A Guide to Recommendation Letters

Asking for letters of recommendation

1. Ask

Start like this:

If you are not 100% confident that the reference will write an entirely positive letter, you might ask:

End with thanks, but don't make any assumptions:

Then add a few details:

Dear Professor X:

I was enrolled in your Basketweaving class this fall. I am now applying for a position at the Acme Basketweaving Company OR to Acme Univesity for a master's degree in basketweaving. Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me?

Do you feel that you know my abilities well enough to write a positive letter?

The letter is due a month from today on February 1
OR
I just learned about this opening, and Acme needs a letter of recommendation as quickly as possible. It may be faxed or emailed.

Please let me know if you would be willing to write a letter on my behalf.

Best regards,
Stu Dent

The Details

When the person agrees to write the letter, respond by email with the pertinent details. Include the job description, the address and person whom the letter should be addressed, and the deadline.

If the reference is on paper, include a pre-addressed, stamped envelope.

Toot your own horn.

Professors teach hundreds of students and often forget your specific story. In your email, bring up the positive things you hope to highlight:

The job description specifically mentions skills in underwater basketweaving; this is a good fit for me because I received an A in your class that covered this OR I specialized in underwater techniques at my previous job at Apex Basketweaving.

Jog our memories with specifics:

I took Intro to Basketweaving from you in 2008, earning an A, and Advanced Basketweaving later that year, in which I created a brand new type of basket. Additionally, I wrote a paper on underwater weaving techniques, which you encouraged me to submit for publication OR While employed at Apex Weaving from 1992-1997, I received the Outstanding Employee of the Year Award five times.

Most professors write so many letters that it is very useful when students jog our memories. The best thing about this? A lot of it will go directly into that letter:

Stud Dent took my Advanced Basketweaving class in 2008, creating an entirely new style of basketweaving and earning the top grade in the class. Stu's skills in basketweaving would be a great fit for your basketweaving position, especially if you are looking for someone with social media basektweaving skills.