How Do I Ask My Professor for a Reference

Here's how not to ask: at the last minute and supplying no information about yourself and what you're applying for. You have to coach your references. Send an e-mail reminding the professor which class you took with him or her, how much you enjoyed it, and asking if he or she would feel comfortable offering a positive reference as you go through your job-search in the public sector. Explain which kinds of jobs you're looking for and which skills and attributes you hope he/she will elaborate on. In effect, you are almost writing your own reference. Include a work sample or remind him/her of the good work you did in the class: "I appreciated your positive comments on my research project about low literacy levels in rural areas as much as I appreciated the A!"You must respect the professor's right to say no; if he/she doesn't feel comfortable, you've got to look elsewhere. Find out whether you need a written reference; most jobs will ask for a phone reference. It's not a bad idea to get a few written references on file while you're still close to the college classroom; they can serve as the basis for future recommendations. If you can attend open office hours and talk in person for a few minutes, so much the better.
Ellen Reeves