A letter of recommendation is a document that displays a person's personality and work ethic in order to help them with their application process. It may be used by the student to help them enter an academic program or a job. The letter is frequently written by someone who has spent time with them in an academic or professional context. This could be a professor, supervisor, coach, mentor, colleague, or another trusted individual. These letters are especially useful if the applicant did not study or work with the writer of the letter. The recommender should have knowledge of the applicant's abilities and interests before they write the letter. They should also write on a topic that is relevant to the application process. Students should look for letters from people who can provide specific examples of their skills and qualities. These might include teachers who can comment on their teamwork ability, colleagues who can talk about their initiative, and parents who can point out their enthusiasm for learning new things. It is important for students to receive letters from multiple sources. Each letter writer should know the applicant well enough to give an accurate account of their traits. These men and women can then provide insight into how the applicant interacts with others, which helps professors make decisions regarding placement within a class or program. Students should ask to see the letter writer's email address or contact information before they will agree to write a letter.