<p>I asked my boss if he could write a supplemental rec for me, and he told me that if I wrote it myself, he'll sign it with minor revisions.
Does anyone know how to write one of these, or explain to me what they should include? I've never read one!</p>
<p>Ethical much?</p>
<p>Here are some thoughts. It is always difficult to write a letter for yourself that someone else will sign. </p>
<ol>
<li> Start by telling how long and in what capacity you have known the applicant.</li>
<li> Cite 2 or 3 qualities that are particularly valued with this employee.</li>
<li> Use specific examples with details to illustrate these qualities (how much the employee was responsible vs. simply following directions, if he/she supervised others, were there budget concerns/deadlines, leadership, etc.)</li>
<li> Avoid superlatives.</li>
<li> Summarize the qualities in a final paragraph with a bit more phrasing that simply listing for ex. leadership, motivation, independence.</li>
<li> End with a final phrase such as “I give this person my strongest recommendation.”</li>
</ol>
<p>I’m sure others will have more suggestions. Hope these help.</p>
<p>I once broke my superlative rule with an intern we had who was superlative in every respect. I started the letter saying that the reader would probably not believe all the superlatives in the letter but that I had no other way of describing the kind of job the intern had done.</p>
<p>If your boss isn’t willing to write the recommendation himself, you probably don’t want to use him for a recommendation.</p>
<p>This is actually very common. It may not be good manners, but it happens all the time.</p>
<p>It’s very common in the business world, however usually the references will revise the letter to their own satisfaction before signing it.</p>
<p>It’s very common in the business world, however usually the references will revise the letter to their own satisfaction before signing it. Consequently, if you put lies in it or inflate your accomplishments, the reference probably won’t sign the letter and will also develop a lower opinion of you. (Not suggesting the OP plans to do this. I made the statement in case some people think that such letters are likely to be full of lies.)</p>
<p>Does your boss happen to be a lawyer?</p>