Letter of Recommendation

What is a Letter of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is a letter that someone (like a teacher, coach, or boss) writes to say good things about you. It’s someone saying, “I know this person, they’re great, and here’s why you should pick them.” It usually talks about:

• What you’re good at

• How you work

• Why you’d be a great fit for a school, job, or program

Who can write me a letter of recommendation?

Anyone (except family) who sees the potential in you and your skills. Ideally someone who you have a strong connection with. These individuals are usually the best to ask for a letter of recommendation from:

• Teachers

• Counselors

• Mentors

• Coaches

• Your manager/boss from a previous job

• Someone who supervised you during a volunteer event

How long should a letter of recommendation be?

A strong letter of recommendation is usually about one-page long including 3-5 paragraphs or 300-500 words.

What should a letter of recommendation consist of?

Letters of recommendation will usually consist of:

• Introducing how the writer knows you

• Highlighting your previous experiences and how that correlates with what you are applying to

• Describing your strengths and examples

• Explaining why you're a good fit for the opportunity

• Concluding with a way the reader(s) can reach the recommender if they have questions regarding the letter

other important advice on letters of recommendations

• Letters of recommendation can help you with the following:

  • • Receive admission into colleges

    • Be awarded scholarships

    • Get you a job or internship

    • and so much more!

• Providing your recommenders with your resume could be extremely beneficial in helping them write the best letter of recommendation for you!

• Reuse letters of recommendation for multiple opportunities! If you are able to, ask your recommenders to save their letter somewhere safe so you can reuse that same letter for another opportunity that could be asking for the same inquiries. Of course, make sure to update the wording and make sure everything is accurate to that opportunity that you are applying to.

  • • You should never be updating the letter of recommendation yourself!!! Make sure to ask the recommender to make the changes for you, otherwise the letter is no longer authentic.

Mr. billy, can you write a letter of recommendation for me?

I will absolutely write a letter of recommendation for you, however, make sure you also ask others who know you best! Come chat with me in the CCRC and bring your resume if you have one!