How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for a Coworker

You can feel comfortable writing a letter of recommendation for a co-worker.

In the past, it was common for bosses to write letters of recommendation for former employees. But now, workers are more mobile and less likely to know their superiors well. In addition, asking a current boss for a letter of recommendation obviously would alert him to the fact that you're looking for another job. Therefore, people often reach out to co-workers for letters of recommendation. If you have been asked to write such a letter for a co-worker, it's perfectly acceptable to follow through as long as you know the person and her work well and you feel comfortable recommending her.

Instructions

1. Type the date in the upper-left corner of your page, and skip a line. Type the recipient's name and title, his company's name and his company's address. Skip an additional line, and type "Dear Mr." (or "Dear Ms.") followed by his last name and a colon.

2. Begin the letter by identifying the person you are recommending and your relationship to her. For example, "I am writing to recommend Jill McDonald for the accounting position that you have open in your Dallas office. I have known Jill for 12 years; we worked together at CinerCorp in the marketing department."

3. Explain why your co-worker would be a good candidate for the position. Give concrete examples of the skills and abilities that you are highlighting. For example, "I have seen Robert's leadership skills in action when we worked on the Smith account together. The marketing team just couldn't seem to agree on the marketing plan for the new product, but Robert stepped up and pulled the team together, and in the end we created a successful campaign that won praise from the client."

4. Thank the recipient for his time, and make a strong statement of recommendation for your co-worker. Provide your phone number and e-mail address in case he wishes to contact you for more information.

5. Type "Sincerely," and skip three spaces. Type your full name, and below that, your title. Print the letter on company letterhead and sign your name over your typed name.

References

• Write Express: Recommendation Letters
• Purdue Online Writing Center: Writing the Basic Business Letter