How do you ask profs if you can view the recomendations letters they write

[Sonya]

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Hi,

Often you have people write rec letters for them. I'm not talking about very official ones like for medschool. but, you know, for honor societies and jobs and such.

Suppose you would like to see the letter the prof wrote. You're also guessing the professor may or may not mind sharing it (i am unsure, but many profs have no objection to sharing... IF you ask). But, how do you ask the professor in a polite way without sounding like you're demanding it, that you would like to see the letter.

In general they are kept confidential, but some people don't mind sharing. It would help me judge what kind of letters people write (ultimately, how good they are to use for medschool rec letters).

Suggestions appreciated.

Sonya

 

[tBw]

Well, as someone who writes letters for students on a regular basis, unless they specify otherwise when they request the letter I usually assume the recommendation is confidential and will not be seen by the candidate. It is usually best to broach the subject of letter confidentiallity when you first ask for the letter, making it clear you would like to see it. This then gives the person a 'heads-up' and usually results in a much different letter being written (usually more tepid - they might be less inclined to comment on your weaknesses, but they will probably compensate for this by being less hyperbolic about your strengths.) I know one of my colleagues refuses to write letters unless they are confidential.
If the letter is already written and you now wish to see it your best bet may be to ask the professor if they "would feel comfortable" with you reading the letter (ie put it in their court), "so that you can taylor your application package to the different opportunities" ie that you do want to use the letter, you just want to ensure that it is used for applications where the skill-set it comments on are relevant. You almost certainly don't want to imply that you are checking to see if it is a strong enough letter...it's a delicate thing. I think the level of confidentiality of letters depends on what it is for (eg if it is for a scholarship/award I usually give the person the letter to read and approve to make sure I have angled it as they wish. If it is for a part-time or college lab job I would tell them to have the person call me rather than write a letter and I would give a more informal recommendation. If it was for a 'career' job I would probably not expect the person to ask to read it.) Like how much to tip in restaurants though - people vary on what they think is appropriate!

Good luck

onwis

 

[Sonya]

Hi,

It is not for a specific letter that has already been written. Just a question i have had in mind for ages by know.

I don't want it to influence the letter in any way. Although, i will keep that in mind that is how it may influence the letter.

So, what I am thinking is that in the cover letter, I can add something to the effect of "If you have no objection, i would appreciate if I could see the letter you write for my future reference". Should I leave it at that, and never ask them in person? that way they wouldn't feel an obligation to respond if they feel it is inappropriate.

As for the reason, i'm not sure if what you suggested is possible to use. Usually I've already done the application by the time I ask them. More often, the application is not detailed enough so that what they write could influence what I include in the application. I'll try using that reason if It can fit in a particular situation. Is just saying "for my future reference" (or something along those lines.. something very general) okay.

Is it really odd for a person to ask this?

The next time i would be asking for reference is for a full time job after I graduate.
The professor i work under for research now is very traditional in ways. it's very hard for me to judge what he thinks of me. (other than he always gives me A- for my research course grade, regardless of my putting very little or lot of effort. yet, he agreeed to include me as 2nd author in a paper). Yet, his would probably be the most important rec letter.

thanks,
sonya

 

[tBw]

What you suggest sounds fine. As you are/will be a new graduate, and presumably haven't sought a "real job" before though you could use this to your advantage and just profess naivete about protocol: "Although I feel seeing my letters in advance may help me in anticipating interview questions I am new to job seeking/the graduate job market and I am thus unsure whether it is appropriate for me to see the letter you write. If you would be comfortable with me reading it please could you also forward me a copy of the letter. I leave this to your discretion. blah blah

I don't really see how someone could take offense if you preface your request by admitting you are "new to this" and therefore defer to their greater experience in such etiquette. In whatever form you decide to express your desire to see the letter I would advise providing sound reason (eg interview preparation) rather than just stating you wish to see it - otherwise it just sounds like "Hey, I want to see what you wrote about me!" and has the undertone that perhaps you don't quite trust them. Obviously not a desirable implication!

good luck

onwis