Requesting a letter of recommendation
You not only need the letter, you need it to be as useful as possible. So it's important to plan your request.
Who to ask
Given a choice about who to ask, ask someone who
* Is comfortable writing a letter for you
* Can write well and write easily
* Has experience writing letters of recommendation
* Admires and respects you
* Knows you well enough to be able to include personal anecdotes in the letter
* Has the highest and/or most relevant job title
These guidelines apply to both supervisors and teachers. Keep in mind that if you've been working in Payroll but want a new career in Marketing, a letter from the Sales Manager of your old company will carry more weight than one from the Accounting Manager. Also, the higher up the writer the more clout the letter will carry. For example, a letter of recommendation from a full professor is more valuable than one from an assistant professor.
When to ask
Situations vary, but the more time you can allow for receiving your letter the better. As a general rule request your letter at least a month or two in advance.
How to ask
Always be forthright when requesting a letter of recommendation. Explain exactly why the letter is needed and its importance to you. In addition
* Lead up to the request if possible. Get a sense of the writer's comfort level before actually making the request
* Never put the writer on the spot
* Always offer to provide information that makes the writing task easier (biographical data, employment or attendance timelines, etc.)
* As a practical matter, if writing the letter will clearly be a favor make sure the writer knows you understand that
* If the subject is broached by the writer, offer to compose the letter yourself for the writer to sign
