Requesting a letter of recommendation in the right way is important as it increases your chances of receiving an enthusiastic reference. Here are eight steps you can follow when requesting a letter of recommendation:. Your professor can only include information about you they actually know. So, choosing a professor who knows you well is important.
Think about professors you have worked closely with or ones who have given you good grades. Professors can have hundreds of students each year, so pick one who you think remembers your positive attributes. It is most beneficial when your letter of recommendation is as specific as possible, so choose your professor wisely. Once you pick a professor, email them to arrange a meeting on campus or online.
Mention why you need the meeting so your professor can prepare for it. In the meeting, discuss why you need a letter of recommendation and ask your professor if they'd be willing to write one. Try to schedule this meeting as soon as possible so your professor has enough time to consider your request and write a letter if they agree. It's best to work around your professor's schedule when setting a deadline.
They are usually busy with teaching, preparing lessons, and potentially writing other letters of recommendation. If you give them enough time to write your letter, it is more likely they can help you.
Aim to start this process at least three weeks before you need to submit your application. After talking to your professor, submit a formal, written request by email or in person. This allows your professor to see and refer to the details of your request in their spare time.
Refer to this list to ensure you include the most important information in your request:. In your request, you should also include relevant information about yourself and your goals. Your professor may already know about these details, but reminding them of the attributes and skills you want to highlight ensures they tailor your letter of recommendation to you. You can mention specific skills or goals, or include a copy of your resume with your formal request.
You may also include copies of previous essays or projects the professor gave you a good grade on, just to remind them of your work. To further help your professor create a tailored letter of recommendation, give them details about the position you're applying to. You can describe the job description and even send a link to the organization's website.
Explaining the program or position you're applying to can help your professor highlight why they think you're a good fit for it in their letter. Related: How to End a Letter. After submitting your request, follow up consistently with your professor.
Email or meet with them at appropriate intervals, such as once a week, to remind them of your request. Professors are extremely busy, so they may forget until you gently remind them.
In case they're unsure about what to write, be sure to ask if they need any additional information for the letter. Once your professor completes the letter of recommendation, thank them. Write a thank-you note that details your gratitude for their support. You can also update them if you reach the interview process or accept a position. Yes, professors are considered professional references!
The key is choosing professors who have watched you act in a productive capacity where you proved your skills and qualifications for employment. Besides professors, recent college graduates might also tap coaches, mentors, or advisers from their activities as a reference if they have limited job experience.
It is important to note that while human resources staff understand your limited experience, they won't excuse you from the requirement of having great references.
Here's how to set the right conditions to make sure potential employers get high quality feedback from your professors. Pick the right professor s - Hopefully, you have built a rapport with at least a few of your professors. Have you had one-on-one discussions with any of them? Which of them could vouch for your character, abilities and potential?
Sophia L. Marshall, Cross-Cultural Career Coach and Speaker, suggests selecting two: one who taught a general course and one who taught a specialty course because they can both speak to different things for the job you are applying for.
Ask permission - This serves several purposes. First, he or she won't be caught off guard when the employer calls. Sewell Development Corp. CEO Preston Wiley says his company hires a lot of part-time college students.
If you've fumbled in your job search, know that you're not alone. There are plenty of booby traps spread throughout the process, and falling victim to one doesn't mean you blew your chances at the job. To avoid the pitfalls, start with a strong resume that shows you off in the most flattering light possible.
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