How To Write Your Own Letter Of Recommendation

Crafting a compelling letter of recommendation can feel daunting, especially when the task falls upon you to write your own. Whether you’re seeking a new job, applying to a graduate program, or aiming to boost your volunteer portfolio, a well-written letter of recommendation can significantly bolster your chances of success. This guide will provide you with the tools and insights needed to write a powerful letter that effectively showcases your strengths and achievements.

Understanding the Purpose and Importance of a Letter of Recommendation

Before diving into the writing process, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamental purpose of a letter of recommendation. Its primary goal is to provide an independent, third-party assessment of your abilities, character, and suitability for a specific opportunity. It acts as a testament to your skills and accomplishments, offering a perspective that complements your own application materials. A strong letter can differentiate you from other candidates, highlighting qualities that might not be immediately apparent in your resume or application.

Why Self-Written Letters Are Sometimes Necessary

While ideally, someone else writes your recommendation, situations arise where you might need to write your own. This often happens when the person you’d ask is unavailable, lacks the time, or simply doesn’t feel comfortable writing it. In these scenarios, the best strategy is to provide a draft for them to review, edit, and then sign. This allows you to control the narrative while still maintaining the appearance of a genuine endorsement. Always be transparent about the situation and never misrepresent the letter’s origin.

Gathering Information: The Foundation of a Strong Letter

The foundation of any effective letter of recommendation lies in thorough preparation. This involves gathering all the necessary information to paint an accurate and compelling picture of your qualifications.

Identifying Your Strengths and Accomplishments

Begin by creating a detailed list of your strengths and accomplishments. Think about specific examples that demonstrate these qualities. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Instead of saying “I improved sales,” say “I increased sales by 15% in the first quarter.” These concrete examples will make your letter more impactful and credible. Consider using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples.

Understanding the Specific Requirements of the Opportunity

Carefully review the requirements of the job, program, or opportunity you’re applying for. Identify the key skills and qualities they’re seeking. Tailor your letter to align with these specific needs. This demonstrates that you understand the requirements and are a good fit for the role. Research the organization or program to understand its values and priorities.

Collecting Supporting Materials and Relevant Documents

Gather any supporting documents that can help you write the letter. This might include your resume, transcripts, project reports, performance reviews, or any other materials that showcase your skills and experience. These documents will serve as a valuable resource for crafting a detailed and accurate letter.

Structuring Your Letter of Recommendation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have gathered the necessary information, it’s time to structure your letter. A well-organized letter is easier to read and more effective in conveying your message.

The Opening Paragraph: Setting the Stage

Start with a clear and concise introduction. State the purpose of the letter and your relationship to the applicant (in this case, yourself). For example: “I am writing to recommend myself for the position of [Position] at [Company].” Briefly mention how you know yourself and why you believe you are a good fit.

Body Paragraphs: Showcasing Your Skills and Achievements

The body of the letter is where you elaborate on your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Use specific examples to illustrate your points. Focus on the skills and qualities that are most relevant to the opportunity. Organize your paragraphs logically, perhaps by skill set or by specific projects. Use strong action verbs to describe your actions.

Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experience

Carefully analyze the job description or application requirements and address them in the body of your letter. Match your skills and experience directly to the needs of the opportunity. For example, if the job requires strong communication skills, provide an example of a time when you effectively communicated with a team or a client.

The Closing Paragraph: Reinforcing Your Recommendation

In the closing paragraph, reiterate your recommendation. Summarize your key qualifications and reiterate your enthusiasm for the opportunity. Provide contact information if you’d like the reader to reach out. Thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Writing the Letter: Tips for Clarity and Impact

The way you write your letter can significantly impact its effectiveness. Here are some tips to ensure your letter is clear, concise, and persuasive.

Using Strong Action Verbs and Descriptive Language

Use strong action verbs to make your letter more dynamic and engaging. Instead of saying “I was responsible for,” say “I managed,” “I spearheaded,” or “I implemented.” Choose words that paint a vivid picture of your abilities and accomplishments. Avoid vague language and clichés.

Maintaining a Professional and Positive Tone

Maintain a professional and positive tone throughout the letter. Be enthusiastic and confident, but avoid being overly boastful. Focus on your accomplishments and the value you can bring to the opportunity. Proofread carefully to eliminate any grammatical errors or typos.

Proofreading and Editing Your Work

Before sending your letter, proofread it carefully for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Ask a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to review it as well. A fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes that you might miss. Ensure the formatting is consistent and professional.

Preparing to Submit Your Letter: Final Considerations

Once you’re satisfied with your letter, there are a few final considerations before submitting it.

Formatting and Presentation

Ensure your letter is properly formatted. Use a professional font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, with a standard font size (11 or 12 points). Use clear and concise headings and subheadings to make it easy to read. Consider adding a header with your name and contact information.

Submitting the Letter and Following Up

Follow the instructions provided by the recipient regarding the submission of your letter. If possible, submit the letter as a PDF document to preserve the formatting. If you are providing the letter to someone else to sign, provide the letter in a Word document format so they can easily edit it.

FAQs: Addressing Common Concerns

Here are some frequently asked questions about writing your own letter of recommendation:

Is It Ever Unethical to Write Your Own Letter?

Writing your own letter is generally acceptable in situations where you’re providing a draft. However, misrepresenting the letter as being written by someone else without their knowledge or consent is unethical. Transparency is key.

How Long Should a Letter of Recommendation Be?

Aim for one page. A well-written letter can effectively convey your qualifications without being overly lengthy. Longer letters can sometimes lose the reader’s attention.

What If I Don’t Have the Skills or Experience They’re Asking For?

Be honest about your abilities. Focus on your strengths and provide examples of how you’ve developed related skills. Highlight your willingness to learn and grow. Avoid exaggerating your qualifications.

Can I Use a Template for My Letter of Recommendation?

Using a template as a starting point is acceptable, but personalize it. Tailor the template to your specific skills, experiences, and the requirements of the opportunity. Avoid using a generic, one-size-fits-all approach.

What Should I Do If I’m Not Sure What to Write?

Start by brainstorming. List your skills, accomplishments, and relevant experiences. Research the opportunity and identify the key requirements. Use these as a guide to structure your letter and highlight your qualifications.

Conclusion: Crafting a Successful Letter

Writing your own letter of recommendation can be a valuable skill in various situations. By understanding the purpose of the letter, gathering the necessary information, structuring it effectively, and using clear and concise language, you can create a compelling document that effectively showcases your qualifications. Remember to be honest, authentic, and tailor your letter to the specific opportunity. By following these steps, you can significantly increase your chances of success.