fandomsecrets | [ SECRET POST #2542 ]

⌈ Secret Post #2542 ⌋

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Notes:

Secrets Left to Post: 02 pages, 027 secrets from Secret Submission Post #363.
Secrets Not Posted: [ 0 - broken links ], [ 0 - not!secrets ], [ 0 - not!fandom ], [ 0 - too big ], [ 0 - repeat ], [ 1 - posted twice ].
Current Secret Submissions Post: here.
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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

How does one go about approaching a college professor to ask for a job reference? (Since I don't have much job history, being a student.) Does the job have to be in the same field of study? Does it matter if it's a former professor vs. currently enrolled? How do I social skills?

As long as you've been in contact with you sometime in the past two to three years, new or old prof doesn't matter (and older might be better since they have more of you to go by.

As for how, you walk in or call, maybe ask how they're doing and then just say "I'm applying for this job and was wondering if I could use you as a reference." Seriously, there's no secret handshake for social people, you just ask.

I just send a polite email reminding them who I am, what courses I was in with them (and the year), explaining what job I'm after and asking if they would mind being a reference. Throw in some flattery for them if you can.

My jobs have been very slightly related (asked my aquaculture professor for a reference for a policy job) but they don't seem to have minded. Especially as I had explained that the policy in aquaculture he studied was why I was sidestepping into a policy job.

Keeping in mind they may never reply or decline, especially if it's as a reference for many jobs (and therefore many calls) as opposed to a reference for one particular application.

I just did this, though for grad school applications. I think for a job, you'd want to stress your attendance, your hard work and your ability to meet deadlines, right? As well as any upbeat attitude, etc, but that's dependent on your prof knowing you well.

Professors write recommendations as part of their job, so don't feel bad for asking. I would:

-Politely greet, a little reminder who you are and what you're doing.
-Explain your situation and why you'd like to use the prof as a reference ("I was hoping that you could attest to my _____" type sentiment.)
-Then, GO THROUGH WHAT YOU DID in class. That is, if they might not remember you. Mention the classes you took, the grades you got, any significant assignments, any extra projects or events, etc. Show your commitment.
-Give the prof an "out." Something like, I understand you're busy and please don't feel obligated. I just think it's good manners. Still, be enthusiastic about the prospect of being recommended by this prof.

Your professor might also appreciate a copy of your CV/resume, and even transcript if you have it. Also, if you have to write some kind of letter for your job application, attach that, too, so your prof can see what you're highlighting about yourself.

I wouldn't say the professor has to be in the same field, though it certainly helps. Former professor is fine, just don't expect them to remember you (that's why the introduction is important). Do it sooner rather than later, because many professors are busy and don't get to answering e-mails in a timely fashion, unfortunately. Think of a couple professors you could use, just to be safe.

Not all of your job references have to be related to your field, but as a character reference, so it's alright to have some references unrelated to your work as long as some of them are related. It doesn't have to be a current -professor, but you don't want someone who had you so long ago they won't remember enough about you to give a good recommendation.

As long as you've been in contact with them recently, say the last year or two, you should be fine. Like anon above said, call them or go to their office to talk, or even shoot them an email if you're not comfortable with in-person. They've all been in your position, they won't mind.

I usually just email them, ask if they'll do it and offer to send a recent resume. I also politely ask them how they have been and next time I'm in town, I'd love to stop by and chat.

[ SECRET POST #2542 ]

Asking for personal references?

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