<p>I think you don’t understand what’s going on here. </p>
<p>(1) He’s basically giving you an assignment to rate your own work and performance, and (2) He’s giving you a chance to put in the things that you think will be most helpful in your next career position.</p>
<p>So, if you can’t write this on your own–then maybe the letter will reflect this fact.</p>
<p>But not to be too cruel, let me help a bit.</p>
<p>Let’s start with the basics:
Your name, company worked for, periods of employment, job title (probably financial intern or something similar), who you worked for and in what department </p>
<p>Next–accomplishments (this is the most important section, since you really want to describe something you did that provided a result to the company–and not just describe duties/responsibilities), also if possible–learning areas (for example, did you rotate among various areas)</p>
<p>Middle–a statement that you performed well, spectacularly,–whatever–but make it the most lavish praise you think your boss will agree to and sign on for.</p>
<p>Lastly–a comment from your boss that “If more information on the individual is needed, feel free to contact me (him) to answer specific questions”. And you only want this in the letter if he will back up the praise in the middle section–otherwise it will take away from this area.</p>
<p>That’s it for the letter. Now let me make a comment–much more important than a reference letter is a question to your boss as to whether he would be willing to be a reference for your future job hunt in a year or so from now (or whenever you graduate). If the answer is yes, get his contact info (including a home phone or cell phone number in case he changes companies) and assure him that he will only be contacted after you have gone through an interview with a company–and his info will not be sent out on an application letter–or included in every single application form you fill out.</p>
<p>In the end, having someone as a job reference is FAR, FAR, FAR MORE IMPORTANT than any reference letter you carry around and show to people.</p>
<p>Lots of people are willing to sign a letter, but very few are willing to give references and vouch for your work. If he will do that–especially in a year or two–then you have something extremely valuable.
(Not to say you shouldn’t get a letter also, but of the two, the reference carries far more weight with potential employers).</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>