Asking for a reference letter

I get a lot of requests for reference letters. One thing to keep in mind is that reference letters from professors are best when they can cite specific reasons why a given person is good for the job. It’s generally a pleasure to help you out and it’s part of my job, but there are several things to consider, listed here.

Am I the right person to ask?

Honestly, if you are a student in a large class, it’s unlikely I know you well enough to say much useful in a letter. Mostly all I’ll be able to do is to confirm that you were in the class and give a rough idea of how well you did. That fills in a checkmark but unfortunately is one of the weaker letters you can get.

If I respond saying that you might want to find someone else, this is the reason.

Give me time

I’m asked to do a lot of things and am often heavily scheduled for weeks in advance. If you spring a request on me at the last minute I might not be able to do it, or it might be perfunctory.

Things you can provide that are helpful

Make it easy for me to write you a good letter. I work with many students every year and I remember a lot of them fondly. However, I might not be immediately able to recall specifics. I also will not know what specifics will be relevant to the job/opportunity that you are applying for unless you tell me.

• What you are applying for.
• When it will be due and how to submit the application.
• Specific instances/achievements that you would like me to highlight. I probably remember if you remind me but keep in mind that I might not remember without your help.

This is not the time to be demure!