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Student Request for a Professor’s Recommendation
This recommendation request is designed to help collect endorsements from professors — especially for students with few internships or little work experience. It includes an instruction guide and a template to make the request.
How to Secure References for Graduates with Limited Work Experience
During the graduation season, many new graduates find themselves faced with the daunting task of entering the job market. However, for those who have limited internships or work experience, this can be an added challenge. In such cases, seeking endorsements from professors can be a valuable asset to bolster their credentials and increase their chances while job searching.
In this article, we will explore effective strategies to obtain professor endorsements for students with limited work experience, helping them showcase their potential and stand out among the competition.
Develop Meaningful Relationships
Building strong relationships with professors is essential for obtaining endorsements. Actively engage in class discussions, attend office hours, and demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject matter. By investing time and effort into these relationships, students can gain their professors’ trust and pave the way for successful endorsements.
Most people who have read Dale Carnegie’s book on relationships (How to Win Friends and Influence People) have found it beneficial. Perhaps reading it at the start of your career can be beneficial to you throughout your career.
Seek Opportunities for Additional Responsibilities
In the absence of internships or work experience, students can actively participate in research projects and academic committees or assist professors with their ongoing work. These additional responsibilities showcase their dedication, commitment, and willingness to contribute beyond the classroom. Such experiences provide professors with firsthand knowledge of a student’s capabilities, making them more inclined to provide a strong endorsement. Also, it may be a good idea to learn how to show unpaid experiences on the resume.
Excel in Coursework and Projects
Students should strive for academic excellence by excelling in their coursework and demonstrating exceptional performance in assignments and projects. By consistently producing high-quality work, they create a positive impression on professors, who can vouch for their intellectual capabilities and work ethic. Requesting recommendations from professors who have witnessed their academic achievements can significantly enhance their endorsements.
Actively Engage in Class Participation
Active class participation allows students to showcase their knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to articulate ideas. By asking insightful questions, sharing unique perspectives, and engaging in productive discussions, students demonstrate their intellectual curiosity and passion for learning. Professors who observe their active involvement are more likely to provide personalized endorsements highlighting their academic strengths and contributions to the classroom environment.
Request a Meeting to Discuss Goals and Career Aspirations
Arrange a meeting with professors to discuss career goals and aspirations. By sharing their ambitions, students can seek guidance and mentorship from professors who may have industry connections or relevant expertise. These conversations not only demonstrate their proactive approach but also provide an opportunity for professors to gain a deeper understanding of their career objectives, leading to more tailored endorsements that align with their chosen career path.
Showcase Relevant Coursework and Projects
Students can selectively highlight coursework and projects that are directly related to their desired industry or job role. By showcasing their knowledge and skills in these areas, they can demonstrate practical expertise, even in the absence of traditional work experience. Professors can then focus their endorsements on the specific competencies and achievements showcased through these academic endeavors.
For new graduates with limited work experience, obtaining professor endorsements can be a valuable asset when entering the job market. By nurturing meaningful relationships with professors, actively engaging in coursework and projects, seeking additional responsibilities, and showcasing their academic achievements, students can secure personalized endorsements that highlight their potential and make a positive impression on potential employers. These endorsements not only validate their skills and capabilities but also provide a competitive edge in a crowded job market. With the support of professor endorsements, graduates can confidently embark on their professional journeys, armed with the recognition and support of respected academic mentors.
INSTRUCTIONS: Student Request for a Professor’s Recommendation
A third-party endorsement or recommendation is a powerful addition to a resume, cover letter, and/or LinkedIn profile. Professors take the writing of recommendations very seriously and they expect students to do the same. Recommendations reflect not just the quality of a student’s achievements, but also the integrity of the professor.
Here are some guidelines for requesting a recommendation:
1. Choose professors who know you well. A professor who knows you well will be able to provide a more specific and detailed recommendation, which is more likely to be valuable for your career documents than a generic recommendation.
2. Ask more than one professor. This is a big request, and you might not receive a “yes” from every professor you ask. Ask 2–4 professors, but expect to receive recommendations from only 1–2. You will likely be asking professors from your major and/or minor studies.
3. Make a formal request for the recommendation. You can use the form on page two or send an email with the request information (that you are looking for a recommendation, and when you’d like it returned).
4. Give it time. If asked for a timeline to return it, you ideally want to give them a minimum of 1–2 weeks. Two weeks or up to a month is preferable, especially if you are making this request at a busy time of the academic year.
5. Provide supporting documentation. If it has been a while since you were in the professor’s class, provide a copy of an updated resume that highlights your relevant experience and skills. You can also provide a copy of a relevant job posting for the type of role you’re pursuing as well as a graded paper or assignment you completed for each professor’s class.
Note: Don’t be discouraged if a professor declines to write a recommendation. People are busy and they don’t always have the time or they may have personal reasons to decline. If you get a “no” response, ask another professor.
Be sure to send your professor a thank you note when you receive a recommendation. Professors spend a lot of time on these documents; it’s nice to be acknowledged. And be sure to let your professor know if you get the role you’re pursuing.
TEMPLATE: Student Request for a Professor’s Recommendation
Student Name:
Professor Name:
Course(s) Taken/Semester:
Date You Would Like The Recommendation Returned By:
I am preparing my resume and LinkedIn profile and would appreciate the opportunity to include a recommendation from you. Specifically, I am looking for 3–5 sentences that would give a prospective employer an idea of how I might be an asset to their organization, based on your knowledge of me (including my skills, knowledge, and experience) and my academic performance in your classroom.
Of course, if you can’t write a recommendation for me, I completely understand. Please do not feel an obligation to say yes. However, if you are willing to provide content for my career materials, I would appreciate it. You can email your response to me at the email address below or text me and I will come by and pick it up. Thank you profusely.
Student Email Address:
Student Phone Number:
