Plan Ahead
When it comes to requesting a recommendation, ask early. Give your recommenders three to five weeks notice; if this is the first letter they are writing for you, give them even more time to prepare.
Guidelines
Ask Someone Who Knows Your Work
Think carefully about whom to ask for letters of recommendation. Seek out the people who know you well. The writers’ depth of knowledge about you is more important than their title or position. Some applications also have requirements about whom you can have write for you, and what type of recommendations are needed for that application. You can find this information on the application website, if it's available.
Make an Appointment to Discuss
Make appointments to discuss your application plans in person (or by phone, if necessary) with your prospective recommenders. Tell them what you are applying for, and why; ask them if they feel they could write a strong letter for you at this time.
Provide Background Material
Write a couple of paragraphs for your recommenders describing the program to which you are applying. This should include information about the nature of the program (graduate study, research, English teaching, summer internship, etc.) and the broader goals of the program (supporting the environment, providing international experiences, promoting scientific careers, etc.). If the award has a specific focus, such as leadership or supporting future scientists, you should mention this as well. Also mention if you will be working with a specific advisor or supervisor of an academic program.
Provide Drafts
Provide drafts of your personal and project essays that address
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why you are applying for the particular opportunity;
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what you hope to accomplish during the program;
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what relevant experience you have;
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how participating in the program would assist you in achieving your educational, service, or professional goals;
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if there are any special circumstances you would like them to be aware of.
Provide an Updated Resume
Give your recommenders an updated record of your most recent activities and accomplishments. Make sure your resume includes any co-curricular activities, service work, sports activities or honors.
Provide Deadlines and Submission Guidelines
Provide your recommendors with accurate information about deadlines and submission procedures. Be clear about the deadline or deadlines. If there are forms they should fill out, provide them with those forms and make sure to fill out any parts you are responsible for. Let them know how the recommendations are to be submitted. They might need to watch for an email with a link to an application portal (this is a common method), or they might need to email a file directly to an email address. If anything needs to be mailed via hard copy (this is very rare now), provide them with addressed stamped envelopes. The goal is to make all the logistical parts of writing a recommendation for you easy, so that they can focus on the writing.
Check In
A week before the deadline, check back to see if they have all the information that they need.
Follow Up
Last, but not least, follow up! Your recommenders will invest considerable time and thought in preparing your letters, so write them thank you notes and be sure to let them know the outcome of your application. Paper thank you notes or cards are always memorable, but emailed follow-ups are also fine.