How to Write Your Own Letter of Recommendation in Five Simple Steps

Asking for a letter of recommendation is a smart move following any career-building experience, whether it’s after graduating, completing an internship or moving on from a job (on good terms, of course). Just don’t be surprised if you’re asked to write it yourself for your professor or supervisor to approve and sign. It’s a common response to a request, and while writing your own letter can seem daunting, it can actually work to your benefit. When someone asks you to pull the document together, it is an indicator of trust in your judgment to create a first draft or final product.

Second, and perhaps most importantly, crafting the letter is an opportunity to emphasize what you think is most important about your experience. While the person doing the signing will make any changes they deem necessary, you have a chance to include what you feel are your most significant accomplishments. Often, the person signing the letter may not know all of your day-to-day projects or be familiar with the impressive details.

Finally, you can tailor the letter to the opportunity you are pursuing next, providing the most compelling examples of your experience related to the specific job description or program criteria. Embrace the challenge and get started with these five steps for writing your own letter of recommendation:

Establish the Relationship

In the opening paragraph, introduce the person signing the letter, including their title and relationship with you. Mention how long you have known each other or worked together, along with some context about your working relationship and a statement expressing their support for you. Add specifics about what the recommendation is for, whether it’s a job or an academic program. For example: “I supervised Jane in a 3-month internship within my business, and based on that experience, I can wholeheartedly recommend her as a candidate for the position of account manager.”

Be Honest

It can be uncomfortable writing about yourself, but strive for accuracy. Avoid boastful or unrealistic claims about being the best or the brightest, while also acknowledging your strengths, contributions and achievements. Start by listing the top qualities you have demonstrated. Then focus on the two or three characteristics you think are most relevant to the program or job you are applying for, providing specific examples that your professor or supervisor can attest to.

Back It Up

Whatever you want to emphasize – excellence in your studies or work performance, resilience, dependability – support your claims with specific examples rather than just listing them out. For example, instead of saying you are organized or a good leader, explain how you took the lead on a group project in your college course, coordinating with other students and keeping the team organized and on schedule, resulting in a good grade for the project. Use anecdotes that illustrate your qualifications instead of just saying you have them.

Close with Sincere Enthusiasm

This can be awkward when you’re writing it yourself, but a letter of recommendation should express a genuine, unreserved endorsement of you as a candidate. Express this by reflecting on your personal qualities, such as your kindness, competence and ability to work well with others. Follow this with an invitation to reach out for additional information, with the recommender’s email address and phone number.

Display Impeccable Writing Skills

Proofread the letter multiple times for spelling, grammar and style. Remember, this needs to be in your professor or supervisor’s voice, not your own. Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter. Keep it to one single-spaced page. That means you won’t be able to list everything, but it will hit the highlights and ensure it’s readable for all involved.

Remember that the person signing the letter will have the final edit and will likely add their sentiments, but with some thought and preparation, you’ll have done your best to create an effective letter that they can sign with confidence.

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