Writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker can be an important step in helping them advance their career. Whether they are applying for a new job, seeking a promotion, or applying for a scholarship, a well-written letter of recommendation can make a big difference. In this article, we will provide some tips for writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker, as well as some examples to help get you started.
Tips for Writing a Letter of Recommendation for a Coworker
When writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips to help you get started:
1. Start with a title
Begin your letter with a clear and concise title that identifies the purpose of the letter. For example, if you are writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker who is applying for a new job, you might title the letter “Recommendation for [Name] for [Position]”.
2. Explain your relationship with the coworker
In the first paragraph of your letter, explain your relationship with the coworker and how long you have worked together. This will help establish your credibility and give the reader some context for your recommendation.
3. Highlight the coworker’s strengths
In the body of your letter, highlight the coworker’s strengths and accomplishments. Be specific and provide examples whenever possible. This will help the reader get a better sense of the coworker’s skills and abilities.
4. Provide a closing statement
In your closing statement, summarize your recommendation and express your confidence in the coworker’s abilities. Provide your contact information in case the reader has any further questions.
5. Encourage the coworker to edit your letter
Before sending your letter, encourage the coworker to read it over and make any necessary edits. This will help ensure that the letter accurately reflects their strengths and accomplishments.
Examples of Letters of Recommendation for a Coworker
Letter of Recommendation for Coworker Applying for a New Job
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position] role at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [length of time], and during that time, I have been consistently impressed by [his/her] skills and abilities.
[Name] is an excellent [job skill]. [He/She] is [specific example of skill or accomplishment]. [He/She] is also a great team player and is always willing to go above and beyond to help [his/her] colleagues.
I have no doubt that [Name] would be a valuable asset to your team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Coworker Seeking a Promotion
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [New Position] role at our company. I have had the pleasure of working with [Name] for [length of time], and during that time, [he/she] has consistently demonstrated [specific examples of skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the new position].
[Name] is a natural leader and has a talent for motivating and inspiring [his/her] colleagues. [He/She] has a deep understanding of our company’s values and mission, and [he/she] consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that our team meets its goals.
I believe that [Name] would excel in the [New Position] role and would be a valuable addition to your team. Please let me know if you have any further questions or if there is anything else that I can do to support [his/her] application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Coworker Applying for a Scholarship
Dear [Scholarship Committee’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. [Name] is an exceptional student who has consistently demonstrated a passion for learning and a dedication to [his/her] field of study.
[Name] has a natural aptitude for [specific aspect of the field], and [he/she] has already made significant contributions to our team through [specific examples of research, projects, or other accomplishments]. [He/She] is also a great team player and is always willing to help [his/her] colleagues with their own research and projects.
I have no doubt that [Name] would be an excellent choice for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Coworker Applying for a Leadership Program
Dear [Program Director’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Leadership Program Name] at [Organization Name]. [Name] is an exceptional leader who has consistently demonstrated a talent for [specific aspect of leadership, such as communication, problem-solving, or strategic thinking].
[Name] has a deep understanding of our company’s culture and values, and [he/she] consistently leads by example. [He/She] has a talent for motivating and inspiring [his/her] colleagues, and [he/she] has already made significant contributions to our team through [specific examples of leadership, such as mentoring or leading projects].
I believe that [Name] would be an excellent fit for the [Leadership Program Name], and I am confident that [he/she] would emerge from the program as an even stronger leader. Please let me know if you have any further questions or if there is anything else that I can do to support [his/her] application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Coworker Applying for a Volunteer Position
Dear [Volunteer Organization’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Volunteer Position] role at your organization. [Name] is an exceptional person who has consistently demonstrated a passion for [specific cause or area of volunteering].
[Name] has a natural talent for [specific skills or tasks required for the volunteer position], and [he/she] has already made significant contributions to our team through [specific examples of volunteering, such as organizing events or raising funds]. [He/She] is also a great team player and is always willing to help [his/her] colleagues with their own volunteering projects.
I have no doubt that [Name] would be an excellent addition to your volunteer team. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Coworker Applying for Graduate School
Dear [Graduate School Admissions Committee’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for admission to [Program Name] at [Graduate School Name]. [Name] is an exceptional student who has consistently demonstrated a passion for [specific area of study] and a dedication to [his/her] academic pursuits.
[Name] has a natural aptitude for [specific aspect of the field], and [he/she] has already made significant contributions to our team through [specific examples of research, projects, or other accomplishments]. [He/She] is also a great team player and is always willing to help [his/her] colleagues with their own research and projects.
I have no doubt that [Name] would excel in [Program Name] at [Graduate School Name]. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a letter of recommendation for a coworker?
When writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker, you should include your relationship with the coworker, specific examples of their skills and accomplishments, and a closing statement that summarizes your recommendation and expresses your confidence in their abilities.
How long should a letter of recommendation for a coworker be?
A letter of recommendation for a coworker should be about one page long, or roughly 300 words.
How should I address the letter?
You should address the letter to the person or organization that will be receiving it. If you are unsure who that is, you can address it to “To Whom It May Concern”.
Should I include negative feedback in the letter?
No. A letter of recommendation should focus on the coworker’s strengths and accomplishments, not their weaknesses. If you have concerns about the coworker’s performance, you should address those privately with them or with their manager.
Can the coworker see the letter before it is sent?
Yes. It is common practice to allow the coworker to read the letter before it is sent, so they can make any necessary edits or provide additional information.
Do I need to use specific language or format for a letter of recommendation?
No. There is no specific language or format that you need to use for a letter of recommendation. However, you should be clear and concise, and make sure that your letter accurately reflects the coworker’s strengths and accomplishments.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker can be a great way to help them advance their career. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can create a letter that accurately reflects the coworker’s strengths and accomplishments and helps them stand out from the crowd.