Reference letters are an important part of any job application process. They provide insight into a candidate’s skills, work ethic, and character. If you have been asked to write a reference letter for a coworker, it can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we will provide you with examples of reference letters for coworkers that you can use as a starting point.
Tips for Writing a Reference Letter for Coworker
Before we dive into the examples, let’s first go over some tips to keep in mind when writing a reference letter for a coworker:
1. Start with a Title
Make sure to include a clear and concise title at the top of your reference letter. This will help the reader understand the purpose of the letter right away.
2. Provide a Detailed Explanation
Explain why you are writing the reference letter and how you know the coworker. This will help the reader understand your relationship to the candidate and why your opinion is valuable.
3. Be Specific
Include specific examples of the coworker’s skills, achievements, and work ethic. This will help the reader get a sense of the candidate’s abilities and character.
4. Use Professional Language
Make sure to use professional language throughout the letter. Avoid using slang or informal language.
5. Edit as Needed
Remember that these reference letter examples are just a starting point. You should edit them as needed to reflect your own experiences with the coworker.
Example Reference Letter for Coworker
1. Letter of Recommendation for John Smith
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend John Smith for the position of Marketing Manager at your company. I had the pleasure of working with John for three years at XYZ Corporation, where he served as the Senior Marketing Coordinator.
John is an exceptional marketer who has a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset. He was instrumental in the development and execution of several successful marketing campaigns that resulted in a significant increase in revenue for the company. His ability to work collaboratively with other teams and his excellent communication skills make him an asset to any organization.
It is without hesitation that I recommend John for the Marketing Manager position. He would be a valuable addition to your team.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
2. Character Reference Letter for Sarah Lee
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to provide a character reference for Sarah Lee, who has applied to the Master’s in Business Administration program at your university. I have known Sarah for four years, during which time we have worked together at ABC Corporation.
Sarah is an exceptional employee who is dedicated, hardworking, and reliable. She is always willing to take on new challenges and has a positive attitude even in the face of adversity. Her ability to work well under pressure and her attention to detail make her a standout employee.
I believe that Sarah would be an excellent candidate for the MBA program at your university. Her strong work ethic, leadership skills, and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to any organization.
Sincerely,
John Doe
3. Employment Reference Letter for Alex Brown
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Alex Brown for the position of Senior Software Engineer at your company. I had the pleasure of working with Alex for two years at XYZ Corporation, where he served as a Software Engineer.
Alex is an exceptional engineer with a strong work ethic and a dedication to quality. He is a skilled problem solver who is able to think creatively to find solutions to complex issues. His excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively make him an asset to any organization.
It is with great confidence that I recommend Alex for the Senior Software Engineer position. He would be an excellent addition to your team.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
4. Academic Reference Letter for Emily Johnson
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Emily Johnson for admission to the Master’s in Public Health program at your university. I had the pleasure of teaching Emily in several courses during her undergraduate studies at ABC University.
Emily is an exceptional student who is passionate about public health. She has a keen understanding of the issues facing our healthcare system and is dedicated to finding solutions to these challenges. Her strong critical thinking skills and ability to work well in a team make her a standout student.
I have no doubt that Emily will excel in the Master’s in Public Health program. Her dedication, passion, and intellectual curiosity make her an ideal candidate for the program.
Sincerely,
John Smith
5. Personal Reference Letter for Michael Brown
Dear Apartment Manager,
I am writing to provide a personal reference for Michael Brown, who has applied to rent an apartment in your building. I have known Michael for five years and can attest to his character and reliability.
Michael is a responsible and trustworthy individual who always pays his bills on time and takes great care of his living space. He is a quiet and respectful neighbor who is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed. I have no doubt that he would make an excellent tenant in your building.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
6. Reference Letter for Jane Smith’s Promotion
Dear HR Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for promotion to the position of Senior Project Manager. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for four years at ABC Corporation, where she has served as a Project Manager.
Jane is an exceptional employee who is highly skilled, dedicated, and reliable. She has a keen eye for detail and is able to think creatively to find solutions to complex problems. Her ability to work well under pressure and her excellent communication skills make her an asset to any team.
I believe that Jane is ready for the next step in her career and would excel in the position of Senior Project Manager. I have no doubt that she would make a valuable contribution to your organization.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start a reference letter for a coworker?
Start by providing a clear and concise title at the top of your letter. Then, explain why you are writing the letter and how you know the coworker. Be sure to include specific examples of the coworker’s skills and work ethic.
What should I include in a reference letter for a coworker?
You should include your relationship to the coworker, specific examples of their skills and achievements, and a statement about why you believe they would be a good fit for the position they are applying for.
How long should a reference letter for a coworker be?
Your letter should be 50-80 sentences long, with two paragraphs in the body of the letter.
What should I say in the greeting of a reference letter for a coworker?
You should create a completely different greeting for each letter. Use the candidate’s name and a professional greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
What should I say in the body of a reference letter for a coworker?
You should include specific examples of the coworker’s skills, work ethic, and character. Be sure to explain why you believe they would be a good fit for the position they are applying for.
What should I say in the complimentary close of a reference letter for a coworker?
You should create a completely different complimentary close for each letter. Use a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
Should I include my contact information in a reference letter for a coworker?
You can include your contact information in the letter, but it’s not necessary. The recipient can always contact you if they need more information.
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for a coworker can be a challenging task, but with these examples and tips, you should be well on your way to creating a compelling letter that highlights the candidate’s strengths and abilities. Remember to be specific, use professional language, and edit as needed. Good luck!