Writing a coworker letter of recommendation can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, these letters can be crucial in helping your colleague land their dream job or get accepted into a program they’re interested in. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and examples to help you write the perfect coworker letter of recommendation.
Tips for Writing a Coworker Letter of Recommendation
Before we dive into the examples, let’s go over some general tips for writing a coworker letter of recommendation:
1. Start with a Strong Title
Make sure your title clearly conveys the purpose of the letter, such as “Letter of Recommendation for John Smith’s Graduate School Application” or “Letter of Recommendation for Jane Doe’s Job Application at ABC Company.”
2. Be Specific
Avoid vague or generic statements about your coworker’s skills and abilities. Instead, provide specific examples of their work ethic, accomplishments, and strengths.
3. Use Professional Language
Remember that this is a professional letter, so use formal language and avoid slang or colloquialisms.
4. Keep it Concise
Stick to one page and avoid unnecessary details or anecdotes.
5. Edit and Proofread
Make sure to edit and proofread your letter before submitting it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that the letter is well-organized and easy to read.
Now that we’ve covered some general tips, let’s take a look at some examples of coworker letters of recommendation.
Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for admission to your graduate program in Economics. I have had the pleasure of working with John for two years at XYZ Company, where he has consistently impressed me with his analytical skills, work ethic, and passion for economics.
John is a skilled data analyst who has a strong understanding of economic theory and its real-world applications. He is also an excellent communicator and collaborator, and is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure the success of his team.
Overall, I have no doubt that John would be an asset to your program, and I strongly recommend him for admission. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Letter of Recommendation for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for the position of Marketing Manager at ABC Company. I have worked with Jane for three years at XYZ Company, where she has consistently demonstrated her expertise in marketing strategy and her dedication to delivering exceptional results.
Jane is a creative and strategic thinker who has a keen eye for detail. She is also a natural leader who excels at managing teams, developing talent, and fostering a collaborative work environment. During her tenure at XYZ Company, Jane played a key role in the successful launch of several high-profile marketing campaigns, which resulted in a significant increase in revenue for the company.
Overall, I have no doubt that Jane would excel in the role of Marketing Manager at ABC Company, and I strongly recommend her for the position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the ABC Scholarship. I have had the pleasure of working with John for two years at XYZ Company, where he has consistently impressed me with his dedication to his work and his commitment to his community.
John is a driven and passionate individual who has a strong record of academic achievement and community service. He is also a natural leader who has organized several successful fundraising events for local charities and non-profit organizations.
Overall, I have no doubt that John would be an excellent recipient of the ABC Scholarship, and I strongly recommend him for this opportunity. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Letter of Recommendation for Promotion
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for the position of Senior Project Manager. I have worked with Jane for five years at XYZ Company, where she has consistently demonstrated her expertise in project management and her ability to lead teams to success.
Jane is a skilled project manager who has a talent for establishing clear objectives and timelines, communicating effectively, and staying organized in the face of complexity. She is also a natural leader who inspires her team to achieve their best work and fosters a positive, collaborative work environment.
Overall, I have no doubt that Jane would excel in the role of Senior Project Manager, and I strongly recommend her for the position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Letter of Recommendation for Volunteer Work
Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the position of Volunteer Coordinator at ABC Non-Profit Organization. I have had the pleasure of working with John for three years at XYZ Company, where he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to community service and his ability to lead and inspire others.
John is an exceptional individual who has organized several successful fundraising events for local charities and non-profit organizations. He is also a natural leader who excels at building relationships, communicating effectively, and motivating others to achieve their goals.
Overall, I have no doubt that John would be an excellent Volunteer Coordinator, and I strongly recommend him for the position. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Letter of Recommendation for Academic Program
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for admission to your Master’s program in Education. I have worked with Jane for three years at XYZ Company, where she has consistently impressed me with her knowledge of pedagogy and her dedication to improving educational opportunities for all students.
Jane is a skilled educator who has a deep understanding of the challenges facing students and teachers in today’s educational landscape. She is also a natural leader who excels at mentoring and coaching other teachers, and is always willing to go above and beyond to support her students and colleagues.
Overall, I have no doubt that Jane would be an asset to your program, and I strongly recommend her for admission. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Letter of Recommendation for Leadership Program
Dear Selection Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the ABC Leadership Program. I have worked with John for five years at XYZ Company, where he has consistently demonstrated his leadership skills and his passion for personal and professional growth.
John is a natural leader who excels at building relationships, communicating effectively, and inspiring others to achieve their goals. He is also a skilled problem-solver who is able to think creatively and strategically in complex situations.
Overall, I have no doubt that John would be an excellent participant in the ABC Leadership Program, and I strongly recommend him for this opportunity. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I include negative feedback in my coworker letter of recommendation?
A: No, you should only include positive feedback in your letter of recommendation. If you have concerns about your coworker’s performance, it is better to address them directly with the coworker or with your supervisor.
Q: How should I address the letter?
A: Address the letter to the appropriate person or organization, using formal language and proper titles. If you are unsure of who to address the letter to, do some research or ask your coworker for guidance.
Q: Can I use a coworker letter of recommendation for multiple applications?
A: Yes, you can use the same letter of recommendation for multiple applications, as long as the purpose of the letter is the same and the content of the letter is relevant to the application.
Q: Should I mention my coworker’s weaknesses in the letter?
A: No, you should only focus on your coworker’s strengths and accomplishments. If you have concerns about your coworker’s weaknesses, it is better to address them directly with the coworker or with your supervisor.
Q: How long should the letter be?
A: The letter should be one page, or approximately 300-500 words.
Q: How should I sign the letter?
A: Sign the letter using a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name and title.
Conclusion
Writing a coworker letter of recommendation can be a valuable way to support your colleague’s career goals and highlight their strengths and accomplishments. By following these tips and using our examples as a guide, you can create a compelling and effective letter of recommendation that will help your coworker stand out from the crowd.