Portfolio & Letters of Recommendation

Employment Portfolio:  

Requesting a Letter of Recommendation:
During the course of this class we are building our portfolio's to prepare for the future.  An important component to a good portfolio is a "Letter of Recommendation" (or several of them, if possible).  The big question is, "How do I ask for a letter of recommendation?"

• First of all, make your request early:  Give the letter writer two weeks if possible.  The more time the writer has to think about your background and review the information you give him/her, the better job they will do in writing your.
• Assemble the necessary materials:  Include a brag sheet or at least a list of your accomplishments and activities, the abilities or qualities you would like them to focus on, who the letter should be addressed to [if applicable], and a SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) if the letter is to be mailed back to you.
• Choose good references:  You want to choose someone that has a good reputation, who writes well, who speaks highly of you, and who knows you fairly well.  Think before you ask -- don't ask a teacher for a letter of recommendation if you have a 'D' or 'F' in their class or if they have had to send you to the office for being disruptive.  Think of someone you have impressed or really "been there" for.

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PORTFOLIO CHECK:  When I do a portfolio check I will be looking for format, organization, and a variety of documents.  These are the sorts of documents I will be looking for when I do portfolio checks:

Format:

• Nice / Professional Looking Binder
• Sheet Protectors for Important Documents (Section One)

Section One (Your Portfolio):

• Résumé 
• List of References
• Letter(s) of Recommendation
• Awards or Certificates [Optional]
• Transcripts [Optional]

Section Two (Interview / Application Prep):

• Brag Sheet
• Cover Letter: Ad Response
• Cover Letter: Referral
• Cover Letter: Cold Contact
• Follow-Up Letter (To Job Application)
• Thank You Letter (For Interview)
• Sample Job Application (Completed As Reference)
• Handshake Etiquette Handout
• 25 Most Common Interview Mistakes
• 25 Most Common Interview Questions
• Questions to Ask During an Interview
• Extra's (i.e. Notepad, Pen, Breath Mints, Deodorant, etc.)