Letters of recommendation and/or reference letters are very important. When you apply for a job, college, scholarship, or a special program, you are often asked to provide a letter of recommendation or reference letter. These letters will increase your chance of success in obtaining your goals.

When you do well in a class, club, organization or job, you should ask your supervisor to write a letter of recommendation for you. Your relative would not be an acceptable choice to write a letter of reference. It is important to make an effort to find a few adults who can guide you in your areas of interest. Remember that you will need to ask many of the people who supervise you now to write future of letters of reference. They will not forget your behavior, and will be honest. When you are choosing a person to write a reference letter, you want to keep certain things in mind:

Does this person think you are?

• Dependable
• Punctual (You show up on time.)
• Honest
• Cooperative
• Someone with a positive attitude
• Someone who shows initiative (You are always working.)

There are important things to do when you ask a person to write a letter of recommendation or reference letter for you:

• Decide when you need to receive the letter. (Due date)
• Make your request at least two calendar weeks before you need it.
• Ask the person to give the letter to you by your due date.
• Make your request in a formal letter.
• Be courteous.
• Give the person a copy of your Resume and a print out of the Sample Letter of Recommendation.
• Give the person either a self-addressed, stamped envelope, or make an appointment to get the letter.