A letter of recommendation is a crucial part of many applications, including college, scholarships, and jobs. It is a document written by someone who knows you well and can speak to your abilities and qualifications. A strong letter of recommendation can make a big difference in your chances of success.
Here is a guide on how to write a draft letter of recommendation:
1. Request a Letter
Before you ask someone to write a letter of recommendation for you, make sure that you have a strong relationship with them. They should know you well enough to write a thoughtful and detailed letter about your skills, accomplishments, and character.
What to Include When You Ask for a Letter
- Provide a clear and concise description of the opportunity you are applying for.
- Give the recommender a copy of your resume and any other relevant materials.
- Explain why you think they are a good person to write a letter for you.
- Provide the recommender with all necessary deadlines and contact information for the recipient of the letter.
- Make it easy for them to write the letter by providing a pre-addressed and stamped envelope or a digital template.
2. Gather Information
Once someone has agreed to write a letter of recommendation for you, provide them with the necessary information to help them write a strong letter. This may include:
- A copy of your resume.
- A list of your accomplishments and achievements.
- Examples of your work or projects.
- Any specific details about the opportunity you are applying for.
3. Draft the Letter
A draft letter of recommendation should be tailored to the specific opportunity you are applying for. It should include the following sections:
Introduction
- State the recommender's relationship to you and how long they have known you.
- Clearly identify the purpose of the letter.
Body Paragraphs
- Highlight your strengths and accomplishments.
- Provide specific examples of your skills and abilities.
- Demonstrate how your skills and experience are relevant to the opportunity.
- Use strong verbs and adjectives to paint a vivid picture of your qualities.
Conclusion
- Reiterate your positive qualities and why you are a good fit for the opportunity.
- Express your confidence in your abilities and your willingness to answer any questions the recommender may have.
- End the letter with a closing statement and your contact information.
4. Review and Edit
Once you have a draft letter of recommendation, it's important to review and edit it carefully. Ensure that it is:
- Well-written and free of grammar and spelling errors.
- Clear, concise, and easy to understand.
- Positive and enthusiastic.
- Specific and detailed.
- Tailored to the specific opportunity.
Tips for Writing a Draft Letter of Recommendation
- Keep it concise. Aim for a letter that is no more than one page long.
- Use strong verbs and adjectives. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills and accomplishments.
- Focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Be confident in your abilities and highlight your positive qualities.
- Be honest and truthful. Don't exaggerate your accomplishments or make false claims.
- Proofread carefully. Make sure your letter is free of errors before sending it to the recommender.
Writing a draft letter of recommendation can be a daunting task, but it's an important step in the application process. By following these tips, you can provide your recommender with the information they need to write a strong and persuasive letter on your behalf.