Protocol for getting a reference

Siuin

I'm hoping to do a PDE next year and will need a reference from a lecturer. I was wondering what the protocol is for asking for one? A lecturer I had last year said he'd be happy to write me one at the time, but I don't have him for anything this year.
- Should lecturers be approached in person or would email suffice?
- What information should I provide about what I'm applying for?
- Can I send the same reference to two different universities?

Many thanks for any help!

dyl10

-Either is fine. Be polite.
-What/where you are applying for and what you think the lecturer should be able to say about you in the letter.
-Yes, if the referee knows. Often the letters need to be submitted by the referee - so check that.

Snako

I say hedge your bets, ask loads of lectures, and hassle them to bits, in the politest way possible

convert

I'd recommend asking them in person, unless you had a lot of contact with them and they know who you are. If you don't know the lecturer well, or only had them as a lecturer rather than as a tutor (i.e. for some courses, the lecturer gives the seminars, too), I'd recommend calling up to them and asking them in person. That way they'll get to know who you are without having to look you up.

I'd also recommend drawing up an academic CV that you can given them so they can see how you're doing in your other courses/subjects, too. It'd be an idea to give them as much information as you can about what you're applying for, too, so that they can focus the reference for that specific job/postgrad.

Finally, as mentioned above, be polite and respectful when asking for the reference.