HOW TO ASK FOR A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Elizabeth Dickinson, Communication and Journalism Department, University of New Mexico

 

If you earned an “A” or “B” in my class and need a letter of reference for graduate school, employment, a scholarship, or an internship, feel free to ask me for a letter of reference. Please remember I reserve the right to say no (if I feel I don’t know you well enough).

 

 

PLEASE FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES BELOW!

 

 

1. Am I the right fit for you?

I am technically an instructor/Teaching Assistant and not a full-time tenured or tenure track professor. If you are fine with that, so am I. Depending on the nature of your application, though, it may help to ask a more established or published professor.

 

2. Give me enough time.

Due to time constraints, I cannot write you a letter with less than 3 weeks notice. If you need the letter in less than 3 weeks, please do not ask me. I am incredibly busy and would be happy to write you a letter if you give me advanced notice.

 

3. What to send me via e-mail

I need information to write an effective letter. Include in your e-mail request:

1.      A brief description of the program/position/job/scholarship/internship

2.      Your resume

3.      Your cumulative GPA

4.      The complete name and full mailing address to whom I should address the letter

5.      Any forms or specific instructions

 

4. What to give me in my mailbox or in person

For each letter, please provide me a stamped envelope - addressed to the school/person, without your return address (I will put my address in the return).

 

My on-campus mailbox for a drop off is UNM main campus, Mesa Vista Hall, 2nd floor, room 2137. Give it to the secretary to be put in my box or slide it under the door addressed to me.

 

You may also mail them to me at:

Elizabeth Dickinson

Communication and Journalism Department

University of New Mexico

MSC 03 2240

Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

 

5. A follow-up e-mail

If you’d like to confirm the letter was sent, feel free to e-mail me but I will usually e-mail you to let you know.

 

Thanks and good luck!

Created January 2007