For Letters of Recommendation

Instructions for Requesting a Letter of Recommendation

I need to receive a request for a new letter (if I’ve never written for you before) a minimum of three weeks before the letter is due. If I have written for you before, you may give me two weeks notice but I won’t be as happy about it. I cannot drop all other obligations to prioritize your needs, and have many students who request my support. The earlier you request the letter, the better it will be, and the less chance that you’ll hear that I’ve already written several letters for that particular job/grant/grad program so I cannot write one for you.

Information Needed for Letters

When asking for a recommendation via email be sure to clearly indicate the nature of your request in your subject line.

I require the following:

  1. A single, complete, and coherent list of instructions regarding all the letters you are requesting, including:
  • Information about the nature of the position/fellowship/graduate program you are seeking.
  • Application due date for each.
  • Delivery instructions (If it is an online recommendation, will the faculty member receive a prompt or are you providing an electronic address? If it is to be submitted as hard copy, should the faculty member mail it directly or do you need to send it with your application materials?).

Note if this will be a directed letter to one person/institution or a general letter to be submitted via an online delivery service (ex. Interfolio). I cannot custom write letters for multiple institutions for all of you, so I ask that you help me understand the kind of general letter you need, and then if absolutely necessary, flag one application that requires specific information that may differ from the general letter.

  1. An advanced or final draft of your cover letter or grant application essay
  2. If not included in the cover letter/essay, a brief paragraph explaining your reasons for applying for a fellowship, grad school, job, etc.
  3. A current resume or curriculum vitae.
  4. An unofficial transcript.
  5. Especially for undergraduates: If some time has passed since you studied with me, please include one essay that represents your best work in the field for which you are applying.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Esther Gabara
E. Black Byrne Associate Professor of Romance Studies, and Art, Art History & Visual Studies
Co-director Global Brazil Lab, Franklin Humanities Institute