Who’s the best person to write your recommendation letter?

Not your mentor. Not your professor. Not anyone else.

It’s YOU. Always.

Why You Should Draft Your Own Recommendation Letter

No one knows your journey better than you.

• Your story? Yours to tell.
• Your achievements? Yours to highlight.
• Your vision? Yours to articulate.

However, when I shared this approach on LinkedIn, it sparked debate.

2 Main Objections I hear about this approach:

1️⃣ “Isn’t it biased to write your own draft?”

Not at all. Think of it this way:

• A draft is a collaboration tool, not the final word.
• It’s no different from discussing your achievements with your recommender in person or over the phone.
• In fact, skipping your perspective might make the letter more biased, as it relies solely on the recommender’s limited view.

Good collaboration reduces bias—it doesn’t create it.

Think of it like this: Physicians reviewing materials from pharmaceutical companies should remain critical of potential conflicts of interest, but being informed about a drug’s indications and contraindications is essential for good decision-making. Similarly, your recommender needs to be informed about your full story to make an unbiased evaluation.

2️⃣ “What about waiving my right to see the letter?”

Waiving doesn’t mean blind trust. It’s about respecting the recommender’s judgment.

• Your draft is just a foundation.
• Providing your perspective helps your recommender craft a truthful, comprehensive narrative.

At the end of the day, the letter writer owns the content. What they choose to include—or leave out—is their decision.

Your job? Make their task easier by equipping them with your story.

The Blueprint: How to Craft a Recommendation Letter That Stands Out

Here’s how to craft a recommendation letter that’s impossible to ignore, step by step:

1️⃣ Understand What They Value Most

Research the program or role. What’s their top priority—clinical excellence, research leadership, or teaching?

Examples:

• Residency: Focus on teamwork, patient care, and adaptability.
• Fellowship: Emphasize research and leadership potential.
• Academic roles: Highlight collaboration, teaching, and publications.

📝 Pro tip: Align the letter with their priorities to show you’re the perfect fit.

2️⃣ Highlight 2–3 Core Strengths

Help your recommender zero in on your standout qualities:

• Top 2–3 qualities you want highlighted (e.g., clinical skills, teaching, research achievements).
• Provide examples that show depth—your grit, adaptability, and accomplishments.

3️⃣ Open with Authority

Establish credibility from the first line:

• Introduce your recommender: their role, expertise, and relationship to you.
• Example: “As the Director of Clinical Research at [Institution], I have had the privilege of mentoring Dr. [Your Name] during their time as a research fellow.”

4️⃣ Show, Don’t Just Tell

Illustrate your strengths with vivid, specific examples:

• Clinical judgment: A pivotal case that challenged you.
• Research impact: A high-impact research that contributed to your field.
• Teaching excellence: A moment where your mentorship changed lives.

📝 Pro tip: Advocate for yourself like your future depends on it. Skip modesty. Be bold.

5️⃣ Highlight Core Competencies

Tailor your focus:

• Residency/Fellowship: patient care, teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance.
• Academic roles: research output, collaboration, teaching, and leadership.

📝 Pro tip: Use specific language that reflects the program’s values.

6️⃣ Close with Confidence

• Conclude with an unequivocal endorsement.
• Leave no room for doubt about your capabilities.

Example: “I have no doubt that [Your Name] will excel as a resident, and their clinical background and research skills will be an invaluable asset to the [program name].”

7️⃣ Keep It Concise

• Stick to 1 page.
• Avoid fluff—specificity is your best friend.

📝 Pro tip: Tools like ChatGPT can help refine your draft for clarity and impact.

8️⃣ Collaborate for the Final Touch

• Share your draft with your recommender for edits and personalization.
• Encourage them to add their voice to enhance authenticity.

📝 Pro tip: If you are gathering multiple letters from multiple people –> make sure they are different- in tone, pitch, and font.

Why This Works

Yes, this might feel bold. But here’s the reality:

• Most experts don’t have the time to craft a perfect letter from scratch.
• Taking charge ensures your story is told with boldness, clarity, and precision.

You’re not overstepping—you’re empowering your recommender to shine a light on your best self.

Write the letter only they could write—about the person only you know best.

This is your story. Own it.

Now go out there and draft the kind of recommendation letter that opens doors and seals your next big opportunity.