Listing me as a reference

I would prefer that you do not list me as a reference unless you have asked me first whether I would be willing to support your application.

Who I will write for

I am very happy to write a letter of reference for most people who:

• took at least one course from me
• worked in my research group
• collaborated with me or my research group
• or interacted with me in some other way relevant to the application

In all cases, I consider letter writing an exercise in integrity. I seek to be simultaneously as honest and generous as possible. Given this, please use your judgement, based on our past interactions, about whether I would be a good reference. If you are unsure about what kind of letter I would write for you, perhaps I am the wrong choice of reference.

Asking

If you’re ok with all of this, please write me a pleasant formal email indicating that you have read this information:

• Please make your request well in advance (at least a few weeks) before it will be due.
• Please don’t forget to write a professional email.

I’m going to need some information. Most importantly, if I don’t see you on a daily basis, please remind me how we know one another and when we met (what year).

Please also provide:

• Your up-to-date CV or resume,
• including your GPA and student status.
• A list of where the letters will go,
• ideally with links to descriptions of those positions,
• and the due dates for the references.
• Will they call me, ask for a letter via email, or send a form?
• Why do you think you are a good candidate?
• Are there any specific guidelines for the letter?

For grad school, scholarship, or academic job market applications, in particular, I could be helped by:

• Relevant application material (e.g. research statement, teaching statement, statement of intent)
• A reminder about any particular feature of you or your work that you are hoping I will address.

If you were a student in my course(s)

Please remind me:

• which course(s) you took
• what semester(s) and year(s)
• what grade(s) you were awarded
• particular elements of your performance that you are proud of

If you conducted research work with me:

Please remind me:

• When did you begin working for me?
• When did you cease to work for me?
• What were your major responsibilities?
• What work are you most proud of?

If you know me through a student organization (ANS, WiN, THW… )

Please remind me:

• When was this?
• What student organization(s) were you involved in?
• What were our primary interactions?
• What kinds of activities were you involved in?
• Did you occupy an executive committee position (please list, with dates)?
• What are you most proud of regarding this activity?