Navigating professional relationships can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope—especially when it comes to recommending someone you’ve worked with in the past. Whether they were your direct colleague, manager, or even someone you barely interacted with, being asked to vouch for their skills and character is both an honor and a responsibility. Here’s how to craft a thoughtful, effective recommendation that helps them land their dream role.
#### Start by Reflecting on Your Experience
Before diving into writing the recommendation, take some time to reflect on your working relationship. What made this person stand out? Did they excel at problem-solving, demonstrate leadership qualities, or consistently go above and beyond expectations? Pinpointing these strengths will help you tailor your message effectively.
It’s also important to consider what kind of position they’re applying for. A recommendation for a creative role might emphasize innovation and adaptability, while one for a technical position could highlight precision and attention to detail. Tailoring your comments to align with the job description shows that you understand the requirements and believe your former co-worker fits the bill.
#### Be Honest—but Diplomatic
While honesty is key, so is tact. If there are areas where your co-worker struggled, avoid dwelling on those shortcomings. Instead, frame challenges as opportunities for growth. For example, rather than saying, “They had trouble meeting deadlines,” you might say, “They learned quickly how to manage competing priorities under pressure.”
If you genuinely don’t feel comfortable recommending someone, it’s better to politely decline than to write a lukewarm endorsement. Remember, your reputation is on the line too, and employers often value candid feedback over exaggerated praise.
#### Highlight Specific Examples
General statements like “She was a great team player” may sound nice, but they lack substance. To make your recommendation more compelling, include concrete examples of times when your co-worker excelled. Perhaps they led a successful project, resolved a difficult conflict, or implemented a process improvement that saved the company time and resources. These anecdotes paint a vivid picture of their capabilities and contributions.
For instance:
> “During our time together at XYZ Corporation, John spearheaded a cross-departmental initiative that increased productivity by 20%. His ability to collaborate seamlessly with colleagues across teams demonstrated not only his technical expertise but also his exceptional communication skills.”
#### Keep It Professional—and Personal
A strong recommendation strikes a balance between professionalism and warmth. While it’s essential to focus on work-related achievements, don’t shy away from sharing insights about their personality if it adds value. Employers want to know whether this candidate will fit well within their organization’s culture. Will they bring positivity, resilience, and collaboration to the table?
That said, steer clear of overly personal details unless they directly relate to the workplace. For example, mentioning that someone is a devoted parent isn’t relevant unless it ties into qualities like reliability or multitasking abilities.
#### Close With Confidence
End your recommendation with a clear statement affirming your support. Let the hiring manager know without a doubt that you believe this individual would be an asset to their team. You might say something like:
> “I wholeheartedly recommend Jane for this opportunity. Her dedication, intelligence, and teamwork make her an outstanding choice for any role she pursues.”
Writing a recommendation doesn’t have to be daunting—it’s simply an opportunity to celebrate someone’s accomplishments and contribute to their career success. By focusing on their strengths, providing specific examples, and maintaining a positive tone, you’ll set them up for greatness. And who knows? One day, they might return the favor.
Have you ever written a recommendation for a former co-worker? Share your tips or experiences in the comments below!