Letter of Recommendation for Coworker FAQs
1) What should I include in a letter of recommendation for a coworker?
When writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker, start by addressing the letter to the recipient using their correct name, place of work, address, etc. Next, write a statement about your coworker that highlights their work ethic, accomplishments, contributions, temperament, and any other information that would be useful for a future employer to know. It’s also ideal to include a sentence about how your coworker would perform in the specific position they’re interviewing for. Last, close the letter with information about yourself, including your name, current employer and position, and contact information.
2) How do I address the recipient in a letter of recommendation for a coworker?
In a letter of recommendation for a coworker, address the recipient formally. You should use their full name and include information about their employer, position, and address. This will communicate that you’ve done your research and that they’re getting a letter you’ve written specifically for them rather than just a general one.
3) What format should I use for a letter of recommendation?
You should use a letter format that begins with a formal address, like “Dear [First Name] [Last Name],” and ends with your signature. A letter is the common format for other employment correspondence — like cover letters — so it’s the best bet when writing to other companies.
4) Should I mention any specific accomplishments or projects in the letter of recommendation?
Yes! In order to best highlight your coworker’s capabilities, you should mention and include details on any accomplishments, awards, and projects of note. The more detailed information you can include about how they’ve helped you or your company, the better. When hiring, companies like to see specific metrics, so it’s also useful if you can include supporting numbers or data.
5) How long should a letter of recommendation for a coworker be?
Though it can be tempting to go on and on about a coworker you really loved working with, it’s also important not to overwhelm your recipient — you’ll make it easier for them to actually read the important parts of the letter. It’s best to keep your letter one to two pages long — enough to showcase your coworker’s accomplishments but not too long that your recipients start to skim the information.
6) Can I use personal anecdotes or examples in the letter of recommendation?
Personal anecdotes are highly encouraged in a letter of recommendation! When someone receives a letter of recommendation without any personal stories or experiences, it can come off as too general or disingenuous, which means it will be less likely to impress employers. You want your letter to shout, “You must hire this person! Look at how much they’ve helped me!”
Including a personal angle will give your coworker that extra edge in their job hunt. You know what they say: Real people drive real results!
7) Should I mention any weaknesses or areas for improvement in the letter of recommendation?
As a general rule, it’s not a good idea to mention any of a candidate’s weak points in a letter of recommendation. Because there’s only so much space, you should use it to focus on what they can bring to an organization. If you make a point to spend time and effort on their setbacks, they may lose an edge over a candidate whose recommender didn’t choose to go the same route. It’s best to let the candidate touch on their own areas for improvement during the interview process.
8) How do I convey enthusiasm and support for my coworker in the letter of recommendation?
You can show enthusiasm and support for your coworker by including as many personal touches in your letter as possible. Don’t just say they would be a good fit — show the employer how they would be. Be specific in describing how your coworker has helped you and how you think they can contribute to the team they would be joining.
This shows potential employers that you enjoyed working with your coworker and appreciated their contributions. Ultimately, it will show employers that your coworker would likely be a quality employee.
9) Should I include contact information in the letter of recommendation?
At the end of the letter, it’s best to include your contact information so the employer can reach out to you if they have any questions. This will also demonstrate that you’re willing to keep the conversation going because you feel strongly about the candidate.
10) How should I structure the introduction of the letter of recommendation?
In your introduction, introduce yourself briefly by explaining your current position at your company and providing context about how you know the coworker you’re writing a letter for. Touch on how long you’ve known them and how you’ve interacted with them to give context for the bulk of your letter.
11) Can I provide multiple letters of recommendation for the same coworker?
Yes, you can provide multiple letters of recommendation for the same coworker, especially if they’re interviewing at several different companies. You should customize each letter for each specific company, though, so you may need to write two to three, depending on the circumstances.
12) Should I mention the length of time I have worked with the coworker in the letter of recommendation?
It’s usually a good idea to mention how long you’ve been working with a coworker, especially if you’ve been in the same company for a year or more. This helps to demonstrate that your coworker has been dependable over time and has maintained a consistent quality of work as well as good professional relationships. It’s best to address this toward the beginning of the letter to lay a good foundation for your words of praise.
13) Can I request feedback from the coworker before writing the letter of recommendation?
This is totally up to you. Some people prefer to have their coworker look over the letter of recommendation before sending it to ensure it’s addressing the right skills and qualities for a potential employer. Others want to offer their real, unfiltered opinions, so they’ll forgo feedback and send the letter directly to the requester.
