self-written letter of rec

[orientedtoself]

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a few weeks ago, i asked an attending for a letter of rec, and he said he would be willing to write one. he said i should write up a draft, and he would edit and add to it. i'm having a hard time writing my letter. on the one hand, it's great because i can say whatever i want and he will put his name on it. on the other hand, i don't really know how to write a good letter of rec, and i'm having a hard time "tooting my own horn" and coming up with fantastic things to say about myself. also, i worry that they will read it and know that he didn't write it! anybody else in the same situation?

 

[DJ LACTULOSE]

is this a letter for fellowships?

 

[orientedtoself]

is this a letter for fellowships?

yes

 

[Tapout]

This happens on occasion. Just make it glow and use good language, a skill which many attendings do not have. It kind of sucks but at least you know the majority of it will rock!

 

[DJ LACTULOSE]

maybe talk about a particular patient where you did something great for in terms of care. say something about how the attending was impressed by your clinical skills and how you would be an excellent candidate for whatever specialty you're going into.

 

[orientedtoself]

it's just weird writing about yourself in the third person

 

[koma]

a few weeks ago, i asked an attending for a letter of rec, and he said he would be willing to write one. he said i should write up a draft, and he would edit and add to it. i'm having a hard time writing my letter. on the one hand, it's great because i can say whatever i want and he will put his name on it. on the other hand, i don't really know how to write a good letter of rec, and i'm having a hard time "tooting my own horn" and coming up with fantastic things to say about myself. also, i worry that they will read it and know that he didn't write it! anybody else in the same situation?

I think the key is to write a sincere, professional, well structured letter.

 

[PeepshowJohnny]

it's just weird writing about yourself in the third person

PeepshowJohnny does not understand what you mean.

 

[orientedtoself]

PeepshowJohnny does not understand what you mean.

first person- i
second person- you
third person- he/she/it

it's strange describing yourself as "she", stepping outside of yourself, trying to impersonate your attending's (assumed) positive impression of you

 

[DJ LACTULOSE]

PeepshowJohnny does not understand what you mean.

i think that was a joke... lol.

 

[orientedtoself]

i think that was a joke... lol.

😀
i get it now. humor lost in translation on sdn