trouble getting recommendation letter.. advice needed!

[dann023]

I need to obtain 2 - 3 letter of recommendation for job interviews/applying for new grad program. Best possible from clinical instructor.

My problem is - It's been a year since I graduated! my professor doesn't really remember me especially the one from earlier semesters.. I mean they recognize me, but don't know much about me outside school - I did very well in all my clinical, but was always too intimidated talk to my instructor other than school related question - yes, lesson learned - I should've make myself talk more even though I didn't feel comfortable.. - but it's too late now

when I emailed one of my instructor and she was very honest with me and replied

"My concern now is that a letter from me might not be as substantial as one from a more recent instructor. It's been 3 years since I had you as a student, and since we haven't been in touch since that time, I'm uncomfortable speaking to your current qualifications. If I wrote you a letter, it would be rather generic. Is there someone else that could better speak to your qualifications?

I just want you to have the best opportunity to get a strong letter of recommendation from a more current source.

Let me know..."

I don't really know what to do.

does the letter sounds like she doesn't want to write the letter? I don't know how to reply the email at the moment.. I want the letter (it's better than no letter at all) but I also don't want to sound desperate and pushy (even though I am desperate)..

I can try to obtain LOR from different professor, but I am feeling I might get the same response, or even no reply.

my most recent instructor (6th semester) already retired so she didn't even reply to my email.

We had public health for 5th semester, my clinical instructor almost never saw us, except during community project presentation and occasional post conference. we weren't in hospital setting. so I didn't ask her yet.

my 4th sem. pediatric clinical instructor, was from fall 2009.. so it's been 3 years as well. (I think I might have similar response.. I wasn't close with this instructor..)

[caliotter3]

Strange, because as far as I know, our instructors wrote letters for people, even if only something generic. A generic letter is better than nothing at all, so I would approach her again. And try to think of some points about yourself to help her with the process. That might be all that it takes to get her to be a little more enthusiastic.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

What have you been doing for the past year? Perhaps a job rec would better suit you over an academic one?

Honestly, if you approached me and I responded like that letter, that is my nice way of saying that I am not going to write you a good letter so perhaps you should look elsewhere. It's a courtesy before writing a generic letter; schools and employers know exactly what a generic letter means.

Is there no one at you school that you were friendly with? A mentor?

[LiLev]

I recently requested a letter of recommendation from my micro professor from 2 years ago for a scholarship and in my email requesting the letter I gave him an "update" on my personal and professional goals and accomplishment and; sure enough, his letter included those items. I think you just need to give them something to work with.

Good luck!

[Stephalump]

It sounds like your old professor was being pretty straight forward. Generic letters are not GOOD letters. Good letters of recommendation are detailed and specific and speak of excellence in particular areas, not just "So and so was a delightful student and had a good GPA." Three years could very well be too long to get a letter like that, and it could hurt you to include it in an application. It sounds like she was looking out for your best interest.

I think the idea to offer up an "update" on what you've been doing over the past three years is a good idea. It may not work, but it's worth a shot. Don't let the fear of "no" keep you from asking - some professors might be willing! Good luck!