My bad recommendation experience.

I was nervous. I walking down the hall toward my former English teacher's classroom, preparing to ask him for a recommendation letter. Now, I had already asked many of my teachers for letters, so I couldn't figure out why I was so scared. What's the big deal? I had always been a good, friendly student so the worst he could say was no. 

When I knocked on Mr. Brown's* office door, he looked up, surprised to see me.  

"Hello, Lindsay, what can I do for you today?"

"Umm, well, I w-w-was wondering if you could write a recommendation letter for me?" I was stuttering--since when did I stutter?

"Sure," said Mr. Brown, "When do you need it by?"

"Next week." I said.  How horrifying, I knew this was not a lot of time.

"No problem, you can pick it up on Friday."

I was elated.  This was sooner than I expected.  

Friday came, I picked up my recommendation and thanked Mr. Brown. It was very generous of him to take the time and write me a recommendation on such short notice. There was just one (huge) problem. The recommendation was horrible. It listed the wrong activities, didn't sound very personal, and was addressed as "to whom it may concern." It was too late for me to ask for any revisions--my application deadline was only a few days away. I ended up sending that recommendation along with the rest of my scholarship application.  

I didn't win that award.

Now, hind-sight is always 20/20. My poor planning and lack of consideration created the miserable recommendation. It was my fault. Not only did I put Mr. Brown on the spot, I didn't provide him with any helpful information.  I should have known from my nervousness and his surprise at seeing me in his office that we didn't know each other well enough. Alas, these tough experiences often teach you the best lessons.  Here is what I learned from this recommendation writing escapade:

1. Teachers, coaches, and mentors that you know best will write the best letters for you.  If you feel nervous asking, or haven't kept in contact with a teacher, it is probably best not to ask.  
2. Allow plenty of time for your recommendation writers.  One week is simply not sufficient. Give at least three weeks to one month notice.
3. Provide your writers with helpful information. Give them your brag sheet or activity list, tell them the names of the people on the application committee, or at least the name of the award you are applying for.
4. Thank them. Follow-up with a thank you note. They are doing you a favor, it is best to show your appreciation.

Remember, recommendations are basically third-party testimonials about you. They are the only outside information scholarship committees have access to, so make the most of them by learning from my mistakes.  Happy hunting!

*Name has been changed to protect the innocent.