Letters of Recommendation or References

Like many professors, students often ask me to write letters of recommendation or provide references. Many students are new to this practice and don’t know where to start or what to ask. On this page, I provide advice for students who are navigating this process.

What is the difference?

  • Letters of recommendation are required for most graduate school applications (both Masters and PhDs). They are also required for other opportunities like awards, grants, fellowships, or other special programs. A letter of recommendation is typically 1-2 pages long, but can be longer, and contain examples and reflections of a students’ history or accomplishments based on the letter writer’s experience with that person.  A professor might talk about a students’ performance in a class, work on a research project, or their leadership on campus. A letter of recommendation may also speculate on a students’ future prospects in graduate studies or beyond.
  • References are less formal and are typically for applicants interviewing for a job. A reference can be a phone call, an email, or a letter. The person giving the reference can address the background of the candidate and how suitable they are for a specific position. A request for a reference is typically triggered by an employer during the interview process.

General advice for all students

  • Creating a connection with professors can be helpful when it comes time to ask for a letter/reference. But, that connection needs to start while you are enrolled in their classes.
  • Identify several professors in whose classes you have performed well, and with whom you have made a connection. Reach out and ask one of those professors if they are willing to write a letter or provide a reference for you. If they are not able to, ask another on your list.
  • Request a letter of recommendation or reference well in advance: Professors are busy and may receive multiple requests for letters at the same time. For recommendation letters for graduate school, ask at least 2-3 months in advance and for references, ask at least 1-2 weeks in advance.

Additional advice for students taking remote classes

If you are enrolled in a remote/distance learning class, it might feel more challenging to create a connection with a professor. Consider these tips.

  • In remote synchronous settings, turn on your camera and audio (if possible) and keep “chat” focused on course materials and discussions.
  • Actively participate in discussion boards and complete your assignments in a way that demonstrates your commitment and focus on the class.
  • Communicate with your instructor outside of class: for example, visit your professor during their office hours or request a time to meet them.
  • Engage in extracurricular time with your professors: attend a remote event they recommended or are presenting at, or join a club they sponsor.

Making these connections not only helps faculty provide stronger letters and references but also contributes to your academic success.

Advice for asking for a letter of recommendation

  • When asking for a letter, interact with your professor in a way that showcases your work ethic and goals.
  • When requesting a letter, write a professional email to the professor asking if they would be willing to write you a strong letter. In this initial contact, state
    • what the program is
    • when the due date is
    • why you are asking them (in other words, what do you think they could speak to about your qualifications)
  • You can also include the following in your initial email or as a follow-up:
    • your CV/resume
    • letter of intent/personal statement (if you have one completed or can send a draft)
    • a writing sample or other assignment you are proud of completing in their course
    • directions on where they should submit the letter and a reminder about the due date

Advice for asking for a reference

When applying for jobs, you may get asked to provide a reference, someone who can speak to your skills or professionalism. In addition to the advice above, when asking a professor to be a reference, consider the following:

  • You can ask a professor to be a reference before you start your job search so they can be a reference for several jobs you apply for, or you can ask them to be one for a specific job.
  • If they say yes, ask them for their best email or phone number contact info.
  • If it is for a specific position, let the professor know what the position is, including the title and description, at what point of the process you are in, and when they might expect an email or phone call.
  • Do not list the contact information for references on your resume, especially ones posted in public places. If an interviewer wants this information, they will request it.

Why I might say no

I get asked to write a lot of letters. I will say yes if I have time or enough evidence to write you a strong letter. But I might say no and it might be for a number of reasons.

  • I may have too many other requests to respond to.
  • I may not have enough time to complete the request (especially if you ask me at the last minute).
  • I may not have enough experience with you and your work to be able to write a strong letter.
  • I might not be able to be a strong advocate for you based on your work in my class.

This is why it’s important to consider and make connections with multiple professors during your time in college and think about how your performance in class might lead to a connection with a professor

Some concluding thoughts

A big part of my job as a professor is to support students as they transition to the next step in their careers. I see writing these letters as an important part of my role as a teacher and mentor. A few final thoughts:

  • Professors do get busy, so sending a reminder email or follow-up close to when the letter is due is appreciated (at least for me!)
  • Writing a letter for you is a way for me to support you in your future. If I’ve written a letter, I’m investing in your success. I always appreciate hearing how it went, so please reach out and let me know!