Overthink Central: Attire for requesting LOR?

[LoveBeingHuman:)]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Is there an appropriate attire for requesting an LOR when you’re doing it in person?

 

[Forever Geebs]

Is there an appropriate attire for requesting an LOR when you’re doing it in person?

If you’re really worrying about something as trivial as this, I am concerned for you.

Wear clothes. Dress appropriately.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[HomeSkool]

I try to remember my pants. I'm 50/50 on wearing a cape.

Worry less about what you're wearing and more about whom you're asking.

 

[foregoingfun]

Business casual always seems appropriate. However, I agree with the above posts, what you say > what you wear.

 

[tiramisucheese]

Business casual always seems appropriate. However, I agree with the above posts, what you say > what you wear.

Lol if I had worn business casual to ask my letter writers for the favor, they would have asked why I was dressed up. Just dress how you normally dress when you speak to this person.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I asked via email so that I could do it in my underwear.

 

[Oso]

The goal is to be memorable, to stick out in their mind as they write the letter. You do not want them to be writing the letter and have to ask themselves, "wait, which one is this again?". It's game time. Go big or go home.

 

[Deleted member 737595]

This is insane.

 

[holdthemayo]

Show them what they are writing a recommendation for. Wear scrubs, white coat, and drape a stethoscope over your neck. Offer a digital rectal exam as proof of your commitment to medicine.

 

[curbsideconsult]

View attachment 231325


The goal is to be memorable, to stick out in their mind as they write the letter. You do not want them to be writing the letter and have to ask themselves, "wait, which one is this again?". It's game time. Go big or go home.

O-so bear-y funny (original, I know).

 

[Microbug]

What are you thinking when you posted this question???

 

[Detective SnowBucket]

I only asked one in person. So.....technically I believe I was in boxers for most of the process.

 

[SpoiledMilk]

I asked via email so that I could do it in my underwear.

Same via email, but in a birthday suit...

 

[DrRiker]

I did it in jeans and a tee while I was volunteering... Scrubs when I asked at work...

 

[OrthoTraumaMD]

AgentProvocateur.com
Might as well go all out.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[ekmf27050]

Pretty sure I was in a basketball groutfit for 3-4 of mine

 

[Goro]

I try to remember my pants. I'm 50/50 on wearing a cape.

I have to get my learned colleague to start doing stand up.

 

[Oso]

I have to get my learned colleague to start doing stand up.

I’d buy tickets to that!

 

[ciestar]

I also sent emails...

 

[21Rush12]

This is a perfect opportunity to start practicing the One Commandment of interviewing: Don’t be weird.

 

[DrRiker]

This is a perfect opportunity to start practicing the One Commandment of interviewing: Don’t be weird.

And now I'm getting looks for laughing too hard in the library.

 

[21Rush12]

@DrRiker You’re welcome to share my One Commandment and spread the Word. A black cat gave it to me underneath a waterfall with a guitar.

 

[bananafish94]

This is a perfect opportunity to start practicing the One Commandment of interviewing: Don’t be weird.

Say no more

 

[RTC19]

Personally, I feel a bit more confident asking for things in somewhat nicer casual wear--nicer jeans and a pretty blouse/sweater as opposed to the old jeans and t-shirts I often wear to class, but it's mostly a psychological thing that helps me feel a bit more confident.

Whatever casual wear you prefer is the way to go.

I think it would be socially awkward behavior to wear business casual to ask for a LOR.

 

[Chromium Surfer]

What are you thinking when you posted this question???

I've noticed on here that you're pretty savage in your replies to questionable posts. This is not meant to be an insult but more of just an observation btw.

 

[DameJulie]

It depends on your LOR writer's typical attire. If he/she wears professional attire all the time, then I would say wear the same attire when discussing the LOR.

But usually a semi-casual attire would work just fine. I usually wear a long/short sleeve button shirt when I go discuss my LOR. I like to show them that I have prepared for the occasion but not overdressed to have a suit.

 

[Microbug]

I've noticed on here that you're pretty savage in your replies to questionable posts. This is not meant to be an insult but more of just an observation btw.

I guess I like to cut the BS and say what has crossed my mind without filters.

 

[Alejandro]

Man, this sounds like something that Arnold did on Pumping Iron...(anyone seen this, or am I too old?)

Based on that, I SERIOUSLY think you should wear a white coat (no other clothes), and scream in the top of your lungs, high and low pitched words as you ask. This helps demonstrate your vocal range, as you will need it to tell your patients that opioids are not the solution for their chronic pain. Followed by rump-shakin afterwards.

But in all seriousness, overthink central? YES.

If you're a dude, khakis and a shirt are fine. don't do some crazy stuff like cufflinks or whatever. zomg. Just no gym shorts, tanktops, all that nonsense.
Dudettes, nothing too short, and generally anything you wear other than sweats/workout clothes (since we know that >90% of women dress better than guys). 🙂

And, if you've been reading my stuff, besides clothing, when you ask, I recommend asking for a time to meet up so you can discuss your LOR with the professor. Have them get to know you, so its easier for them to advocate for you. If they're spending hours to write your letter, make it worth it for them. make sure you have a PS, resume/CV, transcript handy at the time of meeting.

 

[Chromium Surfer]

I guess I like to cut the BS and say what has crossed my mind without filters.

A little honey goes a long way lmao.