Sample Letter of Recommendation for a Coworker

A recommendation letter should help the reader trust the candidate faster. Vague praise will not do much. Words like reliable, hardworking, and great only matter when you connect them to real examples.

Before you write, ask your coworker what role they want and what the employer cares about. CareerOneStop's guide to job references is a useful reminder that references should be chosen and prepared with the job search in mind.

Stop Writing Vague Character References

A strong letter gives context. How do you know this person? What did you see them do? Which results, habits, or skills make them a good fit?

Use specific proof. The reader should finish the letter with a clearer reason to interview the person.

Build a Strong Recommendation

Start with the job, then choose examples that match it. Do not try to cover every nice thing you know about the person.

Step one is the target role

Ask your coworker for the job posting, company name, and any skills they want you to mention.

Input: The target job description.
Output: Three skills or traits the employer seems to value most.

Step two is concrete proof

Choose examples you personally saw. If you did not see the work directly, ask for details and keep the language honest.

Input: Shared projects, feedback, results, or notes from work you did together.
Output: Two examples that show the candidate solving problems, working well with others, or meeting a hard deadline.

Step three is the letter structure

Keep the letter clear and direct. State your relationship, give the proof, and close with a confident recommendation.

Professional Reference Framework

Use this sample as a starting point. Replace the bracketed text with facts you can stand behind.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I worked with [Candidate Name] for [Number] years at [Company Name], where we collaborated on [Team, Department, or Project Type]. I am glad to recommend them for the [Target Position] role.

[Candidate Name] brought steady judgment and strong follow-through to our work together. During [Specific Project Name], our team faced [Specific Challenge]. [Candidate Name] handled [Specific Action], which helped [Result or Positive Outcome].

I also appreciated the way [Candidate Name] worked with people. In [Specific Situation], they communicated clearly, stayed calm, and helped the team reach a better outcome.

Based on my experience working with [Candidate Name], I believe they would be a strong addition to your team. Please contact me at [Phone Number] or [Email Address] if you would like any more information.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Title]

Finalize Your Endorsement

Read the letter once for accuracy and once for tone. Remove claims you cannot prove. Keep the examples specific, submit it on time, and make sure your coworker knows what you sent.

For a related Working Nomads article, read how to write a warm christmas message to remote employees checklist before you decide your next step.

What to Read Next

Read how to write a thank you note to a remote coworker before you decide if you want a related next step on job search letters.
Use what is a letter of intent before you decide when you need more context before your next decision.