A coworker recommendation letter (also called a reference letter) is a short letter in which a colleague describes your work, skills and character in a positive light. Employers, schools and volunteer programs read it to learn more about you than a CV can show. Use the free coworker recommendation letter template below to create yours online, or follow the writing plan and three samples on this page.
Last Updated: October 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect current law. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us.
Build Your Document
Answer a few simple questions to make your document in minutes
Save and Print
Save progress and finish on any device, download and print anytime
Sign and Use
Your valid, lawyer-approved document is ready
A letter of recommendation gives readers a second source of information next to your CV. A CV only shows what you say about yourself, while a coworker has worked beside you and can describe it first-hand. Because of that, readers tend to trust the letter more. Here are four common ways to use it:
These are four examples, but you can think of more. A colleague is seen as a reliable person who gives honest and unbiased information about you.
If a colleague asks you for a reference, start with the basics. There is a set of items you cannot skip when creating a recommendation letter for a coworker. So, every coworker reference letter must have the following:
Because many coworker recommendation letters are sent by email, you are not obliged to print them or leave your signature. However, the details we have mentioned above should be included in the form. You will see them all in the samples below.
A good coworker recommendation letter follows a simple five-part plan. Work through the parts below in order, then compare your draft with the samples at the end of this page.
When a person who receives the letter opens it on their laptop or prints it out, they should quickly understand what the document is about. We recommend writing “Recommendation Letter” or “Reference Letter” at the top.
Below that, on the left-hand side, write the current date.
Then address the message to someone. Usually, you know who will get this letter, so write “Dear ___________” and insert the reader’s name in place of the line. If neither you nor your colleague knows where this letter will go, you may write “To whom it may concern” instead of the addressee’s name.
Begin by stating who you are recommending and for which job. Write the coworker’s name and the name of the employer where they are applying.
You can add details about yourself in the second paragraph: your full name and the company where you work, with your position. Mention that you and your colleague have worked together for a specific number of years.
Outline everything about your coworker and why they are suitable for the position. This takes another paragraph.
Once you have described the colleague’s traits and skills, give at least one example of how they used those skills at work. It can be any story you find appropriate and informative, such as working with clients, leading a team or finishing a project on a tight schedule. Describe the story in another paragraph.
Let the reader know that you are ready to talk about the candidate. Add a short paragraph saying the reader can contact you with any questions, and leave your phone number, your email address or both.
Finish the letter with “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” or a similar phrase. Then write your name, job title and employer.
Overall, you do not need to spend much time on this letter. Pay attention to what you write. Be brief and easygoing, but rather formal. Double-check the letter to avoid mistakes.
Before you look at the samples, take a few minutes to prepare. These tips help you write a letter that is honest, specific and easy for the reader to use. Each one takes only a minute or two.
Below are three sample coworker recommendation letters. Each one has blank lines with short hints, so you can replace them with your own details. Pick the sample that fits your situation, or combine parts of several. Feel free to use them whenever a colleague asks you for a reference letter.
Recommendation Letter
___________________, 20___
(enter the date here)
Dear ______________, (insert the recipient’s name)
I am writing this letter to recommend _____________ (your colleague’s name) for _________________(the position) in _______________ (enter the position and company name).
My name is _______________ (your name here). I have been working as a __________________ (your position) in ________________ (your workplace) for ____ years, and ____________ (your colleague’s name) has been my coworker for ____ years. We have developed plenty of outstanding projects together.
(He or she) has proven (himself or herself) as a fantastic colleague who has significant experience and all the required skills. There was no day when (he or she) was late or missed the deadline. (You can add more relevant skills and traits here).
We once had a client who wanted us to prepare and implement a massive project in a short time. Thanks to the __________ (your coworker’s name) workability, skills, and character, the whole team was highly motivated. We were able to finish everything on time. (You can add more details about this story and make it more attractive to the reader.)
I believe that ________________ (your colleague’s name here) is a perfect candidate for this position. If you have any questions regarding (his or her) work in our company or any other concerns, do not hesitate to contact me. My phone number is ______________ (enter your phone number here), and my email address is _______________ (your email address here). I will be waiting for you to text or call.
Best regards,
_____________ (your name here)
_____________ (your position)
_____________ (the company name)
Reference Letter
___________________, 20___
(enter the date here)
To whom it may concern,
I would love to provide reference for my colleague, __________________ (enter your colleague’s name here), who is applying for a position ________________ in __________________ (indicate what position and company your coworker is applying to).
I, ________________ (your name here) have known ____________________ (your colleague’s name) for ______________ (the period for which you have known each other). We have worked and undertaken various tasks together in _______________ (the company’s name).
Throughout all these years, ___________________ (your colleague’s name) has proven (himself or herself) as not only a professional who has more than enough expertise and all the necessary skills but also as a smart, charming person. (He or she) is an easygoing individual who is willing to communicate but does not annoy other people around (him or her). It is always a pleasure to work and interact with (him or her). (Be more specific about the skills.)
I have an example from our work life that can prove my words. It happened _____ years ago (be specific and enter the exact number here). At that time, _____________ (your coworker’s name) was appointed as a team leader for ___________ (the project’s or department’s name here).
(He or she) showed (himself or herself) as a hard worker who will do everything to lead (his or her) team to success. (He or she) has communicated attentively with each team member and has never had any conflicts that I know about. (He or she) has become a talented manager and a leader who respects (his or her) team and all the clients we have worked with.
When the team had just one night to finish a project before a morning meeting with a client, (he or she) motivated everyone and stayed until the work was done.
I have no doubts that _________________ (your colleague’s name here) will fit perfectly in this position. (His or her) expertise and skills will enable (him or her) to dive into the working process quickly and impress you with the results. I will gladly answer all questions you may have about the candidate. I leave my contact details here:
Phone: ________________
Email address: __________________
Sincerely,
_____________ (your name here)
_____________ (your position)
_____________ (the company name)
Recommendation Letter
___________________, 20___
(write the current date here)
Dear _______________, (write the addressee’s name here)
My name is __________________ (enter your name here) and I am a coworker of _________________ (enter your colleague’s name here). In this letter, I would love to provide my recommendations on (him or her). (He or she) is applying for __________ in your company, ______________ (enter the position and company name).
I have been cooperating with _________________ (your colleague’s name) for _____ years (indicate how many years). Working with (him or her) was a pleasure from the beginning to the end. (He or she) is truly a gem and an expert in the field, and normally, it is not that easy to find such a specialist.
(He or she) has a long list of implemented projects and content clients. (His or her) teammates are pleased to interact with (him or her), too. (Remember to be more specific about the skills)
Let me give you one example from our professional life. (He or she) was part of the human resources department where (he or she) invented many bonuses and features for the team.
Once, (he or she) had to organize a massive event from scratch in a short period, and the event was excellent. All our colleagues were happy to attend it, enjoyed the atmosphere, organization, and gifts. (He or she) had to develop the plan, schedule minute-by-minute, invite the needed personnel, decide what gifts to order, count the budget, and control everything. (He or she) finished the project with ease and gained everyday delight in the company.
I am happy to answer any questions you have about the candidate. Please call or text me if you have any doubts.
Phone: ________________
Email address: __________________
Sincerely,
_____________ (your name)
_____________ (position)
_____________ (company name)
These short answers cover the questions people ask most often before they write a coworker recommendation letter. Each answer is practical, so you can find what you need and get back to writing.
Choose someone who has worked closely with your coworker and can give real examples. A teammate, a project partner or a supervisor are all good options. Pick a person who can speak honestly and in a professional tone about the candidate’s work and character.
A page or so is usually plenty. Short paragraphs with clear examples read better than long, general praise.
Yes. Each sample uses blank lines with short hints, so you can replace every one with your own information. You can also build a new letter online with the template at the top of this page.
You can reuse most of it. Change the job title, the employer and the examples so that each version fits the role your coworker is applying for.
Select Create My Document and answer a few simple questions. You can save your progress, finish on any device, then download and print the letter. A Word version is also available.
General information, not legal or tax advice.
