The finest letters contain a personal touch that reflects your belief that the social worker is the ideal candidate for the position or program. Include any information concerning your relationship with the social worker, such as if you were her mentor, field supervisor, or clinical director. Also include details about the job seeker's work experience, skills, abilities, and qualifications. Finally, be sure to provide contact information for two references. To create a strong letter, it is important to select individuals who have knowledge of the applicant's ability to perform the duties of the position. They should be willing to share their opinions of the applicant by writing a reference. It is also helpful if they are from outside the organization so they can give a perspective on how the applicant fits into the team environment. References should be selected carefully because they can have a huge impact on the success of the applicant. Make sure you choose individuals who know the applicant well and are able to provide information about her/his strengths and weaknesses. If possible, try to find colleagues or supervisors from the applicant's previous jobs to write references. These individuals will be able to comment on her/his work performance directly related to the job in question. In addition to references, letters of recommendation can make or break an applicant's opportunity for employment. Therefore, it is important to select individuals who have had direct contact with the applicant and are willing to write about her/his strengths and weaknesses.