Letter of Recommendation for a Coworker — Free Template
A coworker sees things a manager often misses: how someone shares credit, handles pressure and helps the team on an ordinary Tuesday. This version is written from a peer's point of view and focuses on collaboration, reliability and the work you did side by side.
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[Your email and phone number]
October 15, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for [Name of the person you're recommending]
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure to recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] for a job. [How you know them, and for how long]
[Their key strengths]
One example shows the kind of person [Name of the person you're recommending] is. [A specific example or story]
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend [Name of the person you're recommending] [How strongly you recommend them]. I am confident [Name of the person you're recommending] will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at [Your email and phone number] if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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What a peer can add
Explain clearly that you worked as peers, how closely and for how long. Then focus on what you saw every day: teamwork, communication, reliability, skill under pressure, willingness to help.
A specific shift, project or crisis you handled together is ideal. It shows the reader how your coworker behaves when things get hard.
Keep it professional
Even if you're friends outside work, keep the letter about work. Avoid internal gossip, complaints about the employer or confidential details about clients, patients or projects.
If your coworker is applying for a job that's a step up, mention any times they trained others, led a project or filled in for a supervisor.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't overstate your role or claim to have supervised your coworker if you didn't; readers may check. Avoid criticizing the company, managers or other colleagues, even indirectly, and leave out any confidential information about customers, patients or projects. Keep the focus on what your coworker did and how they worked, not on how much you enjoyed working together.
What to do, step by step
Agree to write it only if you can be positive
A lukewarm recommendation can hurt more than no letter at all. If you don't know the person well enough to be specific and enthusiastic, say so and suggest someone who does.
Ask for the details you need
Get the deadline, where the letter goes, who it should be addressed to and what the opportunity is. A résumé, job posting or program description helps you choose the right strengths to highlight.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Lead with how you know the person, pick two or three strengths that fit the opportunity, and back them up with one concrete example.
Keep it to one page and proofread it
Most readers skim. Three or four short paragraphs, the person's name spelled correctly and no generic filler will do more than a long letter.
Send it the way the recipient asks
Upload it to the application portal, email it as a PDF or hand a signed copy to the candidate. Keep a copy in case you're asked to write another one later.
What if you don't know the person well enough to write a strong letter?
It's fine to say no. A short, honest reply such as "I don't think I know your work well enough to write the strong letter you deserve" is kinder than a vague recommendation that admissions officers or hiring managers will read as a warning sign.
If you're willing but unsure what to say, ask the person for a quick list of things you worked on together, the qualities they'd like you to speak to and any accomplishments you may not know about. Many strong letters start from a conversation like this.
If you can only speak to part of their experience, write about that part honestly and specifically. A narrow letter with a real example is usually more useful than a broad one full of general praise.
Example letter of recommendation for coworker
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jasmine Wright
Senior Registered Nurse, St. Vincent Medical Center
jasmine.wright@example.com, (555) 296-5517
October 5, 2026
Re: Letter of recommendation for Eric Lindqvist
Dear Hiring Manager,
It is my pleasure to recommend Eric Lindqvist for a job. I worked alongside Eric on the same night shift in the cardiac care unit at St. Vincent Medical Center for four years.
Eric is skilled, steady and an outstanding teammate. He notices when someone on the unit is overwhelmed and quietly takes on extra work, and he explains care plans to anxious families with real patience.
One example shows the kind of person Eric Lindqvist is. One night, two of our patients declined at the same time while we were short-staffed. Eric took charge of one patient, coordinated with the rapid response team and still found time to help a new nurse with her admissions. Both patients stabilized, and the new nurse later told me that night was when she learned what good teamwork looks like.
Based on everything I have seen, I recommend Eric Lindqvist without reservation. I am confident Eric Lindqvist will bring the same ability, care and commitment to this next step.
Please feel free to contact me at jasmine.wright@example.com, (555) 296-5517 if you would like any more information.
Sincerely,
Jasmine Wright
Senior Registered Nurse, St. Vincent Medical Center
Frequently asked questions
Is a coworker recommendation as good as one from a manager?
It's different, not worse. Many employers want both: a manager's view of results and a peer's view of teamwork. If your coworker already has a manager reference, your letter fills an important gap.
Should I use my company's letterhead?
Usually not, since you're writing as an individual rather than on behalf of the company. Include your title and organization below your name so the reader understands your role.
Can I write a recommendation for a coworker who still works with me?
Yes, but be discreet if they're job hunting. Agree on who will see the letter, and don't share it within the company unless they ask you to.
What if I'm junior to my coworker?
That's fine. Describe how they supported or mentored you. A letter from someone they've helped grow can be very persuasive for leadership roles.
What should a letter of recommendation include?
Explain who you are and how you know the candidate, including how long. Then describe two or three specific strengths relevant to the opportunity, support them with a concrete example, and close with a clear statement of your recommendation and your contact details so the reader can follow up.
How long should a letter of recommendation be?
Usually one page, or roughly 300 to 500 words. Admissions committees and hiring managers read many letters, so a focused letter with one strong example is more effective than a long one. Some graduate programs expect a little more detail, so check any instructions you've been given.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.