Request an Academic Recommendation Letter from a Colleague

How to Handle Letters of Reference During Your PhD Job Search — Part 2 So what many academic job seekers don't know, is if you ask for a letter of reference, you will (a) often be asked to write the first draft and (b) rarely see the final draft. So how to handle this awkward situation? If asked to draft the letter? (1) Stay Calm — It’s Normal. Professors often ask because it saves time and ensures accuracy. PLUS, they want to give you a chance to tell them what you think are your best attributes. (2) Write a modest and professional draft. Focus on clear strengths with evidence: research, teaching, leadership, and collaboration. Remember: Don't include you are the "best student ever". It'll likely irritate your letter writer. (3) Structure: Academic letters of reference follow a script. (a) Opening endorsement. (b) Specific examples of achievements. (c) Professional qualities. (d) Closing statement of enthusiastic support. Tip: Be confident but not boastful; strong but realistic; both of which are difficult to balance. (5) When done, if you have time, ask a friend to read the letter - they'll help you catch typos and bad ideas - it's worth it! So you share the letter, and the letter writer refuses to share the letter with you? (1) Stay calm — confidential letters are standard. Especially for academic jobs, it’s assumed letters are private. (2) If you are concerned, confirm politely in a brief note... "If you feel you can write a strong and supportive letter, I would be grateful. If not, I completely understand." (3) if you don't hear from them, secure 1–2 extra letter writers in case someone backs out or submits a weaker letter. However, if you make it as easy as possible for your recommenders - they'll get it done. They’ll appreciate it — and you’ll get stronger letters. Good luck on the market!

Letters of Recommendation Season is upon us. The rules are simple, but not apparent. Here’s a review on the Hidden Curriculum of LORs so you can navigate this process like a pro. 1️⃣ Before you write someone’s name down as a reference, ask. You may not ever skip this step. Never. Ever. 2️⃣ If your email to request a LOR starts with, “Hi, My name is…” Please don’t. The person should already know you. You still have time to develop relationships! Go to office hours (even if you were in their class last semester). Invite them to Flunch. 3️⃣ You should be specific about what you need. “Would you be willing to write me a strong letter of support?” This tip is a little controversial, but a lukewarm LOR is a disservice to you, and some people are willing to write not awesome letters. If they can’t agree to write a strong LOR, you either (a) walk away, or (b) be prepared for what you’re actually going to get. 4️⃣ Help your letter writers. Give them the basic information they’ll need such as, due dates, whether they should expect an email from an organization, what the program is, and why you want to take part. Pro Tip: Tell them why you’ve asked THEM, in particular, to write for you. Is it because you revealed in your amazing paper that not only are you a great writer but that you can translate difficult topics to a broad audience? Is it because you improved over time, and they can speak to your tenacity? What do they know about you that other writers may not? You can help writers customize their letters and provide updated and accurate information about what you’re up to. 5️⃣ I cannot understate this: Do not be afraid to ask the same people for multiple letters. Intuitively, you feel like you’re bothering them, but a person who has already written for you can do some quick editing. It’s not a big deal as long as you give them plenty of time to edit/update. 6️⃣ Waive your right to see your LORs. Again, this is counterintuitive. But by waiving this right, you’re saying that your letter writer doesn’t have to worry about you finding out what they said about you. Waiving is also a signal that you have cultural knowledge in this domain of life. 7️⃣ Thank your letter writers and update them. No matter what happens—if you get the opportunity or not—tell your letter writers. It’s the polite thing to do, and it builds trust for future asks. Here's a form that I’ve created to help students help me help them. https://lnkd.in/eBCrgUix What questions do you still have about this process? (The only dumb question is the one unasked...)

Most Applicants have no idea how to request a RECOMMENDATION letter properly ➣→ Use my 10-step process 1️⃣ Choose the Right Recommender ✔︎Select someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. ✔︎Preferably choose a professor, mentor, or supervisor familiar with your academic or professional work. ✔︎Ensure they have a favorable view of your abilities and potential. 2️⃣ Ask Early ✔︎Give your recommender plenty of time to write the letter. ✔︎Aim to ask at least a month before the deadline. ✔︎Respect their schedule and workload by avoiding last-minute requests. 3️⃣ Request in Person or Via a Formal Email ✔︎If possible, ask for the recommendation in person. ✔︎If an in-person request isn’t feasible, send a formal, polite email. ✔︎Clearly explain why you’re asking them and why you value their recommendation. 4️⃣ Provide Necessary Information ✔︎Supply all relevant details they need to write a strong letter. ✔︎Include your resume, transcripts, personal statement, and details about the programs you’re applying to. ✔︎Highlight specific accomplishments and qualities you’d like them to mention. 5️⃣ Explain Why You’re Applying ✔︎Share your motivations for pursuing graduate school. ✔︎Explain how the program aligns with your career goals. ✔︎This helps your recommender tailor the letter to support your application. 6️⃣ Offer a Draft or Bullet Points ✔︎Some recommenders may appreciate a draft or bullet points highlighting your achievements and strengths. ✔︎This can guide them and ensure essential points are covered. ☞Be respectful of their time while providing useful information. 7️⃣ Be Clear About Deadlines ✔︎Clearly communicate the submission deadlines for each recommendation. ✔︎Provide any necessary instructions or links for submission. ✔︎Send gentle reminders as the deadline approaches to ensure timely submission. 8️⃣ Express Gratitude ✔︎Thank your recommender sincerely for their time and effort. ✔︎Acknowledge their help when you ask and after they submit the letter. ✔︎A handwritten thank-you note can make a lasting positive impression. 9️⃣ Follow-Up with Updates ✔︎Keep your recommender informed about your application status. ✔︎Share the outcome, whether you’re accepted or not. ✔︎They’ll appreciate knowing the result and seeing how their letter contributed. 🔟 Maintain the Relationship ✔︎Stay in touch with your recommenders even after the application process. ✔︎Keep them updated on your academic and professional progress. ✔︎Maintaining these relationships can be valuable for future recommendations and networking. Share for others Any tips you want to add? Leave a comment below #graduateschool #PhD #mentorship