Asking For A Reference Letter With Little Notice

[Justmehere]

Hi all

I had orthopedic surgery about a month ago, and there were several complications that have made the recovery process much harder than expected. Things are healing well, it's just been a bumpy road.

I had planned to use this month to wrap up all the details for my application to return to school - which is due March 1st.

Well, I had enough smarts to not email or ask for reference letters while drugged or out of it because of surgery, and now I'm scrambling.

I need to ask for one reference letter from an employer who has offered to be a good reference if I ever needed one - but if I ask now, I will be asking with 3 days notice.

I want to be employed by them on the future and don't want to seem like I just don't have my stuff together.

I have no idea if they could even write the letter in time - it may just be too late for all of this to work out in time.

My therapist said to ask anyhow... but she's a therapist and not in academia... although she is a counseling supervisor so she is asked to write reference letters for her employees from time to time herself and the person I'm asking is actually in grad school himself.

"Just try" she says. And if it doesn't work out, then work to apply for the next round of application due dates this summer.

I need advice on how to write this email to him to ask for this letter. Everyone says I am more than ready to go back to school. (I will be through this stuff with surgery long before school starts.)

I'm kind of in tears frustrated with myself. I'm posting to get myself to not just shut down and give up - and also because I just really could use some outside perspectives and advice.

If this seems like a really stupid idea to even try, it would be good to get that feedback too. I could just submit what I have and if I don't get admitted, submit more info later and try again.

 

[scout86]

If someone asked me to write a letter of recommendation for them, with 3 days notice, I'd probably react with "Wow, I get three whole days?" Seriously. I'm not in an academic field, but it doesn't seem like that big a deal to me. I can see including, "sorry for the late notice, I just got done with major surgery and have been a bit preoccupied with that. Good to go now though!" if you want to.

This person has already said they'd do it if you need it. They more than likely know what they're going to say. It shouldn't be a big deal.

The one exception I guess I might make is if this person is kind of an up tight, detail oriented person who NEVER lets things slide at all, and they're they type that's inclined to pass judgement on us mere mortals who can't always maintain that standard.

 

[mamachick]

I agree with scout86 and your therapist. I would give brief explanation and also ask if they can let you know if it is do-able at their earliest convenience. Is it possible that you have any back ups if they are not able? to prevent you from having to delay a semester?

 

[ladee]

Agree with all the above.
Sharing you had surgery is the truth and not sure why this is so upsetting to you.
Is there a trigger going on Or old core beliefs that you have to be on top of things all the time..or old ugly words from someone saying you are irresponsible?
Hope you take the risk and get your letter.
Let us know. We are cheering for you!

 

[joeylittle]

I need advice on how to write this email to him to ask for this letter. Everyone says I am more than ready to go back to school.

Be clear, be honest, and don't over-explain or over-apologize.

You can say upfront that you understand it's a lot to ask someone to do a rec. in three days, and you're perfectly willing to accept that they can't do it right now. You had surgery, you're re-enrolling, and if they can't write for you on this go-round, you'll catch them the next time.

Most of us have internalized the template for a letter of recommendation, and they really don't take that long to bang out. If the person is in the middle of other deadlines, that would be a problem - but you won't know that unless you make the request.

I've never hesitated to say yes or no only based on whether I can get it done in the time allotted, not because I don't care for the short notice. (I'll also tell a person if my recommendation will not be favorable, and ask if they still want it).