Asking for a letter of reference is tricky business. You never see the letter itself, but it can make or break your CaRMS application. Here are some tips on how to ask for one, and how to make the process easy for preceptors (they will thank you for that!).
At the end of your electives, ask if your preceptor is willing to write you a GOOD letter. It’s even better if they bring it up. If you have to ask, you need to give them a way out in case they do not feel comfortable writing you one. Try something like, “do you feel you know me well enough to write a good reference letter, or would you prefer I ask another preceptor?”
Once you have referees, confirm closer to the CaRMS application that they are still willing to write the letter. Send them a package, including the following:
1. Instructions on how to send the reference letter (online vs paper) & if they choose paper, send a pre-addressed envelope with postage attached for them
2. Relevant deadlines – ie the CaRMS submission deadline, and your own personal one (usually a week before)
3. CV/clinical resume/photo
4. Summary of comments/feedback you received from others as well as their own (copy of evaluation forms etc.)
5. Guidelines to writing reference letters
6. SUBMISSION DEADLINE (again – super important!)
A week before your own personal deadline, send them a friendly reminder asking about any questions they might have for you, or any problems they are having with submitting the letter. Once the letter has been received by CaRMS, send them a thank-you note!
**you NEVER see your reference letters. This is against CaRMS policy**
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