If you are searching for a new job, a well-crafted letter of recommendation can make a huge impact on potential employers.
In most cases, your recommender will ask you to write the draft; which can be a daunting task.
But with the help of ChatGPT, you can easily draft a compelling recommendation letter that highlights your skills, qualifications, and achievements.
In this article, I will guide you through the process of writing a strong professional letter of recommendation using ChatGPT. I will also show you an advanced prompting method that will create a unique letter with insights to help you succeed.
Table of Contents
What is a letter of recommendation?
A letter of recommendation is a document written by someone who can speak to your abilities, character, and potential.
It serves as an endorsement and provides insight into your professional work ethic.
A powerful letter of recommendation from the right person can be a deal breaker when it comes to securing your dream job.
Letter of recommendation vs. reference letter
While both terms are often used interchangeably, there is a major difference between a letter of recommendation and a reference letter.
A letter of recommendation provides a comprehensive evaluation of your skills and qualifications, focusing on specific examples and personal experiences.
On the other hand, a reference letter is a more general statement confirming your character and employment history.
A letter of reference is useful for character assessments and general purposes, such as employment, education, or volunteering.
However, if you require a letter specifically tailored to a particular job or special opportunity, a letter of recommendation is more suitable.
Who to select to write your Letter?
Choosing the right person to write your letter of recommendation is crucial.
Before making your decision, you should consider the people who can speak to your professional abilities and understand your achievements well. Some suitable options may include:
• Former or current supervisors.
• Professors or academic advisors.
• Colleagues or peers who have worked closely with you.
• Mentors or coaches who can vouch for your skills and growth
How to ask for a letter of recommendation
Once you’ve made your choice, it’s important to approach potential recommenders with professionalism and courtesy.
The best way to do this is to schedule a meeting or send a polite email explaining why you’re seeking their recommendation.
Make sure you provide all the necessary information you think they would need. You should include the relevant details about the opportunity, such as the job description, application deadline, and any specific points you’d like them to highlight.
Once your recommender agrees to write the letter, it can be helpful to offer them a draft letter or any supporting documents that can assist them in crafting an in-depth recommendation.
ChatGPT prompts for recommendation or reference letters
If you ask ChatGPT to write a recommendation letter, it will come up with a pretty generic text.
That means you’ll have to spend a lot of time editing it, and even then, it might still sound basic.
But here’s the thing: with the prompt I’ll give you below, ChatGPT can generate a recommendation letter that most people won’t even guess was written by AI.
Just follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to generating a convincing and natural-sounding letter.
Detailed prompt template
Please use the writing format below to create a 400 words letter of recommendation for a [job title/role] whom I [relationship with recommender] [time period].
[Writing format:
Introduction
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Conclusion]
Example:
Please use the writing format below to create a 400 words letter of recommendation for a junior developer whom I supervised three years ago.
[Writing format:
Introduction
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 2
Conclusion]
Advanced prompt template
Your task is to write a 400 words letter of recommendation for a [job title] whom I [relationship] [time period]. Make sure to use the writing format and bullet points below to highlight [his/her] strengths. [Writing format: Introduction Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Conclusion] [bullet points: insert resume or bullet points here]
Prompt writing guide
The job role or title you include in this prompt template should match the position you held when you knew the recommender.
Instead of using your entire resume, it’s better to stick to bullet points. I’ve noticed that if you use your entire resume, ChatGPT tends to add unnecessary information to the recommendation letter.
If you choose to use bullet points, make sure you copy them from the same job in your resume. It’s also important to optimize those bullet points.
If you’re unsure how to do that, you can click here to learn more.
For a truly unique and personalized letter of recommendation, consider crafting a set of bullet points that differs from your resume.
By doing so, you can provide your recommender with fresh insights and information that goes beyond what is already mentioned in your resume.
This approach will ensure that the letter highlights new aspects of your qualifications and accomplishments, making it even more impactful.
Remember, if you are writing a reference letter, it’s important to keep the focus on your personal skills rather than your professional work ethic. When you provide the information to ChatGPT, make sure to highlight those qualities that speak to who you are as a person.
This way, the reference letter will truly capture your unique strengths and character traits.
Conclusion
When it comes to advancing your career, writing a strong professional letter of recommendation is a crucial step.
With the help of ChatGPT, you can create a letter that really packs a punch.
With the two prompt methods and tips I have shared with you in this article, you should be able to create a letter that effectively showcases your qualifications, skills, and achievements.
However, you must remember to put your own personal touch on the generated text ChatGPT gives you. That way, the letter will sound more convincing. Plus, your recommender will not know you used ai to write the draft letter.
If you need more ways to use chatgpt to secure your dream job, click this link to check out this article.