Writing recommendation letters is an extremely important part of my job, and one I take very seriously. I am also asked to write many letters each year, to accompany applications to graduate school, summer research programs, postdoctoral positions, and a small number more senior positions. As such, this process tends to be very time consuming, so it is in your best interest to make my job (as well as the jobs of your other letter writers) as easy as possible. Providing sufficient and timely information is the best way to go about this.

Be sure to email letter writers at least 6 weeks before the first deadline (the earlier, the better). Sometimes sufficient notice is not possible (e.g., you just found out about a particular opportunity shortly before its deadline); in this case, it is best to be honest with your letter writers about the situtation, and be aware that some may not be able to put a letter together in time. That said, it is always worth asking! Don't deny yourself an opportunity right off the bat just because you found out about it late, and give your letter writers an opportunity to consider your request.

Once I have agreed to write you a recommendation letter, please send a list of deadlines, as well as all relevant application materials and any additional information you think would be helpful or would like me to specifically include/address. In addition, please answer the following questions (you can skip any that don't apply, or transform them so they do).