regarding reco letters

[ferns]

Would reco letters have good weightage if taken from
-HOD of dept when i was a student, however is currently left and working elsewhere..
-Principal(if they know the student well)
-From People who work in organizations where the student had volunteered as extra curicular activity.
-People from Work places...

And do these reco letters have to be necessary on letter heads?
Please share some information on good reco letters..

[Amy]

Hi ferns,

You absolutely need your immediate supervisor unless you are applying directly out of school.

I would avoid academic reccommendations if at all possible, the best reccomender is someone who knows you well and has seen you in a team, leadership or management context.

Good luck!

Amy