Writing letters of recommendation: Where should you start?

As a pharmacist, you may have the opportunity to serve as a preceptor, mentor, or teacher to pharmacy learners, including pharmacy students and residents, in a variety of settings. In 2011, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education reported that 125 colleges or schools of pharmacy had accreditation status.1 According to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, there is at least 1 pharmacy school in every state except Alaska and Delaware.2 It is estimated that there are almost 57,000 professional degree pharmacy students.2 Further, in 2011, more than 2,300 applicants were matched to pharmacy residency programs nationwide.3 Given the large numbers of both students and residents, over 200,000 practicing pharmacists have the opportunity to interact with these pharmacy learners in introductory pharmacy practice experiences, advanced pharmacy practice experiences, or pharmacy residency programs.2 Because of the direct interaction we have with these pharmacy learners, we are in a position to provide valuable insight to potential employers and residency directors who request recommendations. However, when preparing to provide a recommendation, whether it is a formal letter or standard recommendation form, it is helpful to think about the following before composing the recommendation.