Write Your Letter

Of Recommendation

​

REFLECT AND DREAM

Introduction

In this lesson, you will analyze the talents and strengths you possess and consider how best to share them with potential employers. You will write your own letter of recommendation, emphasizing what makes you a great candidate for them to hire. This activity will help you promote yourself, so that when opportunities arise, you will have already thought about your skill set and can easily communicate it to others.

WHAT STRENGTHS DO YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH OTHERS?

​

REFLECT AND DREAM

As you get older, you’ll likely want to join different organizations, such as companies or clubs. Often, to become part of these groups, you’ll need to explain to those already in the organization why you would be a good addition to their team. People typically do this through interviews, resumes, or letters of recommendation.

“A letter of recommendation describes a person's qualifications and skills as they relate to employment or education. These letters typically come from previous employers, teachers, or friends. They discuss the qualities and capabilities that make the candidate a good fit for a given position, college, or graduate school program.”

- The Balance Careers

​

Today, however, you are going to write a letter of recommendation to yourself.

The first step in writing a letter of recommendation is to really think about the person you are recommending—in this case, YOU!

​

Use the graphic organizer on the next slide to answer the following questions. This will help you generate ideas for your letter. It’s important to be honest, clear, and kind to yourself. Highlighting what you like best about yourself is key in this type of letter.

​

What strengths would you tell a potential employer about in the following areas?

WHAT QUALITIES DO OTHERS NOTICE ABOUT YOU?

REFLECT AND DREAM

Show your graphic organizer to some of your friends and family.

​

• Ask them if there is anything they would add to your list.
• Ask them to explain why they think the way they do.
• Add their answers to your graphic organizer.

​

For example, Julio’s mother says, “I would add that you look out for others. You do such a good job of taking care of your brothers and sisters when I have work to do.”

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO DESCRIBE ABOUT YOURSELF?

​

REFLECT AND DREAM

Letter of Recommendation Criteria:

• Today’s date
• Since this is not being addressed to anyone specific, use “To Whom It May Concern,” as your header.
• It should be at least two paragraphs long.
• It should include talking points from all four sections of your graphic organizer.
• Your technical skills
• Your collaboration skills
• Your work/project experience
• How you are responsible
• A closing and signature

Editing Your Letter of Recommendation

• Trade letters with another student.
• Check to make sure their formatting is correct.
• Check to see that they have points from all four sections of the graphic organizer.
• Correct any grammar or spelling errors you find.
• Return the letters to their owner.
• Correct any errors or make any adjustments to your paper based on your editor’s suggestions.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM WRITING YOUR LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION?

​

REFLECT AND DREAM