Writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker is a valuable way to support their career advancement. A well-crafted letter can significantly impact their job search by highlighting their skills, achievements, and positive attributes. These letters are more than just formalities; they’re testimonials that demonstrate your coworker’s value to potential employers. Providing specific examples and showcasing their contributions can make your recommendation stand out.
These sample letters of recommendation for a coworker provide templates and guidance for crafting effective endorsements. Each example focuses on different skillsets and work scenarios, making it easier to adapt them to your specific situation. Tailoring your recommendation to the specific job or opportunity is crucial, as is focusing on the coworker’s most relevant strengths and achievements. Remember to always maintain honesty and integrity in your letter.
Sample Letter of Recommendation Examples
Sample 1: For Overall Performance
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name] (If known, otherwise use title)
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name],
It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Coworker’s Name] for [position name or type of position]. I worked with [him/her/them] at [Your Company] for [Number] years as [his/her/their] colleague. During that time, I was consistently impressed with [Coworker’s Name]‘s [positive quality, e.g., work ethic, dedication, problem-solving skills]. Specifically, I recall when [He/She/They] [Give a specific example of their positive quality in action].
[Coworker’s Name] is a valuable asset, and I am confident [he/she/they] will excel in this role. I highly recommend [him/her/them]. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Focusing on Teamwork
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Coworker’s Name] wholeheartedly. I had the pleasure of working alongside [him/her/them] on several team projects at [Company Name]. [Coworker’s Name] consistently demonstrated exceptional teamwork and collaboration skills. [He/She/They] was always willing to help others, share knowledge, and contribute positively to the team dynamic. For instance, during the [Project Name] project, [Coworker’s Name] took the initiative to [Specific Action] which significantly improved team efficiency.
[Coworker’s Name] is a true team player, and I highly recommend [him/her/them] without reservation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Highlighting Problem-Solving Skills
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Coworker’s Name]. I worked with [him/her/them] at [Company Name], where [he/she/they] consistently impressed me with [his/her/their] problem-solving abilities. [Coworker’s Name] possesses a strong analytical mind and a knack for finding creative solutions to complex challenges. I remember one instance when [he/she/they] was able to [Describe the situation and their solution].
[Coworker’s Name] is a valuable asset to any team and I highly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Focusing on Leadership Potential
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend [Coworker’s Name]. During the time I worked with [him/her/them] at [Company Name], [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated leadership potential. [He/She/They] possesses excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate and inspire others. For example, [Coworker’s Name] spearheaded the [Project Name] initiative, which resulted in [Positive Outcome].
I am confident that [Coworker’s Name] has the potential to excel in a leadership role and I highly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: For a Specific Skill (e.g., Communication)
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It is a pleasure to recommend [Coworker’s Name]. I worked alongside [him/her/them] at [Company Name] where [he/she/they] showcased exceptional communication skills. [Coworker’s Name] consistently conveyed information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. I recall instances where [he/she/they] skillfully presented complex data to clients, resulting in positive outcomes.
[Coworker’s Name] is a strong communicator, and I highly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: For a Recent Graduate/Entry-Level Position
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am happy to recommend [Coworker’s Name] for an entry-level position at your company. While [he/she/they] is relatively new to the professional world, [he/she/they] has demonstrated a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude during [his/her/their] time at [Company Name]. [Coworker’s Name]’s enthusiasm and eagerness to contribute make [him/her/them] a promising candidate. [Give specific example of their work or attitude].
I am confident that [Coworker’s Name] will quickly become a valuable member of your team, and I highly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Focusing on Creativity and Innovation
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to recommend [Coworker’s Name] with great enthusiasm. I had the pleasure of working with [him/her/them] at [Company Name], where [he/she/they] consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity and innovative thinking. [He/She/They] has a knack for generating fresh ideas and approaching challenges with a unique perspective. One notable example is when [Coworker’s Name] conceived and implemented [Project Name], which resulted in [Positive Outcome].
[Coworker’s Name]‘s creativity and passion would be a tremendous asset to any organization, and I highly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: When the Coworker is Transitioning Careers
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Coworker’s Name]. While [Coworker’s Name] is transitioning from a career in [Previous Industry], I believe the skills and qualities [he/she/they] developed at [Company Name] make [him/her/them] an excellent candidate for your [New Industry] role. Specifically, [Coworker’s Name]’s [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3] would be directly applicable to the requirements of this position. [Give a specific example showcasing transferable skills].
[Coworker’s Name] is a motivated and adaptable individual, and I highly recommend [him/her/them].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: For a Coworker You Know Well Personally
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
[Date]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am thrilled to recommend [Coworker’s Name]. Having worked with [him/her/them] at [Company Name] for [Number] years, I’ve seen firsthand [his/her/their] dedication and talent. Beyond being a valuable member of the team, [he/she/they] is a truly wonderful person to work with. [He/She/They] is always willing to go the extra mile and consistently demonstrates a positive attitude. I’ve witnessed [him/her/them] excel in [Specific area of expertise] on numerous occasions, including [Project Name] where [he/she/they] [Specific contribution and positive outcome].
I highly recommend [Coworker’s Name] without any reservation. You will be fortunate to have [him/her/them] on your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
These sample letters offer a starting point for writing a compelling recommendation for your coworker. Remember to personalize each letter with specific examples that highlight their unique skills and contributions. By focusing on their strengths and aligning them with the requirements of the target role, you can create a powerful endorsement that helps them achieve their career goals. Always prioritize honesty and accuracy in your assessment.
