Writing a short letter of recommendation for a coworker can be a tricky task. You want to be concise and to the point, while still highlighting the individual’s strengths and accomplishments. In this article, we will provide you with examples and tips to help you write an effective letter of recommendation for your coworker.
A letter of recommendation is a document that serves as a testimony of an individual’s skills, abilities, and achievements. It is often used by potential employers or academic institutions to evaluate the individual’s qualifications. A short letter of recommendation is a condensed version of this document, typically consisting of just a few paragraphs.
While it may seem challenging to write a short letter of recommendation, it is important to keep it brief and to the point. Employers and academic institutions may receive many letters of recommendation, so it is essential to make sure yours stands out.
Below, you will find examples of short letters of recommendation for a coworker. You can use these examples as a guide and edit them as needed to fit your specific situation.
Letter of Recommendation for Promotion
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Coworker’s Name] for the promotion to [Position]. In the time that [Coworker’s Name] has been with our company, they have consistently gone above and beyond in their role. Their attention to detail and strong work ethic make them an asset to any team.
As [Coworker’s Name]’s supervisor, I have had the pleasure of watching them grow both personally and professionally. They are always willing to take on new challenges and strive to improve their skills. I have no doubt that [Coworker’s Name] will excel in the [Position] role and continue to make valuable contributions to our company.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Graduate School
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Coworker’s Name] for admission to [Graduate Program]. As [Coworker’s Name]’s coworker, I have had the pleasure of working closely with them on several projects. Their ability to think critically and problem-solve has been invaluable to our team.
[Coworker’s Name] has demonstrated a strong commitment to their education, regularly attending workshops and conferences to expand their knowledge in their field. Their passion for [Field] is evident in their work and interactions with their peers.
I have no doubt that [Coworker’s Name] will excel in the [Graduate Program] and make valuable contributions to your institution. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [Coworker’s Name] for the [Position] role at your company. I have had the pleasure of working with [Coworker’s Name] for [Length of Time] and can attest to their exceptional work ethic and dedication to their craft.
[Coworker’s Name] consistently took on additional responsibilities and went above and beyond to ensure our team’s success. Their ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with their peers was also a valuable asset.
I strongly believe that [Coworker’s Name] would be a valuable addition to your team and would excel in the [Position] role. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Award Nomination
Dear Awards Committee,
I am writing to nominate [Coworker’s Name] for the [Award Name] award. [Coworker’s Name] has consistently demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication to their work, which has had a positive impact on our team and the company as a whole.
[Coworker’s Name] has a unique ability to think creatively and outside the box, resulting in innovative solutions to complex problems. Their attention to detail and strong work ethic make them an asset to any team.
I have no doubt that [Coworker’s Name] is deserving of this award and would be a great representative for our company. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Volunteer Opportunity
Dear [Organization Name],
I am writing to recommend [Coworker’s Name] for the [Volunteer Opportunity]. As a coworker of [Coworker’s Name], I have had the pleasure of working closely with them on several occasions. Their passion for giving back to the community is evident in their volunteer work outside of their professional obligations.
[Coworker’s Name]’s experience and skills make them an excellent candidate for this opportunity. Their strong work ethic and exceptional communication skills will serve them well in this role. I have no doubt that they will make a positive impact on your organization and the community you serve.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Letter of Recommendation for Scholarship
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend [Coworker’s Name] for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As [Coworker’s Name]’s coworker, I have been consistently impressed with their dedication to their education and professional development.
[Coworker’s Name] has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a passion for [Field]. Their ability to think critically and problem-solve has been invaluable to our team. They have also taken the initiative to attend workshops and conferences to expand their knowledge in their field.
I have no doubt that [Coworker’s Name] is deserving of this scholarship and will continue to make valuable contributions to their field. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Short Letter of Recommendation for Coworker
When writing a short letter of recommendation for a coworker, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be specific about the individual’s accomplishments and skills.
- Focus on the qualities that are most relevant to the specific opportunity.
- Keep your letter concise and to the point.
- Avoid vague or general statements.
- Avoid any negative comments or criticisms.
- Use professional language and tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a short letter of recommendation for a coworker?
In a short letter of recommendation for a coworker, you should focus on the individual’s specific skills and accomplishments that are most relevant to the opportunity they are applying for. Be specific and avoid vague or general statements. Keep the letter concise and use professional language and tone.
How long should a short letter of recommendation for a coworker be?
A short letter of recommendation for a coworker should be around 40 to 50 sentences long. This is typically just a few paragraphs, so it is important to be concise and to the point.
What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a reference?
A letter of recommendation is a formal document that provides a detailed testimony of an individual’s skills, abilities, and accomplishments. A reference, on the other hand, is a brief statement that confirms an individual’s employment or character. While both can be helpful in the job search process, a letter of recommendation carries more weight and is typically more detailed.
Can I use the same letter of recommendation for multiple opportunities?
You should avoid using the same letter of recommendation for multiple opportunities. Instead, tailor each letter to the specific opportunity and highlight the relevant skills and accomplishments of the individual.
Can I write a letter of recommendation for someone I have not worked with directly?
You should only write a letter of recommendation for someone you have worked with directly and can attest to their skills and accomplishments. If you are unable to provide a letter of recommendation, you can offer to provide a reference or connect the individual with someone who is better suited to provide a recommendation.
What should I do if I am unable to provide a positive letter of recommendation?
If you are unable to provide a positive letter of recommendation, it is best to decline the request. You should be honest with the individual and explain that you are not able to provide a recommendation at this time. It is better to decline than to provide a negative or vague recommendation.
Conclusion
Writing a short letter of recommendation for a coworker can be a challenging task. However, by following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can create an effective letter that highlights the individual’s strengths and accomplishments. Remember to keep the letter concise and specific, and to use professional language and tone.