Ask a Professor: How to Ask Your Professor to Be a Reference

Recent college grads sometimes struggle to find references for their job search. Who can you ask to be a reference if you have limited professional experience?

In many circumstances, it makes sense to ask a professor to be a reference.

While professors often write letters of recommendation for grad school applications, they also serve as professional references.

When should you ask a professor to be a reference? And how should you request a reference from a professor?

Professors make great references. But in some circumstances, a professor might not be the best option for a professional reference. Here are some situations where it makes sense to ask a professor to be a reference.

If you’re an accounting major applying for entry-level accounting jobs, it makes sense to ask an accounting professor to serve as a professional reference. Similarly, if you’re an education major looking for your first teaching job, an education professor can be a solid reference.

Employers look for certain skills that professors witness in the classroom. If you completed a multi-step project in a class, the professor can speak to your organizational and time-management skills.

If you aced a public speaking assignment, the professor can discuss your strong presentation skills.

Many professors have a good reputation outside of academia. Instructors with industry connections know your academic strengths and how they will transfer into specific roles. These professors make strong references.

Taking a class with a professor can make them a good fit as a reference. But working more closely with a professor can make them a stronger reference.

For example, did you gain research experience as an undergrad? Did you complete an independent study with a professor? These professors make good references because they worked closely with you for an extended time.

Which professor should you ask to be a reference? First, make a list of professors who can speak to your strengths.

That might include professors in your major or minor, instructors in classes where you performed well, or those who taught courses with career-related skills like research, public speaking, or project management.

Next, make a list of professors who match the jobs you’re targeting. If you’re applying for entry-level business careers, then business professors might make sense. On the other hand, if you’re applying for tech jobs, list your computer science professors.

Finally, list which professors you worked closely with. Include instructors who supervised an independent research project, acted as a mentor, or hired you as a research assistant.

Review your lists. If one name appears on multiple lists, that’s your best choice for a reference. You can also ask multiple professors to serve as references for different jobs.

You’ve narrowed down your options to a few professors. How should you ask a professor to be a reference? Follow these tips to increase your chances that a professor will serve as your reference.

You can ask a professor to be a reference after class or during office hours. But the easiest way to ask for a reference is via email. When you send an email, you can plan out what you want to say and include relevant information.

Plus, it gives your professor time to consider the request.

Professors are busy, so keep your reference request brief. In fact, you can ask for a reference from a professor in just a handful of sentences.

Open by introducing yourself and letting them know about your career goals. Tell them why you’re hoping they will serve as a reference. Then, ask if they’re willing to provide a strong reference.

Your professor will give a stronger reference if you offer supporting information. If you worked on a major assignment in their class, attach the finished project. Provide a copy of the resume you’ll use to apply for jobs. And give them copies of your cover letter, if possible.

These resources will help your professor offer information geared to specific jobs, which will boost your chances on the job market.

When asking for a reference from a professor, be as clear as possible about what you need from them. Are you simply planning to list their contact information on job applications? Or do they need to fill out a form? Will a recruiter contact them?

Your professor will more likely say yes if they know what to expect as your reference.

Not sure how to ask a professor to be a reference? Check out the following examples for ideas. Make sure to personalize your request so that it doesn’t look like a form email.

If your professor agrees to be a reference, make sure to thank them. Send a quick email to say thank you, and keep your professor updated on the job search.

Professors willing to serve as a reference always appreciate hearing follow-ups. So reach out to your professor after you land a job, especially if they gave a strong reference.