How To Write a Letter of Recommendation For Yourself: A Comprehensive Guide

Writing a letter of recommendation for yourself might sound a little strange at first. After all, isn’t the whole point of a recommendation to have someone else vouch for your skills and character? However, there are times when you might need to write one, perhaps for a specific application or to highlight certain achievements. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your self-written letter is effective and professional.

Understanding the Need: When Self-Recommendation is Necessary

Before you even begin, it’s crucial to understand the circumstances that warrant writing a letter of recommendation for yourself. This isn’t a standard practice, and it shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. Typically, situations where you’d need to do this include:

• Applications where you lack a suitable recommender: Maybe you’re applying for a specific role or program where you have no past supervisor or professor who can write on your behalf.
• Highlighting unique achievements: Perhaps you want to emphasize skills or accomplishments that weren’t covered in your resume or application.
• Documenting self-employed work: If you’re a freelancer or consultant, you might need to provide a letter of recommendation to vouch for your work.
• Specific organizational requirements: Some organizations might allow or even require a self-written letter in certain contexts.

The Foundation: Preparing to Write Your Letter

Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), you need to do some groundwork. This preparation is vital for a credible and compelling letter.

Gathering Your Evidence: Your Proof of Value

Think of your letter as a persuasive argument. You need solid evidence to support your claims. This evidence will form the core of your letter and will provide the “why” to your “what”.

• Compile a list of your skills and accomplishments: Be specific. Don’t just say “good communication skills”; provide examples of when you demonstrated them. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. “Increased sales by 15%” is much stronger than “improved sales.”
• Gather supporting documents: Collect any relevant documents that validate your claims, such as certificates, awards, performance reviews, or project reports.
• Consider the context: Tailor your evidence to the specific role or program you’re applying for. What skills and experiences are most relevant?

Defining Your Audience: Who Will Read Your Letter?

Consider who will be reading your letter. This will influence the tone, language, and content of your writing. Is it a potential employer? An admissions committee? A grant review panel? Tailoring your letter to their specific needs and expectations will make it more impactful.

Crafting the Content: Structure and Style for a Strong Letter

Now, let’s get down to writing. A well-structured letter is key to conveying your message effectively.

The Opening: Setting the Stage

Start with a clear and concise introduction. State your purpose immediately.

• Identify yourself: Clearly state your name and the purpose of the letter.
• State your relationship to the role or program: If it’s for a job, specify the position you’re applying for. If it’s for a program, mention the program’s name.
• Briefly summarize your qualifications: This should be a concise overview of what you’re bringing to the table.

Body Paragraphs: Show, Don’t Just Tell

The body of your letter is where you’ll elaborate on your skills and accomplishments.

• Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. This is a powerful framework for describing your experiences.
  • Situation: Set the scene. What was the context?
  • Task: What was your responsibility?
  • Action: What specific steps did you take?
  • Result: What were the outcomes? What did you achieve?
• Focus on relevant skills: Highlight the skills that are most important for the role or program.
• Provide specific examples: Back up your claims with concrete examples.
• Maintain a professional tone: Avoid hyperbole or overly enthusiastic language.

The Closing: Reinforcing Your Value

The closing paragraph is your opportunity to reiterate your value and express your enthusiasm.

• Summarize your key qualifications: Briefly recap your most relevant skills and experiences.
• Express your interest: Show your genuine interest in the role or program.
• Offer to provide further information: If appropriate, offer to provide additional information.
• Include a professional closing: Use a formal closing, such as “Sincerely,” or “Best regards.”

Editing and Proofreading: The Final Polish

This is a critical step. Carefully review your letter for any errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

• Read it aloud: This can help you catch awkward phrasing or grammatical errors.
• Get a second pair of eyes: If possible, ask a trusted friend or colleague to review your letter.
• Ensure consistency: Maintain a consistent tone and style throughout the letter.

Key Considerations for Self-Recommendations

There are some specific nuances you need to be aware of when writing a letter of recommendation for yourself.

Authenticity and Transparency

Be upfront and honest about the fact that you’re writing the letter. Don’t try to deceive the reader. The reader is likely to know it is self-written.

Objectivity and Balance

While you want to highlight your strengths, avoid exaggerating or making unsubstantiated claims. Provide an objective assessment of your skills and accomplishments.

Tailoring Your Letter

Customize your letter for each specific application. A generic letter will be less effective than one that is specifically tailored to the role or program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to write a letter of recommendation for myself?

Yes, but only in specific circumstances where you lack a suitable recommender or when the organization requires or allows it. Always be transparent.

What should I do if I don’t have any accomplishments to write about?

If you truly lack accomplishments relevant to the role or program, writing a self-recommendation might not be the best approach. Consider alternative ways to demonstrate your suitability, such as highlighting transferable skills or focusing on your potential.

How long should a self-written letter of recommendation be?

Keep it concise and focused. Aim for one page, or a maximum of two pages, depending on the context and the amount of information you need to convey.

Can I use a template for my letter?

While templates can be a starting point, avoid using them verbatim. Customize the template to reflect your unique skills and experiences. The more personalized the better.

What if the organization asks for a reference letter?

If they specifically ask for a reference letter, try your best to get a recommendation from a professional contact. If you cannot, explain the situation and provide a self-written letter. Be sure to provide a good reason for why you are writing your own letter.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Self-Recommendation

Writing a letter of recommendation for yourself can be a necessary task. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can craft a compelling and professional letter that effectively highlights your skills and accomplishments. Remember to be transparent, objective, and tailored to the specific context. By focusing on providing concrete evidence and maintaining a professional tone, you can create a strong self-written letter that supports your application and helps you stand out.