Securing strong letters of recommendation (LORs) is a critical step in the pharmacy residency application process. These letters provide valuable insights into an applicant’s skills, abilities, and potential to succeed as a resident. Following proper etiquette when requesting LORs increases your chances of getting exceptional letters. This article outlines 11 etiquette tips to keep in mind when asking for pharmacy residency letters of recommendation.
1. Provide Enough Notice
Give your letter writers at least 4-6 weeks of lead time before your application deadline. Requesting letters at the last minute places unnecessary pressure on the writers. It also reduces the likelihood of getting a thoughtful, well-crafted letter. Inform your recommenders of your exact deadline and check that they can meet it before agreeing to write your letter.
2. Consider Your Method of Request
How you ask for the letters matters. Whenever possible make the request in person. This shows extra effort on your part. If asking in-person isn’t feasible, a phone call or video chat are the next best options. Only send an email request if you have no other choice. Keep the request professional yet personable. Remind the writer who you are and provide key details about the residency.
3. Reintroduce Yourself
Even if you think the letter writer remembers you clearly, provide a brief refresher. Mention when and where you worked together. Give 1-2 specifics about your interactions or projects. This context helps the writer tailor the letter content.
4. Explain Why You Chose Them
Let the writer know why they stand out as your recommender Was it a particular rotation or class you did well in under their supervision? Perhaps they oversaw an award-winning project of yours Articulate the unique value this person brings as your referee,
5. Be Specific About the Type of Letter You Need
Clarify that you need a letter of recommendation for a postgraduate pharmacy residency position. Specify if it should highlight clinical, research, teaching, or other skills. Remind them of your residency interests like ambulatory care, critical care, oncology, etc. The more details you provide, the better.
6. Acknowledge the Possibility of Denial
7. Make Sure They Are Familiar with the Online System
Many residency programs now use the PhORCAS system for letter submissions. Check if the writer needs guidance navigating the system. Offer to walk them through the process or send instructions. This preserves the confidentiality of the letters.
8. Provide Your CV and Other Relevant Materials
Give the letter writers useful materials to work from like your CV, personal statement, transcripts, publications, awards list, etc. This aids them in composing a detailed, vivid recommendation letter with concrete examples of your achievements.
9. Express Your Sincere Appreciation
Thank the person enthusiastically for agreeing to write your letter. Acknowledge that you recognize the time and effort involved. Let them know how much you value their endorsement. Gratitude goes a long way in maintaining your professional relationships.
10. Keep Them Updated on Your Application Status
Out of courtesy, inform your letter writers whether you matched or not. Also tell them which residency programs you applied to and interviewed with. They assisted you so they deserve to hear the outcome.
11. Follow-Up with a Thank You Note
Send each letter writer a thank you card or email once they submit your recommendation. This shows you are grateful for their vital contribution to your residency quest. Consider a small gift like a coffee gift card or baked goods as an extra gesture of appreciation.
Adhering to letter of recommendation etiquette represents you as a considerate, conscientious applicant. It enables you to stand out positively to residency programs through exceptional recommendation letters. When in doubt, put yourself in the letter writers’ shoes. Strive to make the process straightforward for them. With care and forethought, securing impressive LORs for your pharmacy residency applications can be much smoother.
THE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION: RESIDENCY APPLICATION and BEYOND
FAQ
What is the proper etiquette when asking for a letter of recommendation?
What should be included in a letter of recommendation for residency?
When should you ask for letters of recommendation for pharmacy residency?
How to write a pharmacist recommendation letter?
The pharmacist recommendation letter should present your strengths in a way that makes you stand out from the crowd, as there are many talented applicants to the best pharmacy residency program. When you have a task to write a pharmacist letter of recommendation, you have to follow some steps to receive a great recommendation letter.
Do you need a recommendation letter for a pharmacy residency?
Surprisingly enough, the LOR for pharmacy residencies isn’t your typical recommendation letter. It’s a survey, has open-ended responses, and has an option to upload a formal letter. The updated 2023 version is more involved than previous years, so be sure to familiarize yourself with it.
How do I apply for a pharmacy residency?
Most residencies accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) require that you submit all your application materials through the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service (PhORCAS) system. This limits your letters of recommendation to 3 references, who are required to use the standard PhORCAS form.
How do you write a letter of recommendation for a residency?
Provide your CV and/or letter of intent. You want your letters of recommendation to be personal. The writers are vouching for your credibility and deservedness for a residency spot, so you want them to be able to point to specific examples that highlight your qualities.
