How to Properly Request a Letter of Recommendation Temple University Russell Conwell Learning Center Office of Senior Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies

Step 1: What are you applying for? Determine the awards, scholarships, internships, or jobs that you will be applying to This should be done several months in advance Figure out the application criteria and whether you are a good fit

Step 2: Determine the hard deadlines, and choose your soft deadline. Make a list of all deadlines, and put them in your calendar or create a spreadsheet for easy access to relevant information Make your step-by-step soft deadlines for the application, and determine when you would like your entire application to be completed

Step 3: Additional Information Make sure you give your recommender(s) plenty of notice about your applications! Professors and professionals are very busy people (you likely aren’t the only one asking them), so be considerate and give them at least 3-6 months notice before you would need your reference letter. This will also ensure that they can write the best letter possible for you and not feel rushed!

Step 4: Determine an Appropriate Reference Make a list of several people who know you well and can speak to who you are as a person These people should be able to say more than “they took my class and got an A” or “they come to work every day, but are always 20 minutes late or really tired” These people should think very highly of you, your personality and abilities, your ability to work with others, and your work ethic Based on what you are applying for, who is the best person to refer you for the job, internship, award, etc.?

Step 4: Contact the Potential Reference(s) Arrange to meet in person with the person to discuss the award If you cannot meet in person, write them a professional stating what you are applying for, what the position or award is all about, the deadline you set for yourself, and finally asking them if they would be willing to be your reference

Step 5: Contact the Potential Reference(s) If you meet in person, ask if they would be willing to be a reference for you, and make sure they fully understand the award, position, etc. so they can write the best letter for you Bring any relevant materials they might need, such as… A hard copy of the letter of reference criteria A stamped and addressed envelope so they can send it once they complete it Your up-to-date resume, CV, or any other relevant information they might need about you

Step 6: Once you find your Reference(s) Ask them if they would like you to them reminders (weekly or monthly) about the upcoming deadline(s) Ask if there is anything else that you can do to make the process easier on them Do they want or need any additional information or documents that you forgot to give them? Thank them for agreeing to take time out of their own busy schedules to refer you!

Step 7: Write a Thank You and Keep Them Updated A hand-written thank you note is a nice gesture to say you appreciate all they have done for you You may want to send this immediately after they have submitted it Or you can send a thank you with the status of your application (whether you got what you applied for or not) If you did not get what you applied for, still express gratitude and tell them about how the application has benefitted you and improved your skills