In this article, we discuss recommendation letters and how to write one for a coworker, and we provide an example to help you compose your own.
A letter of recommendation is a document you write for a colleague that illustrates their abilities and character traits as they relate to a potential role or university program. The purpose of the letter is to provide a firsthand account and specific examples of how your coworker accomplished projects and supported your company and team. It should also demonstrate how your colleague will contribute to the new position or succeed in school.
Recruiters and hiring managers review letters of recommendation as part of the hiring process along with interviews, resumes and portfolios. Universities often use recommendations in addition to application materials to better understand a prospective student’s potential in a specific program.
How to write a recommendation letter for a coworker
Follow these steps to ensure your letter includes the correct information to help your coworker secure the new position or gain admission to the graduate program:
1. Review the necessary information
Before you write the letter of recommendation, be sure to ask your coworker for all the necessary information that can guide you in writing an effective letter. Confirm the following details:
What they’re applying for
You can best tailor your letter when you know exactly what opportunity your coworker is applying for. If they request a letter for a potential role, you can discuss their qualifications in terms of how they can excel in a business setting. For university admissions, you can frame their accomplishments regarding how they could benefit from the program and contribute to the university community. Ask your coworker for specific company or college information so you can create a personalized letter.
Addressee
Your coworker may know the name of the recipient or only the company or school. This information can help you properly address the letter using a specific person’s name, such as the hiring manager or program director, or a general opening salutation, such as “To Whom It May Concern.”
Your coworker’s resume
Ask your coworker for a copy of their resume. This document will provide more information about your coworker’s job history and skills, which you can reference while you write your letter.
List of their achievements
Your coworker likely has specific achievements demonstrating how to contribute to the new role or program. This list can give you more insight into their work ethic and accomplishments.