I am one of your former students. Will you write me a recommendation letter for me?
Please note: Usually there are two types of submission styles: review-able by the student; not review-able to the student. In the first case, the student will be able to view his or her recommendation either before or after it's submitted. In the second case, the student will never be able to view the recommendation. Please be aware that I will generally have to write more generic recommendations in the former case while in the second I will be able to write a more detailed letter.
Although I can't guarantee you in this FAQ that I'll be willing, I generally do. When you contact me, please let me know what class you took from me, what the recommendation's for, what you want or need me to stress, and when and where it needs to go. Also, please notify me of any special instructions that I'll need to know (letterhead, signature over the envelope seal, etc.). If there's anything else you think could be of value (stuff you worked on for me that eventually got published or presented, etc.), let me know, as well.
If I cannot write you a positive recommendation letter, I will let you know and let you know the reasons why I don't believe I am able to do so. This might be irritating to you, but you would rather have someone write recommendations for you that can write positively about their experiences with you. In general, though, I don't like to be a "gatekeeper" who stops students from pursuing their futures, so if I can, I will help you.
Although I can't guarantee you in this FAQ that I'll be willing, I generally do. When you contact me, please let me know what class you took from me, what the recommendation's for, what you want or need me to stress, and when and where it needs to go. Also, please notify me of any special instructions that I'll need to know (letterhead, signature over the envelope seal, etc.). If there's anything else you think could be of value (stuff you worked on for me that eventually got published or presented, etc.), let me know, as well.
If I cannot write you a positive recommendation letter, I will let you know and let you know the reasons why I don't believe I am able to do so. This might be irritating to you, but you would rather have someone write recommendations for you that can write positively about their experiences with you. In general, though, I don't like to be a "gatekeeper" who stops students from pursuing their futures, so if I can, I will help you.
I didn't do a good job of keeping in touch with you, will it still be ok to contact you?
I know some professors are picky about this, but I know you've been busy with courses [that aren't as cool as mine], your job, your incredible significant other, and you've been dreaming of how awesome your life was when you were enrolled in one of my classes and regretting that it all had to end so suddenly, etc. When I've gone through bouts of depressed attitudes toward life, I've clammed up as well. Falling out of touch happens and I wasn't worried about you not making me your best friend after your class ended unless you said something akin to "I'm going to be your best friend and you should really hold me to that!".
If you're really that worried about it, I'll give you the address they'll need in order to ship the cheesecake (vanilla bean or cookie dough will be fine).
If you're really that worried about it, I'll give you the address they'll need in order to ship the cheesecake (vanilla bean or cookie dough will be fine).
I'm a former student and I'd like to ask you about something about a topic we covered in my class. Would that be ok?
Come at me, bro (or sis). Actually, you can write me about whatever...
I'm a former student and I liked the way you helped me with [whatever--usually writing] in the past. Can you take a look at something for me?
Yes. Like usual, it's better in person, but you can always share your document with me. Just note that I might be backed up at any time for many reasons.