Thinking about asking for a letter of recommendation from Dr. Mills?
The letter of reference is very important to you and to me. I get many requests, and I take great care in preparing the letters.
So, ask yourself these questions before asking me for a letter of reference:
- Did Dr. Mills know me as someone more than as a student in one class ? Did we have a professional association that went beyond routine classroom participation?
- Does Dr. Mills know enough about me to say something that is unique and significant?
- Is there enough time for my request to allow Dr. Mills time to get the letter done?
If you cannot say a strong “yes” to each and every one of these questions, then you should not ask for a letter of reference.
If you decide to ask me for a letter, here are some guidelines that you must follow:
- If you are applying to a number of jobs/programs, I want all background materials at the same time (materials listed next)
- A complete listing of how and when we had a professional relationship
- Your resume/c.v.
- If we have not worked with your writing before, a sample of your written work and/or essay for schools
- A well-organized list of names/ addresses for recipients
- Any specific instructions for each destination
- The nature of the job/program associated with each letter, and
- Deadlines for each letter
Some other notes:
I do not need envelopes (unless specified by the program).
I will not write a letter without a specific recipient (no “generic” letters).
