I get asked to write recommendations and be a reference a lot. I write letters for employers, schools and prestigious fellowships, as well as field calls and take these requests very seriously. Recommenders want to make sure they have all of the information to write a strong letter that articulates your strengths as well as upholds the integrity of their reputation. As you ask for a recommendation or job references, these are 5 things you should provide to the potential recommender:

Give your reference time.

I suggest giving at least 2 weeks for someone to write a letter and at least a few days to respond to a call. Remember the more time you give, the more prepared they will be. If you don’t give enough time, you’ll not only get a generic letter but you might not get one at all.

Give necessary information about your application.

Whether it’s a college application or a job description give your reference the information about the role you’re applying for. The more they know about your program of study or the specific duties within the job; the better they can link your strengths and abilities.

Be specific about why you asked them to be a reference.

Cite specific examples as to why you specifically asked them. Did they see you excel in a group project, meet a tight deadline, give an amazing presentation? Choose people that can elicit different experiences to make your application stronger and let them know why you are asking them and what they would focus on.

Submit your resume.

The reference might know you from a class, job experience or as an advisee but might not know everything else going on in your life. The holistic picture you can give of yourself is very helpful. The recommender can pull from other experiences that you have had and integrate it into what they already know about your character.

Write a short specific paragraph.

Why do you want this position, internship, or graduate school? Let the recommender know why you believe you are uniquely qualified for this role. I have pulled quotes from individuals in the past and have gotten to know more information about the specifics of what they want to do and how it relates to their next steps in life.

As a recommender, what are some things you request before writing a letter? As someone requesting a recommendation, what are some hurdles you have had?