The references you choose and the letters of recommendation they write on your behalf could be the deciding factor in landing a new job.

Here are 5 ways to get a good letter of recommendation:

Choose someone who knows you well and thinks highly of you. Choose someone who cares about you and your success and will speak glowingly of all your attributes.

Tailor the letter to the job. Even if you’re not writing the letter, it’s okay to provide a handy tip sheet to the person who is. If the job calls for a candidate who shows initiative, then mention that to your reference.

Choose someone who can write well. You don’t want your reference’s bad grammar or poor writing skills to make you look bad. On the other hand, it’s certainly okay to fix up their copy, as long as they agree with what’s written and sign the final version.

Ask a recent boss. Your most recent employer can offer excellent insight into the sort of future employee you’ll make. They’ve seen you in action and know your qualifications.

Find a connection to the profession. If you’re looking for a job as a practical nurse, then find a reference who happens to also be a nurse or work in the healthcare field. If you are planning on becoming an electrician, then choose an electrician you already know who could explain how your natural strengths and abilities would be a good fit to the profession.

At Porter and Chester Institute, we not only prepare our students with the technical skills they’ll need to become effective employees; we teach them a whole lot about landing that first job. If you’d like to learn more about career training programs in your area or how our Career Service Advisors work with Porter and Chester Institute graduates to help them with their  job search, contact us at 800-870-6789 or fill out this form now.