Introduce yourself to your teachers and professors at the beginning of the semester and maintain a professional relationship with them throughout the class. Maintain a positive attitude in the workplace and get to know your employer. Demonstrate your interest in their course or job and communicate with them about your career goals and interests.
Work hard. It is important to show your teachers, professors and employers your work ethic and determination so that they can be a witness to those qualities in your recommendation letter. Ask for extra projects at work and try to earn an A in the courses of those professors you are interested in asking for a recommendation letter.
Choose carefully. Most colleges and graduate schools require three letters of recommendation. Choose three people that know you well, have a positive impression of you and can attest to your professional and academic success.
Maintain a professional attitude when asking for a recommendation letter. Ask three months in advance of when you wish to receive the letter in order to account for your professor, teacher or employer's busy schedule. Write a letter or communicate with them in person about your interest in having them write you a letter.
Present your teacher, professor or employer with a specific outline including why you are interested in the college you are applying, what you plan to do after college and how the degree you are applying to earn will help you achieve your career goals. Let them know that they can use your ideas in the recommendation letter, but should also feel free to incorporate their own opinions.