Whom to Request a Reference From
University professors, especially those who have taught you in multiple courses, are a strong source for recommendations in the job market and for graduate studies. After all, they have observed your analysis, writing, ability to express your opinions, and present them to groups.
Note: Professors can testify to the quality and level of your work in general. They often have a large number of connections in the professional world, including former students and consulting clients, and they usually enjoy a high level of credibility with these individuals.
How to Request an Academic Recommendation
Even if you already have a positive relationship with your professor, it’s important to be tactful when asking for a recommendation. Keep in mind that professors are teaching a large number of students.
While they may have a very positive general impression of you, compelling recommendations will require them to provide enough details to support their positive statements. You can help them by providing some of these details when making your request.
Preparing a Summary Document
Prepare a summary document that lists every course you’ve taken with the professor and notes any papers or projects you’ve successfully completed. Include the grade for each individual project as well as the overall grade for the course.
Note: If you have saved any papers that received positive feedback, you may share copies of those documents with the professor.
Providing Your Resume
Share your resume with the professor to give them a summary of your extracurricular achievements and work experience. Clearly indicate the types of jobs you are seeking and the qualifications you are emphasizing. Including a copy of the job advertisement will help the professor tailor their recommendation to the specific position.
Including a Cover Letter
A cover letter can assist in this process. If possible, point out specific classes or projects in which you may have demonstrated key skills you would like the recommendation to confirm.
Request a Meeting If Possible
If you are still in school or live near campus, try to arrange a face-to-face meeting with the professor. Ask if the faculty member would be comfortable endorsing you as a candidate for the types of jobs you are applying for, and then ask if you could drop by during office hours or chat over coffee to discuss the matter in more detail. Then, follow up with an email or message to the potential academic reference with the documents attached.
If that is not possible, a video chat or phone call or exchanging emails works well too.
Be Clear About What You Want
Make sure to clearly specify what you are asking them to do, such as writing a general recommendation letter for your credentials, providing a recommendation for a specific job, or granting permission to list them as a reference.
Provide Notice as Early as Possible
Give faculty members as much notice as possible. At the end of the semester, they may be busy grading papers and exams and writing recommendations for many other students.
What to Include in Your Email Request
When sending your email, include your name in the subject line. (For example: “Joe Smith – Request for Recommendation”).
Note: If you do not know the professor or advisor well, make your connection clear in the email.
For example, you can say: “I enjoyed taking your XYZ course that I attended in Fall 2021.” It may also be helpful to include a summary of related courses and school activities, along with your resume and cover letter.
The more detailed information you provide, the easier it will be for the recommender to support you.
Example of a Recommendation Request
Below is an example of a letter requesting a professor to provide a recommendation for employment. You can download a recommendation letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
Example
Email Message Requesting a Recommendation
Subject: Recommendation Request for Jessica Angel
Dear Ms. Jones,
I am writing to request a reference from you as I begin my job search. As you know, I will be completing my graduate studies next spring, and I have found several exciting opportunities that I am exploring.
As my undergraduate thesis supervisor and mentor, I believe that a recommendation from you would provide a potential employer with insight into my qualifications as a school counselor.
If you need any additional information, please feel free to reach me via email or phone.
Thank you very much for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Jessica Angel
555-123-4567
jessicaa@aaa.com
Remember to Say Thank You
Once the professor has written the recommendation, be sure to send a thank-you note to the recommender, acknowledging their gesture. You can either send a handwritten note or an email.
Providing Updates on Job Search Progress
Keep faculty members informed about your job search progress. Be sure to let them know if an employer is willing to conduct a reference check. You should also provide the professor with a job description and a copy of your cover letter so they are prepared in case they receive a call.
When you secure a job, update the recommender again. They will be pleased to hear the news, and they will be more likely to provide a recommendation again in the future if they know that their recommendation contributed to a positive outcome.
The Key Takeaway
University professors can provide strong recommendations for employment and graduate studies. Give faculty members as much notice as possible when requesting a recommendation. Be sure to send a thank-you note and updates to the recommender.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-ask-a-professor-for-a-recommendation-2060798
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