How to handle letters of recommendation requirements in this situation?

Question

I'm wondering about the best way to handle the following situation. Some time ago I've asked my then-potential referees about possibility to become my reference sources and they kindly agreed, after which I've updated my CV with their contact information.After some analysis of the academic job market advertisements, I had an *impression* that most institutions (at least, solid ones) do not expect receiving letters of recommendation **directly from a job applicant**, but rather **from referees** (via either e-mail, or online forms). However, recently I ran across at least several institutions (including some well-known ones), which, in their instructions, ask job applicants not only the traditional set of documents (cover letter, CV, samples of research, teaching and research philosophy, transcript, teaching evaluations), but also *recommendation letters* instead of references.The problem is that now I have to explain this situation to my referees and kindly ask them to send me those letters of recommendation (for institutions, expecting them from applicant) **plus** to submit those letters directly to institutions, which expect that information from referees. Is it a reasonable request? My referees are very nice people, but quite busy, and I feel uncomfortable to bother them more than needed. However, I don't really see any workarounds in this regard. Is there anything else I can do to optimally solve this problem? I would appreciate your opinions.

Answer 1

Honestly, if someone is agreeing to be your reference then they must be doing so with this possibility in mind. While many businesses have moved to online references, the letter of recommendation is still asked for quite a bit as well. If someone feels uncomfortable writing you a letter of recommendation then they were very likely not a great choice of reference.

Answer 2

Hello!

The reality is, most people who write recommendation letters/serve as references understand that this is part of their job. Therefore, they are more than happy to work with you so long as you provide them enough time. The best way to handle this is to reach out to them asking if they wouldn't mind writing you a recommendation because you believe they would be able to speak to (x) qualities that you have. In the case that you have to submit the letter yourself (rather than having them send it), when you ask them (NOT afterwards) tell them that you give your word that you will not read the letter should they not want you to, that you will just pass it on to the necessary recipient. If they believe in you enough to write your recommendation, they will trust your word. Most professionals understand that different programs have different methods of receiving materials and will understand that certain programs require all materials to come from the applicant.