Co-worker recommendation letters?
Is there such a thing as a co-worker recommendation letter? Today I learned a co-worker and friend is leaving the company. He found a new job closer to home which will cut down significantly on his daily commute so he can spend more time at home with his new family. I’m happy to see him move onto a better work life opportunity but at the same time I’m saddened because he was one of the people who stepped up to help me transition into this position when I arrived at this company. He always gracefully offered up his time to help train me and his continuous encouragement and support carried me through the beginning stages of what would become the wonderful career I have now. How can you repay someone for that? I thought about writing up something like a reference or recommendation letter but I’m his boss. Should I write one up anyway?
you just gave me a great idea for a holiday gift. there's a couple of co-workers on my team that are hard workers, team players, and great people. this letter is a good way i can show them my appreciation. thanks man
Amanda, that's a lovely idea! Recommendations do not need to come from a manager or supervisor. You can offer to write a letter for him to keep. (I expect that will make his day much brighter.) Offer to stay in touch and be a reference, if he ever wants. If it's ok with him, write something on his preferred job sites -- such as a review here on jobcase or a recommendation on LinkedIn. It speaks well of you and of him that you want to do this. Best wishes to you both!
The biggest joy I ever received at a job was the time when another employee ask me if I could write up a recommendation letter for him. I wasn't his boss or anything like that so I was surprised he would ask. Write up a brief letter addressed to whom it may concern describing how stepped up to help you. He can keep it with his resume and use it in the future.
I think that sounds like a really good idea! I haven't heard of it before, but I don't see anything wrong with it.
Absolutely! I think he would be thrilled and touched to receive one. Any prospective employer is bound to impressed by such a letter. To know they have such an asset to the team? Definitely