To begin the process, you must first choose who will write the letter, and then ask their wiliness to write a letter of recommendation for you. Once you have identified who is willing, you should give the person writing the letter guidance for the format. Below is a sample outline of what to ask for.

1.) To begin, have the person start with where they know you from, and what the relationship was (your HOD, professor, etc). If the person is or was a HOD or professor, have them indicate your academic performance, your behavior and attitude, and any significant projects or presentations done during the period.

2.) Secondly, have them dive into a detailed evaluation of you as an student. Specifically, have them outline your performance, and if possible, any assignments and noteworthy accomplishments. Have them highlight you strengths, and possibly shortcomings in the college. Why shortcomings, this makes the evaluation honest… And, everyone has flaws; therefore these are items that you can state you are focused on working on. Remember, a common interview question is to state 3 of your best attributes, and yes, 3 of your weakness. (for more on interviewing, visit our interview tips).

3.) Have them state your attributes - were you responsible, motivated, etc? Lastly, have the individual state if they would recommend you for a position - bottom line, if given the opportunity, would they hire you if they were in the shoes of the hiring manager.