Hi! You are on this page because you've asked me for a reference letter. Previously, I used to write letters from scratch, following discussions with the requester. However, more recently, I have developed a new workflow for writing references, and I have found it to be very useful, and ensures a strong reference that captures the right details.

Please can you initiate the recommendation letter and write a few paragraphs or bullet points on what you would like such a letter of recommendation to say. It can include details like:

• Useful facts about you and me: How do you know me? What is involved in our relationship? What projects have you done with me and what should I recall?
• Useful facts about you: What are some outstanding things about yourself I should raise? For instance, you might want me to mention your work in X, Y, Z. Why are these impressive?
• What are some things you'd like me to discuss or highlight?

If it is helpful, you may write this in bullet points. Aim for about an A4 paper in detail.

A typical recommendation letter might take the following form: (i) opener; (ii) describe some past projects; (iii) describe fit in new roles; (iv) close.

This has been really helpful because you may mention key details that I'm unaware of. Once I have this, I will re-write the letter significantly in order to weave in the suggestions, and add my own thoughts.

It is an odd thing – to write your own reference – if you have not done it previously. However, from experience, this has led to much stronger letters of support.