your remarks can have a significant impact on hiring managers’ decisions and ultimately affect whether a person will land their ideal job or not.
How To Write A Letter of Recommendation For A Co-worker
The good thing about reference letters is that they typically follow a similar structure. Sure, you can (and should!) add your personal touch, but no employer is expecting anything too extravagant or unusual.
Here is a step-by-step outline of how to write a letter of recommendation for a co-worker:
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1. Ask for background information
First and foremost, you need to understand why you are being requested to write the recommendation letter. Are you preparing a letter of recommendation for academic purposes, personal character reference, a new job, or something else?
If this person has not yet revealed specifics about the letter, ask them to give you:
- Contact details for who the letter should be addressed to
- A current resume
- The description of the position they’re seeking
- Any specific examples they’d like you to include and highlight
- The timeframe for the letter to be sent
Having these details will help you focus on the right traits and accomplishments and position the person in the best way possible.
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2. Establish a professional connection
To write a good recommendation letter, start by describing your relationship with the individual being suggested. Establish how you collaborated and for how long in a sentence or two.
Have they reported to you? Were they your bosses? Did you work in separate departments yet collaborate closely on a project?
3. Emphasize important strengths and skills
Evaluate the candidate’s work, concentrating on their skills and applying them to the position they’re looking for. Demonstrate leadership qualities when applying for management positions.
Highlight quantifiable results, such as an increase in revenue or the effectiveness with which they managed finances and/or personnel.
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4. Highlight key achievements
Describe how they distinguished themselves from their coworkers and include specific examples to back up your claim, such as taking the initiative on a complex project or leading a new company-wide program.
Concrete anecdotes leave a lasting impression. If possible, use a comparison to seal the case, such as “the most effective salesperson I’ve ever worked with” or “one of the top two employees I’ve ever managed”—as long as it’s factual.
5. Master the letter of recommendation format
The letter of recommendation format also has a simple and straightforward structure.
Things to include in your letter of recommendation:
- A formal salutation, such as “Dear [First and Last Name of the recipient]”
- A concise self-introduction
- A closing statement summarizing the key points of your recommendation
- A signature, including your name, your job or academic title, your company name, and your contact information.
Still unsure what to say? Our basic template will show you how to draft a tailored letter of recommendation that emphasizes why your colleague should be considered for the position they seek.
Details To Include In Your Letter of Recommendation
Make sure your letter contains the following:
1. Accurate Information
No lies, no tall tales, and no cases of mistaken identity. Before you compose the letter, you should discuss it with your coworker. You may recall that he oversaw a project that increased sales by 10%, but that was his cubicle-mate. Make sure you get the details correct.
Along these lines, you should know exactly when you worked with this person and ensure that you agree on dates and times.
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2. Measurable Data
In terms of increasing sales by 10%, that’s the kind of information you want to convey. It is preferable to quantify an accomplishment rather than simply state that it “boosted sales.” The more exact you can get, the better. If you can demonstrate how your colleague made or saved the organization money, all the better.
3. Grammatically Correct, Perfectly Spelled Writing
Your letter of recommendation won’t leave the best impression if it is ridden with grammatical errors and wrong spellings. Have a friend check over your work before you submit it, just as you would when sending in a resume or cover letter.
Your praise won’t do your co-worker much good if you appear to be less than on the ball yourself.
4. A Good Subject Line
To make sure your email doesn’t get caught in a spam filter or ignored by the recipient, be sure to pick a subject line that’s concise and clear, e.g., “Recommendation – Peter Brown.”
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Letter of Recommendation Template
Dear [First and Last Name],
It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend [Name] for [position] with [Company]. [Name] and I [relationship] at [Company] for [length of time].
I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with [Name], and came to know [him/her/them] as a truly valuable asset to our team. [He is/She is/They are] honest, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Beyond that, [he is/she is/they are] an impressive [soft skill] who can [result].
[His/her/their] knowledge of [specific subject] and expertise in [specific subject] was a huge advantage to our entire office. [He/she/they] put this skill set to work to [specific achievement].
Along with [his/her/their] undeniable talent, [Name] has always been an absolute joy to work with. [He is/she is/they are] a true team player, and always foster[s] positive discussions and bring[s] the best out of other employees.
Without a doubt, I confidently recommend [Name] to join your team at [Company]. As a dedicated and knowledgeable employee and an all-around great person, I know that [he/she/they] will be a beneficial addition to your organization.
Please feel free to contact me at 555-123-4567 if you want to discuss [Name]’s qualifications and experience further. I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
Recommendation letter sample
Here’s how this recommendation letter draft would look for Joanne, a hypothetical sales employee I’d previously managed.
Dear Nnenna Nneka,
It’s my absolute pleasure to recommend Paul Isiguzo for the Sales Manager position with The Sales Company.
Paul and I worked together at Generic Sales Company, where I was her manager and direct supervisor from 2015 to 2019.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Paul and came to know her as a truly valuable asset to our team. He is honest, dependable, and incredibly hardworking. Beyond that, she is an impressive problem solver who can address complex issues strategically and confidently. Paul is inspired by challenges and never intimidated by them.
His knowledge of sales etiquette and expertise in cold calling was a huge advantage to our entire office. Not only did he put this skill set to work, but he also led a series of training sessions on cold calling with the team—increasing our total sales by over 18% in just one quarter. I know that Paul was a huge piece of our success.
Along with her undeniable talent, Paul has always been an absolute joy to work with. He is a true team player, always fosters positive discussions, and brings the best out of other employees.
Without a doubt, I confidently recommend Paul to join your team at The Sales Company. As a dedicated and knowledgeable employee and an all-around great person, I know that he will be a beneficial addition to your organization.
Please contact me at 555-123-4567 if you want to discuss Joanne’s qualifications and experience further. I’d be happy to expand on my recommendation.
Best wishes,
Kat Boogaard
Director of Sales
Generic Sales Company
FAQs On How To Write A Letter Of Recommendation
A letter of recommendation should be concise yet detailed. One page is generally the ideal length, providing enough information to be thorough without being overly lengthy.
Use a professional and positive tone. Be clear, sincere, and enthusiastic in endorsing the individual’s qualifications, while maintaining a formal tone appropriate for the context.
Typically, letters of recommendation are written by employers, managers, professors, mentors, or colleagues who have worked closely with the individual. These people can provide insights into the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and character.
Conclusion
When writing a letter of recommendation for a friend, avoid vague language, exaggeration, or irrelevant personal anecdotes. Ensure that the letter is honest, and focuses on the individual’s strengths concerning the opportunity. Refrain from mentioning any weaknesses or negative aspects unless absolutely necessary and framed constructively.
References
- thebalancemoney.com – How to Write a Reference Letter for a Co-Worker
- indeed.com – How To Write a Letter of Recommendation for a Coworker
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