GATHERING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS Aside from resumes and cover letters, which are discussed in Chapter 4, you should have another digital or paper folder with the following documents: letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, references and work samples. We explore each of those subjects in the following section. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION These are written recommendations of you as a prospective employee, based on your work performance and work habits. Your present or previous supervisor, manager or a fellow team member are usually the best sources from whom to request a letter of recommendation. Employers have no obligation to write recommendations and may not because of liability issues or company policy. If you are a student and have little or no work experience, you can ask one of your instructors, internship supervisor, adviser, mentor or coach to write a letter of recommendation. If you are new to the labor market with no paid work experience, you can ask neighbors, volunteer coordinators, community leaders, congregation members or anyone else who knows you and your work ethic to write a letter of recommendation. The employer will wish to know how long the person has known you, the quality of your work or participation, dedication, skills and work habits. Don’t be surprised if a busy reference asks you to write the first draft of the letter before it is edited and signed, this is a common practice. Remember when drafting a letter of recommendation for someone else
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