Recommendation Letters

I am happy to support student & trainee applications for internships, graduate programs, scholarships, awards, fellowships, postdoc positions, faculty positions, and full-time employment.  Please review the policies and procedures below prior to requesting a letter of recommendation or professional reference.

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Who do you write letters for?

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I am happy to write letters for students I have taught in at least one class (more than one class is always preferable) or for students who I’ve advised, mentored, served on thesis committees, had in my lab, or worked with via Women in ChemE or other department or outreach activities for the equivalent of two quarters or more.

 

The most critical requirement is that you have interacted in a meaningful way with me through consistent participation in one of the previously listed forums or outside that forum via regular or intentional communication.

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When should I email you to ask about writing a letter or to serve as a professional reference?

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For recommendation letter requests, please make your request four weeks prior to the deadline. Anything closer to the deadline is not likely to be met. All recommendation letter requests should be directed to eanance@uw.edu.

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Professional references and recommendation letters are not the same thing. When a candidate is being considered for a position, companies will request and contact professional references to confirm a position or employment and/or gain insight into a candidate’s personality, work ethic, and overall interpersonal skills. If you are requesting me to serve as a professional reference, you must ask me first before listing me as a reference. If I agree, I will provide you with the best contact info to put in the application.

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Do you say no to some letter or professional reference requests?

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Yes, I do. I put significant time into my recommendation letters to write individualized, high quality, specific, and detailed letters. Additionally, these letters carry my name and ability to evaluate applicants, therefore the integrity of these letters is important to me. If I do not feel as though I know you well enough, or if I feel as though I cannot write you a strong letter, I will tell you so and suggest you find an alternative letter writer. 

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While I may be able to confirm dates of employment, student enrollment, or volunteer time, if you have not interacted with me significantly, it will be difficult for me to provide a professional reference for you.

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Once you've confirmed you'll write a letter, what should I provide to you?

 

You will need to provide the following information:

1. An updated resume or CV

2. A cover letter, essay, or brief statement of interest for the position you are applying

3. Any specifications required for the rec letter

4. A bullet point list of things you would like me to mention in the letter.

 

I require this information regardless of the format of the recommendation request. This information helps me align my letter with your application, which better allows you to present a consistent and well-rounded message.

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If I graduated many years ago, can I still request a letter from you?

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Yes, if you have stayed in contact with me to keep me up to date on what has taken place in your professional life since graduating. I will ask for some updated information (e.g. CV or resume), but I'm always happy to write a letter for a former student, trainee, or mentee. I will still be able to speak to characteristics relevant to the recommendation letter for the time period I directly interacted with you, and to the extent I am able, how you have developed professionally after graduating.