How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for a Coworker (Google Doc Template Included!)

The Amtec Team

September 29, 2025

Get your Google Docs letter of recommendation template here!

Writing a letter of recommendation for a coworker can be a powerful way to support their career or academic aspirations. Whether they’re applying for a new job or a graduate program, a well-crafted recommendation letter can help them stand out. This guide will walk you through the process of writing a compelling letter of recommendation for a coworker, offering step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and even a Google Doc template you can use to create your own letter effortlessly.

Related: How to Write a 2-Week Notice & Get a Great Reference

Key Takeaways

• Only agree to write a recommendation letter if you can genuinely speak to the person’s qualifications and character.
• Gather all necessary details, such as the recipient’s name, email, and submission deadline, to ensure your letter is tailored and timely.
• Obtain your coworker’s updated resume and a list of their achievements to include specific examples of their skills and accomplishments.
• Structure your letter professionally, maintaining a positive and enthusiastic tone throughout.
• Write the letter only if you can confidently endorse the person, and focus on concrete, specific examples rather than vague praise.

What is a Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a formal document that highlights a person’s abilities, character traits, and accomplishments as they relate to a potential job or academic program. It provides a firsthand account of how your coworker has performed in a professional setting and offers specific examples that illustrate their qualifications. A strong recommendation letter can help your coworker stand out from other candidates by offering insights that aren’t typically covered in a resume or cover letter.

Related: Personal Statement vs. Cover Letter: What’s the Difference?

Steps on How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for a Coworker

1. Gather Necessary Information

Before you begin writing, gather all the information you need to craft a personalized letter:

• Purpose of the Letter: Ask your coworker about the specific job or academic program they are applying for. Knowing this will help you tailor your letter to the opportunity.
• Recipient Details: Find out who the letter should be addressed to, whether it’s a hiring manager, an admissions officer, or a general audience.
• Coworker’s Resume and Achievements: Request an updated resume and a list of specific achievements or skills they would like highlighted in the letter.
• Submission Deadline: Confirm the deadline to ensure your letter is submitted on time.

2. Start with a Strong Introduction

Begin your letter with a clear introduction:

• Introduce Yourself and Your Professional Relationship: Start by introducing yourself and explaining your relationship with the coworker. Mention your job title and how long you’ve worked together to establish your credibility.
• Context of Your Professional Interaction: Briefly describe the context in which you worked with the coworker, such as specific projects or teams you collaborated on.

3. Highlight Specific Achievements and Skills

The body of your letter should focus on your coworker’s key strengths and achievements:

• Provide Concrete Examples: Use specific examples to illustrate your coworker’s accomplishments, skills, and work ethic. Describe instances where they demonstrated leadership, problem-solving abilities, or made significant contributions to a project.
• Tailor Your Examples to the Opportunity: Align your examples with the job or academic program they are applying for. For example, if they are seeking a management role, focus on their leadership skills and ability to motivate a team.

4. Explain Their Fit for the Role or Program

Describe why your coworker would be a great fit for the new opportunity:

• Align Skills with the Role: Discuss how your coworker’s skills, experiences, and personality traits make them an excellent candidate for the position or program. Highlight any relevant soft skills, such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork.
• Emphasize Their Potential Contributions: Mention how their background and skills would benefit the company or academic institution.

5. Address Any Weaknesses Thoughtfully (If Necessary)

If there are areas where your coworker could improve, address them carefully:

• Provide Constructive Feedback: If relevant, mention areas for growth while focusing on their commitment to improvement and willingness to learn. This can demonstrate a balanced perspective and authenticity in your recommendation.

6. Express Enthusiasm and Confidence

Wrap up your letter on a positive note:

• Conclude with a Strong Endorsement: End the letter by expressing your confidence in your coworker’s abilities and potential. Show enthusiasm for their future endeavors and affirm your belief in their capacity to succeed.
• Keep It Realistic: Research published in the FEBS Journal cautions that while enthusiasm is key, overhyping or relying on clichés can harm credibility. A balanced, specific endorsement carries far more weight than generic superlatives.

7. Include Contact Information

Make it easy for the recipient to reach out if they have any questions:

• Offer to Provide Further Information: Include your contact details at the end of the letter, inviting the recipient to get in touch if they need more information about your coworker’s qualifications.

8. Proofread and Edit

Before finalizing your letter, make sure it is polished and error-free:

• Ensure Accuracy and Professionalism: Review your letter carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-written letter reflects positively on both you and your coworker and is more persuasive to readers.

Related: How to Refer Someone for a Job Effectively (with Examples)

Google Docs Letter of Recommendation Template

To make the process even easier, we’ve provided a Google Docs template for you to download and customize. This template includes all the key elements covered in this guide, helping you create a professional and effective recommendation letter with ease.

Google Docs Letter of Recommendation Template

Copy-and-Paste Letter of Recommendation Template

If you’d rather not use the Google Docs version, you can copy the full text below. Just click the button in the top right corner to grab the template and paste it into your own document.

[Your Name or Company Letterhead]
[Mailing Address] | [Phone Number] | [Email Address]

[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Title]
[Company/Institution Name]
[Company/Institution Address]

Dear [Recipient Name], / To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to recommend [Coworker’s Full Name] for the [position/program] at
[Company/Institution Name]. I have worked with [Coworker’s First Name] for [number of
years/months] in my role as [Your Job Title] at [Your Company Name] and have consistently
found [him/her/them] to be a dedicated professional with a strong work ethic.

[Coworker’s First Name] has demonstrated strengths in [mention a relevant skill or quality]
and has made significant contributions to our team by [briefly mention a type of contribution
or task]. [He/She/They] is particularly adept at [mention another skill or attribute, e.g.,
problem-solving, leadership], which has greatly benefited our projects.

What truly sets [Coworker’s First Name] apart is [mention a distinguishing characteristic or
trait]. [He/She/They] consistently [mention a positive behavior, e.g., goes above and
beyond, fosters a positive work environment] and has been an asset in [mention a relevant
aspect, e.g., teamwork, client relations].

I am confident that [Coworker’s First Name] would be a great addition to your team and excel
in the [position/program]. Please feel free to contact me if you need further information.

Thank you for considering my recommendation.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your Company Name]
  

Conclusion

Learning how to write a letter of recommendation for a coworker is a worthy endeavor that can significantly impact your coworker’s career or academic opportunities. By taking the time to craft a personalized and well-structured letter, you’re not only helping them succeed but also fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.

Remember, your words have the power to open doors for your coworker, use them wisely!