Recommendations and References
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are written evaluations of your work performance and work habits. Your present or previous supervisor, manager or team member usually writes them at your request.
They're used to recommend you to another employer. Employers aren't obligated to write these letters and may not write them due to liability issues and company policy. If you've been a good employee, many will do so to help you obtain a new position.
If you're a student who just completed training and have little or no work experience, you can ask your instructor, internship supervisor, advisor, mentor or volunteer coordinator to write a letter of recommendation.
If you're a person new to the labor market, with no paid-work experience, it's acceptable for you to ask your landlord, neighbor, volunteer coordinator, community leader, etc., to write a letter of recommendation.
It should be someone you've completed a task or project with or someone who knows you well. They need to address how long they've known you, the quality of your work or participation, dedication, skills and work habits.