Letters of Recommendation Suggestions

Letters of Recommendation often play an important role in obtaining a job or admission to graduate school.  You should consider carefully who to ask to write such letters.  Not everyone you ask may agree to write a letter, especially if they do not know you well or you are asking at the last minute.  Anyone who agrees to write on your behalf should be provided with all the information and materials that they will need in a timely and organized fashion.

1.  Who should I ask?   If you are asked for the recommendation of a professor, you should select someone from whom you have had at least two classes--if at all possible.   Someone who has taught you more than once and has been able to observe your growth will be able to comment in greater depth.  They will be taken more seriously by a graduate admissions committee, a scholarship committee, etc.  In instructions from graduate schools or employers, often the first instruction is to explain how long the recommender has known the applicant and in what circumstances.  Obviously, you should choose professors who know you well and are likely to give you a good recommendation.

2.  When should I ask?   How much lead time is required?  Give anyone you ask plenty of time to complete the letter(s) before any deadlines.  With busy professors at least a month is wise, especially at the end of a semester.

3. What information will recommenders want from me?

   a.  Any forms they must fill out including forms with waivers and any special instructions. For graduate schools there is usually a form for you to sign choosing to waive or not to waive your right to read the letter.  Unless you have had to ask someone who is not likely to give you a good recommendation, it is probably wise to waive your right.  That way an admissions committee will trust the letter more as being a frank and honest appraisal.  Some schools require the use of a special envelope or require the recommender to sign across the flap of their own envelope.  Some prefer to have the recommender send the letter directly.  Some ask you to collect all the letters with signatures across a sealed envelope flap.  Some require the submission of letters online. You should make sure that your recommender understands any specific requirements.

   b.  A copy of your Curriculum Vita/Resume. 

   c.  A copy of your personal essay if are required to submit one to the grad school or employer.

   d.  Copies of several papers or essays you have written for their class.  This allows them to refresh their memories and make specific comments about your analytic and writing abilities and your originality.  Both employers and grad schools often ask about critical thinking, originality, and writing abilities.

   e.  Some folks will ask you to provide other information.  This might include such things as  your view of the greatest strength and the greatest weakness  you have in relation to the proposed job or grad school or your three main goals in applying.  This is more likely if you have not provided them with a personal essay.

    f.  A description of the jobs or graduate programs that you are asking them to write a recommendation for.  This will help them to tailor the letter.

    g.  A List of Addresses (or URL's for online submissions) and Due Dates.  This will help to ensure your letters go to the right places by the required due dates.