You’re ready for the job market, transfer to a four-year college, or graduate school, and you need letters of recommendation.

As your instructor directs,

a. Assume you’ve orally asked an instructor for a recommendation, and he or she has agreed to write one, but asks, “Why don’t you write up something to remind me of what you’ve done in the class? Tell me what else you’ve done, too. And tell me what they’re looking for. Be sure to tell me when the letter needs to be in and to whom it goes.” Write the e-mail.

b. Assume you’ve been unable to talk with the instructor whose recommendation you want. When you call, no one answers the phone; you stopped by once and no one was in. Write asking for a letter of recommendation.

c. Assume the instructor is no longer on campus.

Write him or her asking for a recommendation.

Hints:

■ Be detailed about what the organization is seeking and the points you’d like the instructor to mention.

■ How well will this instructor remember you? How much detail about your performance in his or her class do you need to provide?

■ Specify the name and address of the person to whom the letter should be written; specify when the letter is due.