写作模板
Getting a reference letter is far more difficult and often a source of much anxiety。 Whom to ask，how to ask，what to say？
（要一封牛推看起来十分困难，问谁要？怎么要？都是十分值得考究的）
But getting an outstanding reference letter is entirely within your control and easier than you think，even if you don’t have a benevolent benefactor at your back。
（其实，就算你不是李刚，也没有乐善好施的干爹教授，获得一封完美的推荐信是完全比想象中容易而且可以控制的）
Here are three tips to ensure your mentor，former boss，or academic counselor writes you a rave review：
1。 Highlight their qualifications
2。 Provide a template
3。 Offer a ”no questions asked”
（向你的导师，老板，教授有3大要点，
1。强调他们的NB之处
2。提供一个摸版
3。不要用疑问句，用祈使句）
policy
Let’s look at each of these individually：
Highlight their Qualifications
（1。强调对方亮点）
When reaching out to ask for a letter of reference，explain up front and center why it is that you value that person’s opinion and respect their professional expertise enough so that you chose them（of all people）to vouch for you in your next professional endeavor。
Beyond mere flattery，show why you think that person is uniquely qualified to accurately assess and communicate your personal contribution to your future organization。 Why did you enjoy working for them，and why do you value their opinion？Why do you look up to them？How do the qualities match your own，or speak to the authority you want your recommendation to convey？
（为什么对方的推荐信能适合你给你带来好处？不要纯拍马屁，写出来你当时怎么喜欢和他一起共事，他们如何匹配你的，等等）
Provide a Template
（2。提供摸版）
It’s almost impossible to get a good reference letter from someone if you don’t provide the tools necessary for them to actually write a good letter。 It’s also terribly inconsiderate not to give ample guidance。 The last thing anyone wants to do is spend hours or days thinking about and drafting a letter whichh you yourself could have composed far better and more readily in about half the time。
Providing a template，therefore — an outline，bullet points，or even a fully—baked draft — of what you’d like the reference letter to say is the most effective（not to mention generous and thoughtful）approach to asking for a letter of reference。 The goal isn’t to put words into your former colleague’s mouth or to co—opt her into vouching for you in an untrue or disingenuous manner；it’s simply to do some of the work for her and provide all of the pertinent data points that you’d like included in the letter。 Moreover，as boastful，bragging or full of yourself you may feel writing your own referral，often people will be even more generous than you will when talking about your skills and contribution to an organization。 So go ahead and toot your own horn。
注意事项
1、及早开始
不是每个老师都会关心你的deadline的。有时如果遇到holiday season，邮件可能会很久才寄到。要给老师充足的时间。
2、附上CV
如果是申请研究所，附上CV是很重要的，因为这是学术圈的惯例，让别人知道你最近作了什么，有什么成就，老师才方便帮你美言几句。
3、附上读书计划/研究计划
这点是这么建议，但不是每个老师都需要这些。如果你是要申请研究所或是找工作，你提供多一点讯息，老师更能清楚指出你研究的独特之处，将推荐信写得更好。
4、找指导老师与合作过的老师写
写推荐信要找谁写呢？如果是找工作，我建议是找出现在你CV上的人写，因为你有与这些老师合作的经验，他们更清楚你是什么样的人，你的研究是什么。如果你是申请硕士班或博士班，CV还不够长的.话，那就找你的指导教授、修过课的老师写。如果你的选择够多，那就选与领域比较相近、比较有名的老师写，会更有力。一般来说，我觉得associate professor以上的推荐信，别人比较看重。
5、 提供足够的资讯
如果要一次多封，最重要最重要的就是提供足够的资讯。范本如下：
学校名称（招生或工作广告网页）截止日期
系所名称（或工作名称）
寄发资讯（是线上申请还是邮件）
收件人与住址
附注
如果推荐信有固定格式或需要附表，请先填好给老师。
如果有的老师希望你先拟草稿，那你就把草稿拟了，给母语者改好，再给你的老师。
6、记得track
有些老师就是忙，会忘记要帮你写推荐信。记得截止前一周，再提醒老师一次。另外，也要跟学校追踪，看学校是否有收到推荐信。如果少了，询问他们收到哪几封。