Recently, I have received several requests from students to write recommendation letters and/or serve as a reference for them. I am always happy to help out and I take writing a recommendation letter seriously. I get asked to write recommendation letters for graduate school, undergraduate research and student leader positions on campus. Students also ask me to serve as a reference in their job search. I spend a lot of time on it and I write letters specific to each student. In order to make the process as easy as possible for your professor, advisor, or supervisor consider these suggestions on how to ask someone for a recommendation letter or to serve as a reference.
- Build a relationship with the person (advisor, professor, boss) and make sure you are making a positive impression. Talk with the person about your career, academic and personal goals so she can address those in her letter.
- Always ask the person first! I don’t enjoy being caught off guard by receiving a phone call or an email from someone asking me to fill out a reference form on someone that did not confirm with me first. Asking first allows the person to let you know if she really doesn't have time right then to commit to writing the letter or talking with a potential new boss. This is to your benefit because you want your references to be able to take the time to provide a positive and well-informed recommendation for you.
- Provide your reference with appropriate information to help her write the letter. Always provide a copy of your resume and a description of the job, position, organization or graduate program. If you haven’t had a conversation with your reference about your goals, make sure you explain why you are interested in this particular experience. Explain to your reference any experiences from your past that connect to the current position you are applying for. Send her links to the website for more information and provide a mailing address and/or stamped envelope if appropriate.
- Keep your reference updated on the process and the outcome. Always send a note to thank her for her time and support. See more about thank you notes here.
At some point in time, every college student is going to need a reference or recommendation letter for something. Make sure you are getting involved on campus and taking advantage of networking and developing relationships with faculty, advisors and administrators on campus.
