Quick question, my coach asked me to help draft my own recommendation letter (they'll edit and sign it later). Any tips for what I should include or how I should frame it?
That's a great opportunity! A recommendation letter should observe a three-part structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
In the introduction, introduce yourself and your relationship to the coach. Then, mention the purpose of the letter.
In the body, split it into a few paragraphs where you'll talk about your achievements, skills, and abilities. Here, focus on the traits that you think the coach has especially noticed, perhaps your teamwork, leadership, perseverance, or adaptability in games. If there were any significant moments where you overcame a challenge, showed exceptional leadership, or made a difference to the team, this would be the place to highlight those.
In the conclusion, give a summary of your attributes, and express enthusiasm for the next phase of your journey.
Throughout the letter, be sure to provide examples to back up any claims you make. Being descriptive and providing specific situations where you showcased important traits can stand out more in a recommendation letter.
And remember, this is from your coach's perspective, try to write in their voice if you know it. Ultimately, your goal is to portray a clear, convincing picture of your character, work ethic, and accomplishments.
Just remember that you should be honest and humble in your self-evaluation. You're not expected to be perfect - it's okay to discuss moments of growth or times you've learned from mistakes.
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