How to ask for a recommendation letter from a professor after long time?
I had worked under a supervisor in 2015 and that year I asked a recommendation letter from him for a Ph.D. He wrote it very well. On 2016, I again asked him for one and he sent me again. Both of the times my application was unsuccessful. This year I had applied for a very prestigious scholarship again and I have been shortlisted. While applying they asked for the name of the referee and they said they will send a request to submit a reference letter to the referee if the applicant is shortlisted. So the scholarship committee already sent the professor a request mail. I did not expect that I will be shortlisted so I did not inform my referees earlier. Now I am confused how to write him an email and ask him if he can write one for me again? The professor is really good and helpful. We did not have any contact these years which made me feel awkward to write him.
phd thesis advisor recommendation-letter professors
asked Jan 21 at 7:58
DukhiatmaDukhiatma
3481212
add a comment |
I had worked under a supervisor in 2015 and that year I asked a recommendation letter from him for a Ph.D. He wrote it very well. On 2016, I again asked him for one and he sent me again. Both of the times my application was unsuccessful. This year I had applied for a very prestigious scholarship again and I have been shortlisted. While applying they asked for the name of the referee and they said they will send a request to submit a reference letter to the referee if the applicant is shortlisted. So the scholarship committee already sent the professor a request mail. I did not expect that I will be shortlisted so I did not inform my referees earlier. Now I am confused how to write him an email and ask him if he can write one for me again? The professor is really good and helpful. We did not have any contact these years which made me feel awkward to write him.
phd thesis advisor recommendation-letter professors
asked Jan 21 at 7:58
DukhiatmaDukhiatma
3481212
add a comment |
I had worked under a supervisor in 2015 and that year I asked a recommendation letter from him for a Ph.D. He wrote it very well. On 2016, I again asked him for one and he sent me again. Both of the times my application was unsuccessful. This year I had applied for a very prestigious scholarship again and I have been shortlisted. While applying they asked for the name of the referee and they said they will send a request to submit a reference letter to the referee if the applicant is shortlisted. So the scholarship committee already sent the professor a request mail. I did not expect that I will be shortlisted so I did not inform my referees earlier. Now I am confused how to write him an email and ask him if he can write one for me again? The professor is really good and helpful. We did not have any contact these years which made me feel awkward to write him.
phd thesis advisor recommendation-letter professors
asked Jan 21 at 7:58
DukhiatmaDukhiatma
3481212
I had worked under a supervisor in 2015 and that year I asked a recommendation letter from him for a Ph.D. He wrote it very well. On 2016, I again asked him for one and he sent me again. Both of the times my application was unsuccessful. This year I had applied for a very prestigious scholarship again and I have been shortlisted. While applying they asked for the name of the referee and they said they will send a request to submit a reference letter to the referee if the applicant is shortlisted. So the scholarship committee already sent the professor a request mail. I did not expect that I will be shortlisted so I did not inform my referees earlier. Now I am confused how to write him an email and ask him if he can write one for me again? The professor is really good and helpful. We did not have any contact these years which made me feel awkward to write him.
phd thesis advisor recommendation-letter professors
phd thesis advisor recommendation-letter professors
asked Jan 21 at 7:58
DukhiatmaDukhiatma
3481212
asked Jan 21 at 7:58
DukhiatmaDukhiatma
3481212
asked Jan 21 at 7:58
DukhiatmaDukhiatma
3481212
asked Jan 21 at 7:58
DukhiatmaDukhiatma
3481212
asked Jan 21 at 7:58
DukhiatmaDukhiatma
3481212
3481212
add a comment |
add a comment |
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
If, as you state, they are sending the request, then you need do nothing - the professor will receive a polite request for a reference from your possible future employer and the professor will reply to it - positively from what you have written. You don't need to get involved.
Point raised by a comment below:
The system of the employer/institution sending out requests themselves directly to the referees is to help reduce or avoid "collusion" between the candidate and the reference provider. Of course, whether this has ever happened is a different question....
When some employers/institutions ask for 3 or sometimes more referees which they state they will contact, then they have the choice of which ones they will use.
answered Jan 21 at 8:29
Solar MikeSolar Mike
13.4k52550
1
I am concerned because I did not take permission before writing his name( this time). Earlier (2 years ago) I asked him if I can use his name as a reference and he agreed. Would not it be nice if I write him again and also can attach the previous reference letter so that he can update the date and send it directly to the scholarship committee?
– Dukhiatma
Jan 21 at 8:39
4
Disagree. I would send a note. Just getting pinged by the Fellowship does not compel a response and is very impersonal. If I am giving a reference (written or verbal, academic or work world), I expect the person to ask me to do so (and hopefully give me a little context so I can best support them).
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:41
2
You need to let them know it is coming. This is different from being in the discussion. Same thing applies for job references.
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:55
1
That would fit under "details". But my criticism remains. Expecting a refernce to reply to an out of the blue request from someone you had limited contact with at the time (and 2 year intergnum) is crazy. I would definitely blow off such an outreach, figuring the student didn't even do me the courtesy to let me know it was coming! Heck I don't even want to share professional details unless a request was made by the subject (privacy reasons).
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:03
1
Me too. If the student asks, personally. Not just getting pinged by some agency.
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:10
|
show 3 more comments
Shouldn't be a big deal. He will likely just send the same one he has on file. Send him an email and politely ask for the help.
Dear Professor Y,
Thanks for your kind letters twice before. I am now a second year Ph.D. student at Fantasy University, working on a thesis in widget design. It is going well--my training from you and the rest of the ESU staff is being put to use.
I have another request, this time for the SooperDuper Fellowship, which will support me financially at FU. Actually I have already been shortlisted, so chances are good.
Could you please send copy of your earlier letter to support me with SooperDuper? Submission details:
- how/where to send
- due date
Once again, thanks for your kind help. Would love to stay in contact.
Sincerely,
Dukhia
answered Jan 21 at 8:20
guestguest
5425
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "415"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: true,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: 10,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2facademia.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f123480%2fhow-to-ask-for-a-recommendation-letter-from-a-professor-after-long-time%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
If, as you state, they are sending the request, then you need do nothing - the professor will receive a polite request for a reference from your possible future employer and the professor will reply to it - positively from what you have written. You don't need to get involved.
Point raised by a comment below:
The system of the employer/institution sending out requests themselves directly to the referees is to help reduce or avoid "collusion" between the candidate and the reference provider. Of course, whether this has ever happened is a different question....
When some employers/institutions ask for 3 or sometimes more referees which they state they will contact, then they have the choice of which ones they will use.
answered Jan 21 at 8:29
Solar MikeSolar Mike
13.4k52550
1
I am concerned because I did not take permission before writing his name( this time). Earlier (2 years ago) I asked him if I can use his name as a reference and he agreed. Would not it be nice if I write him again and also can attach the previous reference letter so that he can update the date and send it directly to the scholarship committee?
– Dukhiatma
Jan 21 at 8:39
4
Disagree. I would send a note. Just getting pinged by the Fellowship does not compel a response and is very impersonal. If I am giving a reference (written or verbal, academic or work world), I expect the person to ask me to do so (and hopefully give me a little context so I can best support them).
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:41
2
You need to let them know it is coming. This is different from being in the discussion. Same thing applies for job references.
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:55
1
That would fit under "details". But my criticism remains. Expecting a refernce to reply to an out of the blue request from someone you had limited contact with at the time (and 2 year intergnum) is crazy. I would definitely blow off such an outreach, figuring the student didn't even do me the courtesy to let me know it was coming! Heck I don't even want to share professional details unless a request was made by the subject (privacy reasons).
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:03
1
Me too. If the student asks, personally. Not just getting pinged by some agency.
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:10
|
show 3 more comments
If, as you state, they are sending the request, then you need do nothing - the professor will receive a polite request for a reference from your possible future employer and the professor will reply to it - positively from what you have written. You don't need to get involved.
Point raised by a comment below:
The system of the employer/institution sending out requests themselves directly to the referees is to help reduce or avoid "collusion" between the candidate and the reference provider. Of course, whether this has ever happened is a different question....
When some employers/institutions ask for 3 or sometimes more referees which they state they will contact, then they have the choice of which ones they will use.
answered Jan 21 at 8:29
Solar MikeSolar Mike
13.4k52550
1
I am concerned because I did not take permission before writing his name( this time). Earlier (2 years ago) I asked him if I can use his name as a reference and he agreed. Would not it be nice if I write him again and also can attach the previous reference letter so that he can update the date and send it directly to the scholarship committee?
– Dukhiatma
Jan 21 at 8:39
4
Disagree. I would send a note. Just getting pinged by the Fellowship does not compel a response and is very impersonal. If I am giving a reference (written or verbal, academic or work world), I expect the person to ask me to do so (and hopefully give me a little context so I can best support them).
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:41
2
You need to let them know it is coming. This is different from being in the discussion. Same thing applies for job references.
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:55
1
That would fit under "details". But my criticism remains. Expecting a refernce to reply to an out of the blue request from someone you had limited contact with at the time (and 2 year intergnum) is crazy. I would definitely blow off such an outreach, figuring the student didn't even do me the courtesy to let me know it was coming! Heck I don't even want to share professional details unless a request was made by the subject (privacy reasons).
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:03
1
Me too. If the student asks, personally. Not just getting pinged by some agency.
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:10
|
show 3 more comments
If, as you state, they are sending the request, then you need do nothing - the professor will receive a polite request for a reference from your possible future employer and the professor will reply to it - positively from what you have written. You don't need to get involved.
Point raised by a comment below:
The system of the employer/institution sending out requests themselves directly to the referees is to help reduce or avoid "collusion" between the candidate and the reference provider. Of course, whether this has ever happened is a different question....
When some employers/institutions ask for 3 or sometimes more referees which they state they will contact, then they have the choice of which ones they will use.
answered Jan 21 at 8:29
Solar MikeSolar Mike
13.4k52550
If, as you state, they are sending the request, then you need do nothing - the professor will receive a polite request for a reference from your possible future employer and the professor will reply to it - positively from what you have written. You don't need to get involved.
Point raised by a comment below:
The system of the employer/institution sending out requests themselves directly to the referees is to help reduce or avoid "collusion" between the candidate and the reference provider. Of course, whether this has ever happened is a different question....
When some employers/institutions ask for 3 or sometimes more referees which they state they will contact, then they have the choice of which ones they will use.
answered Jan 21 at 8:29
Solar MikeSolar Mike
13.4k52550
edited Jan 21 at 8:55
answered Jan 21 at 8:29
Solar MikeSolar Mike
13.4k52550
answered Jan 21 at 8:29
Solar MikeSolar Mike
13.4k52550
answered Jan 21 at 8:29
Solar MikeSolar Mike
13.4k52550
13.4k52550
1
I am concerned because I did not take permission before writing his name( this time). Earlier (2 years ago) I asked him if I can use his name as a reference and he agreed. Would not it be nice if I write him again and also can attach the previous reference letter so that he can update the date and send it directly to the scholarship committee?
– Dukhiatma
Jan 21 at 8:39
4
Disagree. I would send a note. Just getting pinged by the Fellowship does not compel a response and is very impersonal. If I am giving a reference (written or verbal, academic or work world), I expect the person to ask me to do so (and hopefully give me a little context so I can best support them).
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:41
2
You need to let them know it is coming. This is different from being in the discussion. Same thing applies for job references.
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:55
1
That would fit under "details". But my criticism remains. Expecting a refernce to reply to an out of the blue request from someone you had limited contact with at the time (and 2 year intergnum) is crazy. I would definitely blow off such an outreach, figuring the student didn't even do me the courtesy to let me know it was coming! Heck I don't even want to share professional details unless a request was made by the subject (privacy reasons).
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:03
1
Me too. If the student asks, personally. Not just getting pinged by some agency.
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:10
|
show 3 more comments
1
I am concerned because I did not take permission before writing his name( this time). Earlier (2 years ago) I asked him if I can use his name as a reference and he agreed. Would not it be nice if I write him again and also can attach the previous reference letter so that he can update the date and send it directly to the scholarship committee?
– Dukhiatma
Jan 21 at 8:39
4
Disagree. I would send a note. Just getting pinged by the Fellowship does not compel a response and is very impersonal. If I am giving a reference (written or verbal, academic or work world), I expect the person to ask me to do so (and hopefully give me a little context so I can best support them).
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:41
2
You need to let them know it is coming. This is different from being in the discussion. Same thing applies for job references.
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:55
1
That would fit under "details". But my criticism remains. Expecting a refernce to reply to an out of the blue request from someone you had limited contact with at the time (and 2 year intergnum) is crazy. I would definitely blow off such an outreach, figuring the student didn't even do me the courtesy to let me know it was coming! Heck I don't even want to share professional details unless a request was made by the subject (privacy reasons).
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:03
1
Me too. If the student asks, personally. Not just getting pinged by some agency.
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:10
1
1
I am concerned because I did not take permission before writing his name( this time). Earlier (2 years ago) I asked him if I can use his name as a reference and he agreed. Would not it be nice if I write him again and also can attach the previous reference letter so that he can update the date and send it directly to the scholarship committee?
– Dukhiatma
Jan 21 at 8:39
I am concerned because I did not take permission before writing his name( this time). Earlier (2 years ago) I asked him if I can use his name as a reference and he agreed. Would not it be nice if I write him again and also can attach the previous reference letter so that he can update the date and send it directly to the scholarship committee?
– Dukhiatma
Jan 21 at 8:39
4
4
Disagree. I would send a note. Just getting pinged by the Fellowship does not compel a response and is very impersonal. If I am giving a reference (written or verbal, academic or work world), I expect the person to ask me to do so (and hopefully give me a little context so I can best support them).
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:41
Disagree. I would send a note. Just getting pinged by the Fellowship does not compel a response and is very impersonal. If I am giving a reference (written or verbal, academic or work world), I expect the person to ask me to do so (and hopefully give me a little context so I can best support them).
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:41
2
2
You need to let them know it is coming. This is different from being in the discussion. Same thing applies for job references.
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:55
You need to let them know it is coming. This is different from being in the discussion. Same thing applies for job references.
– guest
Jan 21 at 8:55
1
1
That would fit under "details". But my criticism remains. Expecting a refernce to reply to an out of the blue request from someone you had limited contact with at the time (and 2 year intergnum) is crazy. I would definitely blow off such an outreach, figuring the student didn't even do me the courtesy to let me know it was coming! Heck I don't even want to share professional details unless a request was made by the subject (privacy reasons).
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:03
That would fit under "details". But my criticism remains. Expecting a refernce to reply to an out of the blue request from someone you had limited contact with at the time (and 2 year intergnum) is crazy. I would definitely blow off such an outreach, figuring the student didn't even do me the courtesy to let me know it was coming! Heck I don't even want to share professional details unless a request was made by the subject (privacy reasons).
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:03
1
1
Me too. If the student asks, personally. Not just getting pinged by some agency.
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:10
Me too. If the student asks, personally. Not just getting pinged by some agency.
– guest
Jan 21 at 9:10
|
show 3 more comments
Shouldn't be a big deal. He will likely just send the same one he has on file. Send him an email and politely ask for the help.
Dear Professor Y,
Thanks for your kind letters twice before. I am now a second year Ph.D. student at Fantasy University, working on a thesis in widget design. It is going well--my training from you and the rest of the ESU staff is being put to use.
I have another request, this time for the SooperDuper Fellowship, which will support me financially at FU. Actually I have already been shortlisted, so chances are good.
Could you please send copy of your earlier letter to support me with SooperDuper? Submission details:
- how/where to send
- due date
Once again, thanks for your kind help. Would love to stay in contact.
Sincerely,
Dukhia
answered Jan 21 at 8:20
guestguest
5425
add a comment |
Shouldn't be a big deal. He will likely just send the same one he has on file. Send him an email and politely ask for the help.
Dear Professor Y,
Thanks for your kind letters twice before. I am now a second year Ph.D. student at Fantasy University, working on a thesis in widget design. It is going well--my training from you and the rest of the ESU staff is being put to use.
I have another request, this time for the SooperDuper Fellowship, which will support me financially at FU. Actually I have already been shortlisted, so chances are good.
Could you please send copy of your earlier letter to support me with SooperDuper? Submission details:
- how/where to send
- due date
Once again, thanks for your kind help. Would love to stay in contact.
Sincerely,
Dukhia
answered Jan 21 at 8:20
guestguest
5425
add a comment |
Shouldn't be a big deal. He will likely just send the same one he has on file. Send him an email and politely ask for the help.
Dear Professor Y,
Thanks for your kind letters twice before. I am now a second year Ph.D. student at Fantasy University, working on a thesis in widget design. It is going well--my training from you and the rest of the ESU staff is being put to use.
I have another request, this time for the SooperDuper Fellowship, which will support me financially at FU. Actually I have already been shortlisted, so chances are good.
Could you please send copy of your earlier letter to support me with SooperDuper? Submission details:
- how/where to send
- due date
Once again, thanks for your kind help. Would love to stay in contact.
Sincerely,
Dukhia
answered Jan 21 at 8:20
guestguest
5425
Shouldn't be a big deal. He will likely just send the same one he has on file. Send him an email and politely ask for the help.
Dear Professor Y,
Thanks for your kind letters twice before. I am now a second year Ph.D. student at Fantasy University, working on a thesis in widget design. It is going well--my training from you and the rest of the ESU staff is being put to use.
I have another request, this time for the SooperDuper Fellowship, which will support me financially at FU. Actually I have already been shortlisted, so chances are good.
Could you please send copy of your earlier letter to support me with SooperDuper? Submission details:
- how/where to send
- due date
Once again, thanks for your kind help. Would love to stay in contact.
Sincerely,
Dukhia
answered Jan 21 at 8:20
guestguest
5425
edited Jan 21 at 8:26
answered Jan 21 at 8:20
guestguest
5425
answered Jan 21 at 8:20
guestguest
5425
answered Jan 21 at 8:20
guestguest
5425
5425
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Academia Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2facademia.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f123480%2fhow-to-ask-for-a-recommendation-letter-from-a-professor-after-long-time%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
