How to write a letter of recommendation for a coworker (with examples!) 📨 –
Introduction 👋
Writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker is a meaningful way to support their career. 🤝
Whether they’re applying for a new job, promotion, or academic opportunity, your letter can make a significant difference to their chances of succeeding.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you to create a strong and supportive recommendation. 🌟
1. Understand the purpose of the letter ✅
Different letters have different purposes, such as applying for a job, a promotion, or university.
Understanding the type of recommendation letter you’re writing is important because it helps you focus on highlighting the right qualities and examples of your coworker’s work. 🌟
This increases the chance of your coworker being viewed positively. ✨
Before you start writing, ask your coworker what the letter is for and what specific qualities or achievements they’d like highlighted.
If possible, ask to see a copy of the requirements for the position you’re recommending your coworker for, so that you can tailor your letter to match the requirements. 🪡
2. Start with a strong opening 👋
Start your recommendation letter by clearly stating:
- Your relationship with the coworker 🤝
- How long you’ve worked together ⌚
- Your role/job title 🧑💼
Starting a recommendation letter by explaining your relationship with the coworker helps to show that you are a credible person as someone to review them, and explains where the recommendation is coming from. ✅
By mentioning how long you’ve worked together, it helps to emphasize that your recommendations are going to be trustworthy, based on the long time you’ve known your coworker. 📅
For example, you could write:
“I am delighted to write this letter of recommendation for Jane Doe, with whom I have had the pleasure of working closely for the past three years at XYZ Company.
As a senior project manager working with Jane, I have seen firsthand her exceptional dedication, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills.”
3. Highlight key skills and achievements 🏆
When writing a letter of recommendation, it’s important to focus on the coworker’s strengths that match the opportunity they are applying for.
Giving specific examples of tasks or projects where they did well helps to show their skills clearly. 🛠️
This makes the letter more convincing and shows how their experience fits the role or programme they want. ✅
For example, you could write:
“Jane played a crucial role in leading our team during a high-pressure project with tight deadlines.
Her ability to manage resources efficiently and foster collaboration among team members resulted in the successful delivery of the project ahead of schedule.”
4. Use positive but sensible language ☀️
It’s important in your letter to be genuine in your praise, but avoid exaggerating it too far.
Make sure to focus on facts and realistic contributions your coworker has made, which have had a big impact. 🌟
Tip: You could use strong, positive words like “dedicated,” “innovative,” “dependable,” and “driven.”
5. Include personality traits 🎭
Employers and academic committees always look for candidates with good attitudes and personality traits, so make sure to mention these.
In fact, a study by CBI even found that the number one quality employers look for in candidates when hiring, is a positive attitude. 🌟
To highlight a good attitude in your recommendation letter, you could mention attributes like communication skills, teamwork, adaptability, and professionalism. 🤝
For example, you could write:
“Beyond her technical skills, Jane’s positive attitude and willingness to support her colleagues have made her a trusted and respected member of the team.”
6. Finish with a strong conclusion 📝
To finish your letter, reiterate your confidence in your coworker’s abilities and suitability for the role or opportunity.
Repeating your confidence in your coworker’s skills helps to emphasize their suitability for the role. 🌟
After you’ve emphasized your confidence in your coworker, make sure to offer to provide further information if needed.
Offering to provide more information shows you’re supportive and willing to help, making the recommendation more reliable. 🤝
For example, you could write:
“I have no doubt that Jane would be an invaluable asset to your organisation. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information.”
7. Keep it professional and polished 👨💼
Proofreading a letter of recommendation helps to avoid mistakes, which keeps both you and the person you’re recommending looking professional. 🤝
Using a clear and respectful tone makes the letter easy to read, focuses on the most important qualities, and shows your support in a positive way. ✨
Before sending your letter of recommendation, make sure to proofread it carefully to ensure it is free from errors. 🔍
8. Send it in an appropriate way 📨
Sending a letter of recommendation properly is important because it shows professionalism and makes the letter more credible. ✅
If you’re sending the letter via email, using a professional email address helps the letter appear more credible.
Make sure to use an appropriate subject heading for your email too, such as “[Coworker Name] Letter of Recommendation”. 📧
When sending a letter of recommendation via email, make sure to send it at an appropriate time of day (not in the middle of the night!), to show respect for the person receiving it. 🤝
If you’re sending a physical copy, signing the letter makes it more thoughtful and personal, and confirms that it’s genuine. ✍️
Template letter of recommendation 📧
[Your Name]
[Job Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name/Organisation, if known]
Dear [Recipient’s Name or “To Whom It May Concern”],
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Coworker’s Name] for [specific opportunity]. Having worked alongside [him/her/them] for [duration], I have had the privilege of witnessing [his/her/their] outstanding [key skills, e.g., leadership, problem-solving, teamwork].
[Provide specific examples of achievements and contributions.]
What truly sets [Coworker’s Name] apart is [mention key personality traits, such as communication, adaptability, or dedication].
I am confident that [he/she/they] would bring the same level of excellence and passion to [new role or organisation]. Please feel free to contact me at [phone number/email] if you require further details.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example letter of recommendation 📄
Emma Johnson
Senior Marketing Manager
GreenTech Solutions
emma.johnson@greentech.com
15 December 2025
FAO Hiring Manager
Innovate Digital Ltd.
Dear Hiring Manager,
It is with great enthusiasm that I recommend Jane Smith for the position of Marketing Director at Innovate Digital Ltd. Having worked alongside Jane for three years at GreenTech Solutions, I have witnessed her exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication firsthand.
Jane’s ability to manage complex projects with efficiency and creativity is truly impressive. One notable example was her leadership in launching our flagship marketing campaign, which increased customer engagement by 45% and boosted sales by 30%. Her innovative problem-solving skills and strategic insights were key factors in the campaign’s success.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jane’s positive attitude and collaborative spirit make her a pleasure to work with. She consistently fosters a supportive environment and motivates her colleagues to excel. Her adaptability and commitment to continuous learning further set her apart.
I am confident that Jane would bring the same level of excellence, passion, and innovation to Innovate Digital Ltd. Please do not hesitate to contact me at emma.johnson@greentech.com or 01234 567890 if you require further information.
Yours sincerely,
Emma Johnson
Senior Marketing Manager
GreenTech Solutions
Conclusion 👍
So that’s it!
To write a letter of recommendation for a coworker, you should:
- Understand the purpose of the letter ✅
- Start with a strong opening 👋
- Highlight key skills and achievements 🏆
- Use positive but sensible language ☀️
- Include personality traits 🎭
- Finish with a strong conclusion 📝
- Keep it professional and polished 👨💼
- Send it in an appropriate way 📨
Hopefully this article has helped you to better understand how to write a letter of recommendation for a colleague.
If you know any friends or family members who would benefit from learning how to write a recommendation letter for a coworker, share this post with them!
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