How To Ask Your Professor for a Letter of Recommendation.
Contact the dean about writing a letter of recommendation at least one to two months before the letter is required. Remember, the dean’s time is valuable and oftentimes filled with paperwork. Ask the dean when you should expect the letter of recommendation to be ready.
Some professors will take offense to being asked for a letter of recommendation via email. Visiting the professor in office hours, scheduling an appointment, or making a phone call shows that you are willing to give up your time and energy rather than simply writing an email. DO NOT ask to read a copy of the letter before it is sent.
I am writing to ask a huge favor — I’m applying for a senior marketing position with Merck and I was hoping you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I always appreciated your perspective and judgment while working together.
Guidelines to follow to for a good recommendation letter for PhD student from professor: Ensure that you have your grades, classes attended, skills and experiences handy. Have a summary of research findings both previous and current. List publications with your works, if necessary carry it along.
When requesting a letter of recommendation, choose someone who can speak to the skills and attributes you’re trying to highlight. In my experience, a glowing letter from someone less well known is better than a measured letter from a famous person. Make it as little work as possible for the person writing the letter.
But asking for a letter too close to an application deadline can put professors in an awkward position, says Zachary Schaefer, an assistant professor at Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
Make a formal request of your professor (by email or by appointment), asking if he or she would be willing to write a letter or fill out a form on your behalf.