R EQUESTING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION Metropolitan Community College—Business & Technology Campus Shaunté Montgomery—Learning Specialist (816) Learning Center 1775 Universal Avenue Kansas City, MO 64120

AGENDA Who to Ask What you are asking for When to Ask Where/How to Ask Why?? Questions…

O NCE UPON A TIME …. There was an unprepared student…There was a prepared student…

WHICH ONE WILL YOU BE ?

W HO ? Someone who knows your name. Someone that you have spoken with recently and have taken a class with. Someone who gave you a grade of ‘B’ or higher. Have one to two backup plans. Choose an Appropriate Professor, Supervisor or Counselor Some things to think about…

W HAT ? Letter of Recommendation Recommendation Form Work Reference Personal Reference Etc… Know what you are asking for… Different types of requests…

W HEN ? Give the recommender 2 – 4 weeks notice. Do not ask right before or right after class. Arrange an appointment during his or her office hours. Give the recommender adequate time Things to consider…

H OW ? In-Person

W HERE /H OW : I N P ERSON Ask: “Do you feel that you are able to write a letter supporting my application for ____?” Don’t make your recommender feel rushed. Give the recommender: application forms, transcripts, essays, and other essential information. This is the Recommended Way Some things to think about…

W HERE /H OW : I N P ERSON CONT. Print out information regarding the program, scholarship, job, etc. Tell the recommender any due dates. Ask for any input from the recommender. Be neat! Take no for an answer. This is the Recommended Way Some things to think about…

W HERE /H OW : Prepare to send your preliminary 5 – 6 weeks in advance. Send your follow-up 2 – 4 weeks before the due date. An Acceptable Way Some things to think about…

1. After you have chosen an appropriate recommender, address the letter properly. For example, “Dear Dr. Jones,”

2. Start the first paragraph by stating what you want. For example, “I am writing to ask if you are able to write a letter of recommendation for me.”

3. In the next paragraph, discuss your relationship with the professor, and make a point of why you have chosen to ask this particular recommender. Think of these examples: “I took your Math 103 course in the Spring 2009 semester…” or “I am familiar with your work with electrical principals and am applying to Kansas City Power and Light…” or “As your recent Plumbing Apprentice, I know that you have helped me a great deal and would be able to speak highly of my accomplishments for a scholarship with…”

4. Use the third paragraph to suggest what you would like your recommender to say about you. For example, “My other recommenders will be able to talk about _____, but you are the only one who could address______” or “I believe that you are familiar with my performance in Welding flat and horizontal steel plates…”

5. Give the recommender details (where the letter goes and promise to give him or her an addressed and stamped envelope should they decided to write you a recommendation). 6. Close with information about how you will follow-up. 7. Thank him or her whether they decided to send the letter or not.

FOLLOW UP!!!!!

WHY? Because there is someone else to speak positively on your behalf. There is someone, besides yourself, who is familiar with what the industry or scholarship committee will be looking for. Because THEY SAID SO. Some things to consider…

Q UESTIONS ??