When applying for a job or to graduate school, strong references and letters of recommendation are important tools that can help set you apart from other candidates. Keep these points in mind when asking for a reference or letter.
References
Choose the Right Reference
A good reference: A professor in whose class you earned a good grade or an employer who has commented positively about your work.
A great reference: In addition to the above, they can comment on your personality and passions.
Academic Reference
Consider any Professor:
- who has seen your best academic work
- with whom you've participated in a research project (i.e. laboratory work)
- that you engaged with in a quarter-long special topics project
- who you visited during their office hours
- with whom you still communicate
Work Reference
Consider any Employer:
- where you received promotions
- where you completed any special projects
- where you can qualify or quantify your contribution to the organization
- that you left the organization on good terms
- with whom you still communicate
Letters of Recommendation
Provide Materials for your Reference
Just asking your reference to write you a letter of recommendation is not enough, and your letter-and consequently your chances of getting the job or grad school you want-will suffer if you do not follow through. You need to give your recommender all the tools he or she needs to write an effective, compelling, and close letter.
Consider giving your recommender these items:
- A description of the position/graduate program for which you are applying
- A "cheat sheet" of information about yourself, your goals in applying for this program/position, and any information that will remind your reference of your performance (i.e. your title and grade of your term paper, or the extra project you did after hours at work)
- Copy of your application and/or essay you wrote describing why you want the position/ particularly like this graduate program
- Specific date you wish to have the letter completed and a date you will inquire about the status
- Any forms or specific instructions or questions requested by the position for the letter of reference
- Copy of your transcript
- Copy of your resume
- Stamped addressed envelope (without your return address with room for the recommender to put his/her return address) for submission
Some of these items can also be provided electronically rather than on paper; it's best to ask what your recommender prefers.
Timing
Good letters can take time to write, revise, and polish. Give your recommender:
- 4 weeks MINIMUM to write a letter
- 1-2 weeks MINIMUM for subsequent letters
- Indicate that you will need multiple letters
Leave Yourself Options
Make sure you ask in a way that asks for a strong and positive letter and gives the person you are asking an easy way to say no. Giving an out will save them from having to force through a letter they aren't excited about, and saves you from receiving a mediocre recommendation letter. It also preserves unhurt feelings on both sides.
Start Asking NOW!
Ask for a letter of recommendation as soon as you feel that you have rapport with a recommender, even if you do not need one at that moment. A fresher letter is a better letter, and you will have it in hand when you do need it.
Give Thanks
Send a sincere thank you note; remember that your recommender took time from their busy life to do you a big favor.
Also, let your reference know when you hear about your application, whether or not you got the position or entry into the program. This will let the recommender feel like they are participating in your future, and will help her/him gauge future letters for you and other students.