Drafting a Written Recommendation

It's not unusual for a recommender to ask you to draft a written recommendation for their signature, especially if the person providing your recommendation is particularly busy. In fact, you should take the initiative to (tactfully!) offer to provide a draft letter or a list of points to be included in a recommendation letter.

If your recommender agrees, draft two versions of a recommendation letter: one specific (for the specific job you want to do next) and one generic (with points applicable to a broader range of positions, which will give it a longer 'shelf life').

Be courteous enough to get your drafts to your recommender in ample time for them to edit the letters as they see fit. Offer to do prepare and print the final versions of the letters, but don't be offended if they prefer to do it themselves.

Return to the Tips on Recommenders home page.