How to Ask for and Receive a Recommendation Letter
Recommendation letters from credible sources can carry you a long way in your job seeking campaign. Every job applicant says nice things about themselves. Compliments from respected third-party sources -- professors, employers, successful former co-workers -- carry much more weight with most decision makers. Most respected sources of recommendation letters do not give them out casually. So if you want a recommendation letter from someone of substance, you will need to work for it, and you will need to ask for it in a professional manner.
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Instructions
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Choose your person carefully. Pick someone you know likes you and respects your work in school or the office. Don't ever pick someone you know from afar; if they have to ask your name when you approach them, they are not a good candidate for a recommendation letter. A generalized recommendation letter with no personal details can be worse than no recommendation letter at all; it shows that you don't have the sense to pick someone who knows you well enough to personalize a letter. If you weren't memorable to this person, who says you'll be any more memorable at the place you're applying to?
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Once you've selected this person, approach them at a time when they're not busy. Setting up an office appointment during non-class hours for a professor is a good idea, or this can usually be done via email. If at work, ask to sit down with your boss or colleague in their office or take them out to lunch. It is NOT a good time to ask after class while people are filing out of the room or in an office hallway or by the water cooler.
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When you go into your meeting, dress business casual. Non-jeans and a button down or nice top are a good idea. Don't give them a messy or disorganized impression right before they write this letter for you! Bring a copy of your resume, transcripts and a stamped and addressed envelope with the address they will be sending it to. Make sure to put a stamp on the envelope; it is improper to expect someone that is doing a favor for you to pay for postage too! Do not ask that they return the letter to you so you can mail it; this is also improper. Even if you know this person well, a copy of your resume and any other documentation is always a nice touch.
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Finally, write them a thank you note once they have written the letter for you and mail it to their office. A small gift is also appropriate such as flowers or a small gift card.
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