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What is the best way to ask a professor to put in a good word at a firm where they have connections? Say you've done RA work for this professor that they've liked, but you never had them in class. This is relatively last minute (screener in a few days) because you are a failure in many ways.

How do you ask? What do you send along with the ask (resumé? transcript?) What exactly do you ask the professor to do?

I've done this before and for me I just emailed them (if going into their office isn't an available option - wasn't for me) and said:

Hi Professor X,

I have applied for X and I am really excited about the possibility of working there/clerking/whatever.

I know it is super last minute so I completely understand if you are too busy, but is there any chance you could ______ (write me a reference/ rec, give me any advice you might have, contact blah blah).

I loved your course/enjoyed RAing (whatever) and feel that since that taking your class/ being your RA, you might be able to speak more personably of me than any other professors. Again, I understand if you can't find the time but if at all possible I would greatly appreciate it if ____(repeat the request).

Thank you very much. I hope you have been well and I look forward to seeing you/ meeting with you/ corresponding further etc, again soon.

Best,

Sprout.


Done this twice with two days to spare. Ime response has been great but I might have been v lucky. Ymmv, gl.

Edit: just in case it's not blatantly obvious, edit this. Just thoughts this is in no way what you should send without much doctoring and proofing.

PS I did attach a resume for convenience. Might mention that if you do, saying its there just for convenience. (Don't push it) again, just imo.

Thank you for the example and the encouragement!

Just wanted to update that this worked out! Thank you again for your help with it.