Write your own letter of reference
Feb 07 '00
Many good-hearted people who know you and would love to write you a letter of reference are busy, disorganized, lazy or any combination of the above. They mean to get the letter written, really they do, but it isn't going to happen any time soon.
A very bright, very capable woman who had done excellent work for me needed a reference. Her approach was to write a sample and ask me to look it over and make any additions or corrections. She does this all the time, and I can't think of a better approach.
Her letter was well-written and it set forth her strengths in a clear way with good examples. I signed it on the spot, and that was that.
I can't think of any busy person who would not appreciate this approach. If you know the person well and are confident that the two of you are on the same page in the matter of your abilities, you could just hand the letter over or say: "I need recommendations for college, and would love to have one from you, would you like it if I sketched something out?"
Writing these letters can be torture. I can't think of anyone who enjoys doing it. I don't see an ethical problem with sketching out a letter or, as an alternative, listing your accomplishments, honors and skills in such a way that it makes it easier -- and less time-consuming -- for the person who is writing the letter.
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