Need a strong letter of recommendation for a job, graduate school, or scholarship? Asking someone to write a letter on your behalf can feel daunting, but with a thoughtful approach and a well-crafted request, you can significantly increase your chances of getting a glowing endorsement. The key is to provide the recommender with sufficient information about yourself, the opportunity you’re pursuing, and clear guidelines on what you’d like them to highlight in their letter.
Before diving into sample request letters, consider who would be the best advocate for you. Think about individuals who know you well, can speak to your skills and accomplishments relevant to the opportunity, and are willing to invest the time and effort into writing a compelling letter. Remember to approach them well in advance of the deadline and be prepared to provide them with supporting materials such as your resume, transcripts, or a personal statement.
Your request should be clear, polite, and professional. Start by reminding the person of your relationship and expressing gratitude for their time. Then, clearly state the purpose of the recommendation and provide relevant details, such as the application deadline, the specific skills or qualities the opportunity is seeking, and any specific accomplishments you’d like them to emphasize. This gives them context and enables them to write a much more impactful letter.
Sample Letter 1: For Graduate School
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the Master’s program in Computer Science at [University Name]. I am planning to apply by [Date].
I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during my [Semester/Year] and learned a great deal about [Specific Topic]. Your lectures inspired me to further explore [Area of Interest], which is one of the reasons I’m applying to graduate school.
I have attached my resume and a copy of my transcript for your review. The program at [University Name] emphasizes [Specific skills/qualities sought], so if you could speak to my [Relevant skills/achievements from the course], it would be greatly appreciated.
Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. I would be happy to provide any further information you need. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2: For a Job Application
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I’m applying for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name], and I believe your insights into my work ethic and skills at [Previous Company/Project] would be invaluable.
As you know, I worked under your supervision as a [Your Role] from [Start Date] to [End Date] on the [Project Name] project. I gained valuable experience in [Specific skills relevant to the job]. The job description highlights the need for [Specific skills/qualities sought], such as [Skill 1] and [Skill 2].
I’ve attached my resume and the job description for your reference. The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter for me, and if so, what information would be most helpful for you.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: For a Scholarship
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date].
As my [Your Relationship – e.g., mentor, teacher, coach] at [Organization Name], you’ve witnessed my dedication to [Relevant Field] and my commitment to [Related Activity]. The scholarship emphasizes [Scholarship’s values/criteria], and I believe your insights into my [Relevant qualities/experiences] would be incredibly helpful.
I’ve attached my scholarship application materials, including my personal essay and transcripts. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf and if there is any additional information I can provide.
Thank you for your support and guidance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: Following up on initial conversation
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
Thank you again for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program at the University of X. I appreciate you taking the time. As you requested, I am providing the following:
A draft of my personal essay
My up-to-date resume
A detailed description of the program, the application requirements, and the letter of recommendation guidelines, which is attached.
The deadline for submitting the recommendation is [Date]. Please let me know if there is any other information that would be helpful for you as you write my letter. I am very grateful for your support!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Request from a student to professor
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name]:
I hope all is well. I enjoyed my time in your [Course Name] class last spring semester. I particularly remember enjoying [Specific topic you enjoyed]
I am writing because I am looking to apply for [School/Job]. Because I know you have written letters of recommendation in the past, I was hoping you might be willing to write one for me. If you are willing to write a letter, the deadline for submission is [date]. Here are the materials I can provide you with to make the letter strong:
*Resume
*Transcript
*Personal Essay
*The requirements of the specific job/school
Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me and what information might be most helpful for you. Thank you for your time and consideration!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Direct and Detailed
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date].
I value your opinion because you have first-hand experience with my work ethic, character, and performance. The Job requires people with [Requirement] and I believe I embody that.
Here are a few points you could discuss in the letter:
1. Experience in [Job Experience]
2. Great work ethic
3. Hard working Character
Please let me know if you are able to write a letter and if there is anything else I can do to help you! I can provide examples or talking points to make it easy!
Thank you for all you do.
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: Polite and Professional
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to respectfully request a letter of recommendation.
As someone who has witnessed me at my best, both academically and ethically, I am confident in your ability to provide a strong endorsement for my application.
I greatly appreciate your time and am confident that your recommendation will positively influence my chances of acceptance. Please let me know when you are able to complete this. Thank you in advance for your time and help!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Focused on a specific skill or achievement
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m reaching out to you today to request a letter of recommendation for a [position].
During our time working together on [projects], I had the opportunity to see your exceptional [Skill/Achievement] skills. I particularly remember your [achievement].
I have a feeling this position aligns perfectly with my current skill set and you are someone that I know can write about my [Skill/Achievement] skills! Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation by [Date].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: For volunteer experience
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my volunteer work with [organization].
I believe your insights into my dedication and contributions would be invaluable in helping me secure the resources needed to continue my efforts.
Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide to assist you in writing your recommendation.
Thank you so much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: If you have not stayed in touch
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. It has been too long, but I hope you are well.
I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me.I’m applying for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name], and I believe your insights into my work ethic and skills at [Previous Company/Project] would be invaluable. I am trying to see if you could write a letter of recommendation to help me with my application!
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter for me, and if so, what information would be most helpful for you.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I hope to hear from you soon!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11: Very simple ask
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to request if you will write me a letter of recommendation to support my application for [application]. I believe your insights into me would make this letter be very powerful!
Let me know when you are able to do this, and if there is anything else I can do to help you! I can provide examples or talking points to make it easy!
Thank you for all you do.
Best,
[Your Name]
In conclusion, remember that requesting a letter of recommendation is a process. Be prepared, be polite, and provide all necessary information to your recommender. By following these guidelines and utilizing the sample letters as inspiration, you’ll be well on your way to securing strong letters of recommendation that will significantly enhance your applications.
