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Professional Reference Letter Template

Recommend an employee or coworker using specific examples of their work.

Employment · Updated October 14, 2026

Professional reference letter template for a job

Replace the bracketed details with your own. Copy or download the letter to edit it.

[Your Name] [Your Job Title] [Company Name] [Your Email] [Date] Dear [Recipient Name], I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name] for [Target Role]. I [supervised/worked alongside] [Candidate Name] at [Company Name] for [Time Working Together], where they worked as [Candidate Job Title]. In our work together, I saw [Relevant Strength]. For example, [Describe a Specific Situation, the Candidate's Actions, and the Result You Observed]. Based on that experience, I recommend [Candidate Name] for a role that calls for [Relevant Skill or Responsibility]. Please contact me at [Your Email] if you would like to discuss my experience working with them. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Job Title]

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Before you start

A job recommendation explains how you know the candidate and gives a specific example of their work. Copy the template or download it as a Word document, replace the placeholders with your own observations, and review it before sharing.

For an employee or coworker's job application

Use this professional reference letter when you know the candidate through work. The manager example describes supervision; the coworker example describes collaboration without claiming to be their manager. These are employment examples, not academic or personal references.

Job recommendation letter examples

Recommendation from a manager

Fictional example: Taylor recommends a former employee for an operations role using a project they supervised.

Taylor Reed Operations Manager Example Company taylor.reed@example.com October 14, 2026 Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to recommend Alex Morgan for your Operations Coordinator position. I supervised Alex at Example Company from January 2024 through September 2026, when Alex worked as an Office Coordinator. Alex brought care and consistency to our supply-order process. When requests were getting lost across separate email threads, Alex created a shared request log and checked open orders with each team every Friday. I used that log in our weekly reviews and could see which requests still needed attention without asking teams to resend their messages. Based on this work, I recommend Alex for a role requiring organization, follow-through, and communication across teams. Please contact me at taylor.reed@example.com if you would like to discuss my experience supervising Alex. Sincerely, Taylor Reed Operations Manager

Recommendation from a coworker

Fictional example: Jamie describes working alongside Morgan and supports the recommendation with a shared project.

Jamie Rivera Project Coordinator Example Studio jamie.rivera@example.com October 14, 2026 Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to recommend Morgan Lee for your Client Services Coordinator position. Morgan and I worked alongside each other at Example Studio from March 2024 through September 2026. We were colleagues on the client onboarding team; I was not Morgan's supervisor. During a website launch, Morgan kept a clear list of client questions and confirmed answers with our design and development teams. I used those notes to prepare the handover guide. Morgan also spotted a missing approval before we sent the final materials, giving us time to resolve it with the client. From our work together, I recommend Morgan for a role involving client communication and coordination. Please contact me at jamie.rivera@example.com if you would like more information about our shared projects. Sincerely, Jamie Rivera Project Coordinator

How to write a job recommendation

  1. Confirm the request. Confirm the candidate's permission and check your workplace's reference policy. Ask for the job description, recipient, and deadline.
  2. Describe work you observed. State your relationship and time working together. Add one relevant example with the candidate's actions and a result you can support. Do not invent achievements or measurements.
  3. Review and submit. Check names, dates, and contact details. Follow the recipient's instructions for an email, attachment, upload, or signed letter, including any request to submit it directly.

Keep the recommendation credible

  • Use your own assessment, not claims you cannot verify or promises about future performance.
  • Leave out unrelated personal details and confidential company information.
  • Discuss what you can honestly say with the candidate before agreeing to write.

Frequently asked questions

What should a professional reference letter include?

Include the candidate's name, the job they are seeking, how long and in what capacity you worked together, a relevant work example, your recommendation, and your contact details. Keep the focus on what you know firsthand.

Can a coworker write a recommendation letter?

Yes, if the recipient accepts a colleague's reference. Explain that you worked alongside the candidate and describe shared work. If the employer specifically asks for a supervisor, a coworker letter may not satisfy that request.

Is a recommendation the same as employment verification?

No. A recommendation gives your assessment of someone's work and suitability for a role. Employment verification confirms facts such as job title and employment dates. Use the type of letter the recipient requests.

Can I email the recommendation letter?

Use email if the recipient accepts it. Check whether they want the letter in the message, as an attachment, or submitted through an application system. Add a signature or letterhead if requested and permitted by your workplace.

How do I ask for a job recommendation?

Ask someone who knows your work whether they are willing to recommend you. Share the role, your resume, the deadline, and submission instructions. Get permission before sharing their contact information.

This template is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Sources

These sources offer reference-writing guidance, not a universal submission rule. Follow your workplace policy and the recipient's instructions.

Related templates and resources

Resignation Letter Template

Give your employer written notice and a clear last day when you are leaving a role.

Employment Verification Letter Template

Confirm employment dates, job title, and status when the recipient needs facts rather than a recommendation.

To Whom It May Concern Letter Template

Use a general letter format when the request is not specifically for a professional recommendation.

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