How to ask a lecturer or supervisor to be your referee

A good reference can decide an application, and the best ones come from people who were asked politely and given what they need. This short letter does exactly that.

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We draft it from your CV. You change every word, then download it as a PDF.

Write my reference request

What to include

  • A friendly opening and a clear request: would you be willing to act as my referee?
  • What you are applying for, so they know what to write about.
  • How they know you, such as supervising your project or teaching you a course.
  • Your CV attached, so they can see what you have done recently.
  • An easy way to say no, and a thank-you.

Tips that make it stronger

  • Ask early and ask in person or by message first when you can. A letter is a good follow-up.
  • Tell them the deadline and how the reference should be sent.
  • Remind them of something specific you did in their class or under them.
  • Tell them the outcome afterwards, and thank them again.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Listing someone as a referee without asking them.
  • Asking the day before the deadline.
  • Not saying what the reference is for.

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