Mastering the Art: How to Write a Brag Sheet for a Letter of Recommendation

Crafting a compelling letter of recommendation can significantly impact your application, whether it’s for a job, a scholarship, or admission to a program. Often, the person writing the letter needs your help. This is where the brag sheet comes in. This document, brimming with your accomplishments and personality, provides the recommender with the raw material to create a truly effective and personalized letter. Let’s dive into how to craft a brag sheet that will make a difference.

What Exactly is a Brag Sheet and Why Do You Need One?

Think of a brag sheet as your personal highlight reel. It’s a concise document that summarizes your skills, achievements, and experiences, specifically tailored to the context of the recommendation. The purpose is simple: to provide your recommender with everything they need to write a glowing and informed letter.

Why is it so important? Because it saves your recommender time, and ensures they have the necessary information to create a letter that truly reflects your strengths and aspirations. It also allows them to focus on crafting a compelling narrative, rather than spending valuable time trying to remember details. A well-constructed brag sheet leads to a more impactful letter, increasing your chances of success.

The Benefits of a Well-Prepared Brag Sheet

  • Saves Time for Your Recommender: Allows them to focus on the writing process, not information gathering.
  • Ensures Accuracy: Provides a clear and concise record of your accomplishments.
  • Highlights Relevant Information: Focuses on the skills and experiences most relevant to the application.
  • Personalizes the Letter: Enables the recommender to write a more specific and impactful letter.
  • Improves Your Chances: A well-crafted letter, fueled by your brag sheet, significantly boosts your prospects.

Gathering Your Arsenal: Essential Information to Include

Before you start writing, gather all the necessary materials. This initial preparation is crucial to crafting a comprehensive and persuasive brag sheet. Think of it like gathering all your ingredients before you start cooking.

  • Your Resume/CV: This document provides a comprehensive overview of your work history, education, and skills.
  • The Job Description/Program Requirements: Understanding the specific requirements is key to tailoring your brag sheet.
  • The Application Deadline: This helps your recommender manage their time effectively.
  • Any Specific Instructions from the Recommender: They might have specific requests or preferred formats.
  • Examples of Your Work (If Applicable): Links to online portfolios, publications, or projects.

Formatting Your Brag Sheet: Structure for Success

A clear and organized format is key to making your brag sheet easy to navigate and digest. Here’s a recommended structure:

Contact Information

Begin with your full name, contact information (email and phone number), and the date. This ensures your recommender can easily reach you if they have any questions.

Purpose of the Recommendation

Clearly state the purpose of the letter of recommendation. Is it for a job application? A graduate program? A scholarship? Specify the exact position or program you’re applying for. This helps your recommender understand the context and tailor their letter accordingly. Be as specific as possible.

Your Relationship with the Recommender

Briefly explain how the recommender knows you. For example, “Professor [Name], my professor in Introduction to Psychology,” or “My supervisor, [Name], at [Company].” This establishes the foundation for the letter.

Key Skills and Strengths

Identify your top three to five key skills and strengths. These should align with the requirements of the job or program. Provide supporting examples for each skill, demonstrating how you’ve used it in real-world situations. Use action verbs and quantifiable results whenever possible. For example:

  • Communication: Effectively presented complex data to stakeholders, resulting in a 15% increase in project understanding.
  • Problem-Solving: Identified and resolved a critical software bug, preventing a system-wide failure and saving the company $10,000.

Education and Relevant Coursework

List your educational background, including degrees, institutions, and graduation dates. Highlight any relevant coursework that supports your application. If you have taken any specialized courses, make sure to include them.

Work Experience and Internships

Provide detailed descriptions of your work experience, including job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to showcase your accomplishments.

Extracurricular Activities and Volunteer Work

Include details about your extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any leadership roles you’ve held. This demonstrates your well-roundedness and commitment.

Awards and Recognition

List any awards, honors, or recognitions you’ve received. This provides concrete evidence of your achievements.

Specific Achievements and Accomplishments

This is the heart of your brag sheet. Provide specific examples of your achievements, quantifying your results whenever possible. Think about what makes you stand out from the crowd. What did you do that went above and beyond expectations?

Anything Else You’d Like to Include

Provide any other information that you believe is relevant to your application, such as hobbies, interests, or personal qualities.

The Power of Action Verbs and Quantifiable Results

Using strong action verbs and quantifying your results is crucial to making your brag sheet compelling. Here’s a breakdown:

Using Action Verbs

Start each bullet point with a strong action verb that describes what you did. Avoid vague verbs like “helped” or “assisted.” Instead, use verbs like “managed,” “developed,” “implemented,” “led,” “created,” “achieved,” “improved,” “organized,” and “negotiated.”

Quantifying Your Results

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Use numbers, percentages, and specific data to demonstrate the impact of your work. For example:

  • “Increased sales by 20% in Q3.”
  • “Managed a team of 10 employees.”
  • “Reduced customer complaints by 15%.”
  • “Secured $50,000 in grant funding.”

Tailoring Your Brag Sheet to the Specific Opportunity

One size does not fit all. Tailor your brag sheet to the specific job, program, or opportunity you’re applying for. Review the job description or program requirements carefully and highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant. Avoid including irrelevant information.

Research the Opportunity

Understand the needs of the job or program. What specific skills and qualities are they looking for? What challenges are they trying to solve? Tailor your brag sheet to address these needs.

Focus on Relevant Experiences

Highlight the experiences that are most relevant to the opportunity. If the job requires strong leadership skills, emphasize your leadership experiences. If the program values research experience, highlight your research accomplishments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your brag sheet is effective:

  • Being Vague: Provide specific examples and quantifiable results.
  • Including Irrelevant Information: Focus on the skills and experiences most relevant to the opportunity.
  • Neglecting Proofreading: Proofread your brag sheet carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling.
  • Making It Too Long: Keep it concise and focused. Aim for a maximum of two to three pages.
  • Not Providing Enough Information: Give your recommender everything they need to write a compelling letter.

Requesting the Letter and Following Up

Once you’ve completed your brag sheet, you need to request the letter of recommendation.

When to Ask

Give your recommender ample time to write the letter. Aim to request the letter at least four to six weeks before the deadline, or even earlier if possible.

How to Ask

Reach out to your recommender via email or in person. Clearly state the purpose of the recommendation and the deadline. Provide your brag sheet, resume/CV, and any other relevant materials.

Following Up

After you’ve requested the letter, it’s important to follow up. A week or two before the deadline, send a polite reminder. Express your gratitude for their time and effort.

FAQs About Brag Sheets

Here are some common questions about brag sheets, answered:

What’s the Difference Between a Brag Sheet and a Resume?

A resume provides a comprehensive overview of your qualifications, while a brag sheet is specifically designed to help a recommender write a letter of recommendation. The brag sheet is often more detailed and focuses on specific accomplishments relevant to the opportunity.

While providing links to your online portfolio is a good idea, it shouldn’t replace a well-crafted brag sheet. The brag sheet provides your recommender with a curated selection of your most relevant accomplishments, saving them time and ensuring they have the information they need.

How Much Detail Should I Provide on My Brag Sheet?

Be detailed, but concise. Focus on providing specific examples and quantifiable results. Avoid overwhelming your recommender with unnecessary information. Aim for a balance between detail and brevity.

What If My Recommender Doesn’t Ask for a Brag Sheet?

Even if your recommender doesn’t explicitly ask for a brag sheet, it’s a good idea to provide one. It will make their job easier and ensure that they have all the information they need to write a compelling letter. They will appreciate your initiative.

When Should I Thank My Recommender?

Always thank your recommender for their time and effort. Send a thank-you note after the letter has been submitted, and keep them updated on the outcome of your application. This shows your gratitude and strengthens your relationship.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Path to Success

Creating a strong brag sheet is a crucial step in securing a compelling letter of recommendation. By providing your recommender with the necessary information, you empower them to write a letter that truly showcases your skills, achievements, and potential. Remember to gather your materials, structure your sheet effectively, use action verbs and quantifiable results, and tailor it to the specific opportunity. Following these steps will increase your chances of receiving a letter that makes a lasting impression and helps you achieve your goals.