You are reading this because you have asked me to write a recommendation letter for you, and I have agreed to do it.
Read these lines.
Probably I have already patronized you enough about this, but let’s do it again: Not because someone agrees to write a recommendation letter for you it is something positive. I have read… “interesting” recommendation letters that did not quite recommend the person in question. Make sure that you ask the right people, and ask explicitly for a POSITIVE recommendation letter, and check their reaction. In case of doubt, ask someone else.
In any case, I need these points from you, and a few reminders until I have done it. If you do not send me this information, I will not send the letter.
It is not a threat, it’s just because they are important and, if you do not send it, I will think to myself “I have to ask for this information at some point” but then life will take over and I will forget about your letter. This has happened.
- Name of a person to whom I can address the letter, to avoid the usual “to whom it may concern”.
- Postal address.
- Name of the programme or fellowship.
- Deadline
- Name of potential collaborators.
- How would you complement the research done at the place you are applying to.
- Points that you think I should stress about you. Don’t be shy.
- Ideally, a few paragraphs as a sketch for me to expand into a full letter.
- URLs of the group and / or the people you want to work with.
And, again, do remind me about the letter.