Obtaining strong letters of recommendation is crucial for college applications, job searches, and scholarship opportunities. The key to a successful request lies in preparation and respect for the recommender’s time. Don’t just send a generic email; personalize your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest. Start by identifying individuals who know you well and can speak to your skills, character, and potential. Remember, a well-crafted request significantly increases your chances of receiving a compelling and impactful letter.
The request process should begin well in advance, ideally at least one month before the deadline. This allows your recommender ample time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter. In your initial communication, clearly state your purpose, provide relevant information about the opportunity you’re pursuing, and highlight specific accomplishments or experiences you’d like them to address. Make it easy for them to say “yes” by providing all the necessary materials, such as your resume, a personal statement, and any specific requirements for the letter.
Follow-up communication is essential. A gentle reminder a week or two before the deadline ensures your request remains top-of-mind. Offer to answer any questions they may have and express your gratitude for their time and effort. Even after the letter is submitted, send a thank-you note to acknowledge their support and express your appreciation for their willingness to advocate on your behalf. This simple gesture demonstrates professionalism and strengthens your relationship with your recommender.
23 Sample Requests for Recommendation Letters
Here are 23 sample requests for recommendation letters tailored to different situations. Remember to personalize them with your own details.
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Email Example 1: College Application (Professor)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – College Application
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [University Name] for the [Major] program. I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year], particularly the [Specific Project or Topic] project where I [Specific Achievement].
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and personal statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID] -
Email Example 2: Job Application (Supervisor)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Job Application
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and I believe a letter of recommendation from you would be highly beneficial to my application. During my time at [Company Name], I reported directly to you for [Number] years and developed skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2] and [Skill 3].
The application deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume and the job description for your reference. Please let me know if you are able to provide a letter.
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 3: Scholarship Application (Mentor)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Scholarship Application
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I believe this scholarship would greatly assist me in pursuing my [Educational Goal]. As my mentor, you have witnessed my [Specific Quality or Achievement] and I believe you could speak to my qualifications effectively.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached the scholarship application requirements and my resume for your review.
Thank you,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 4: Internship Application (Professor)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Internship – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for an internship at [Company Name] in [Department]. I was hoping to have you write this letter because you instructed me in [Course Name], where I was able to excel by [Specific Achievement in the Course].
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and the job description for your reference. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 5: Graduate School Application (Advisor)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Graduate School – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for graduate school at [University Name] for the [Major] program. You were an amazing advisor and I believe you are best suited to write a letter for me based on the work and projects we have done together.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and personal statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 6: Volunteer Application (Coordinator)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Volunteer – [Your Name]
Dear [Coordinator’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for volunteering at [Organization Name]. As a member of the organization, I believe my accomplishments in the various projects have set me up to be the best candidate.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and volunteer statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 7: Program Application (Director)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Program Application – [Your Name]
Dear [Director’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Program Name] program. You have been an amazing mentor and helped with my career development.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and volunteer statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 8: Club Membership Application (President)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Membership – [Your Name]
Dear [President’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for becoming a member of [Club Name]. I am confident that I can provide value to the club and would greatly appreciate if you could write a letter for me.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and volunteer statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 9: Community Project Application (Leader)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Project – [Your Name]
Dear [Leader’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for [Community Project] program. You have shown strong leadership and I am hoping that you can write a letter for me.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and project statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 10: Research Program Application (Supervisor)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Research – [Your Name]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for [Research Program] program. I am confident in our work together and believe that you will be the best to write a letter for me.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and research statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 11: Fellowship Application (Advisor)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Fellowship – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Fellowship Name] fellowship. Your guidance during my [Project/Course] was invaluable, and I believe your insights into my [Skills/Qualities] would significantly strengthen my application.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a draft of my fellowship application, and the guidelines for the letter of recommendation. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 12: Professional Certification (Manager)
Subject: Recommendation Request – Professional Certification – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to obtain the [Certification Name] certification. I believe this certification will enhance my skills and contributions to the team. During my time working under your supervision, I have consistently demonstrated [Specific Skills/Achievements].
The application deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume and the certification requirements for your reference. Please let me know if you are able to provide a letter.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 13: Study Abroad Program (Professor)
Subject: Recommendation Request – Study Abroad Program – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Study Abroad Program Name] study abroad program in [Country]. I believe this program will significantly enhance my understanding of [Subject Area] and broaden my global perspective. I particularly enjoyed our discussions during [Specific Course/Project] and learned a great deal from your insights.
The application deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a statement of purpose for the program, and the specific requirements for the recommendation letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 14: Mentorship Program (Coordinator)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Mentorship – [Your Name]
Dear [Coordinator’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for [Mentorship Program] program. You have been an amazing mentor and I believe that your insight would benefit me the most.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and mentorship statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 15: Job Promotion (Manager)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Promotion – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Promotion] at [Company Name]. You have been a wonderful manager and I believe your insight would benefit me the most.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and job promotion statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 16: Business Loan (Banker)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Business Loan – [Your Name]
Dear [Banker’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Business Loan]. You have been a wonderful advisor and I believe your insight would benefit me the most.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and business loan statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 17: Public Office Nomination (Community Leader)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Public Office – [Your Name]
Dear [Leader’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Public Office]. You have been a wonderful advisor and I believe your insight would benefit me the most.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and job promotion statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 18: Professional Award (Colleague)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – Award – [Your Name]
Dear [Colleague’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Professional Award]. You have been a wonderful colleague and I believe your insight would benefit me the most.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 19: Art Residency Program (Professor)
Subject: Recommendation Request – Art Residency – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Residency Name] art residency program. I believe this program aligns perfectly with my artistic goals and will allow me to further develop my skills and explore new creative directions. I particularly valued your feedback during [Specific Critique/Project] and learned a great deal from your guidance.
The application deadline is [Date]. I have attached my artist statement, portfolio, and the specific requirements for the recommendation letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 20: Film School (Filmmaker)
Subject: Recommendation Request – Film School – [Your Name]
Dear [Filmmaker’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Film School Name]’s [Program Name] program. Your work on [Specific Film/Project] has been a major inspiration to me, and I believe a recommendation from you would be incredibly valuable. As a student in your [Workshop/Class], I demonstrated my passion for filmmaking through [Specific Achievements].
The application deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a link to my film portfolio, and the requirements for the letter of recommendation. Please let me know if you are able to provide a letter.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 21: Medical School (Physician)
Subject: Recommendation Request – Medical School – [Your Name]
Dear Dr. [Physician’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to medical school. Shadowing you at [Hospital Name] was an incredible experience, reinforcing my passion for medicine and allowing me to witness the dedication and compassion required to succeed. I believe your perspective on my [Skills/Qualities] would be invaluable.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, personal statement, and the medical school’s guidelines for recommendation letters. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 22: Legal Internship (Lawyer)
Subject: Recommendation Request – Legal Internship – [Your Name]
Dear [Lawyer’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a legal internship at [Law Firm Name] in [Area of Law]. I believe this internship would provide valuable experience and deepen my understanding of the legal field. As your research assistant during [Semester/Year], I demonstrated my strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
The application deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and the internship description. Please let me know if you are able to provide a letter.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] -
Email Example 23: Academic Conference Presentation (Professor)
Subject: Recommendation Request – Conference Presentation – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my proposal to present at the [Conference Name] academic conference. I believe this conference would provide an excellent platform to share my research on [Research Topic] and network with leading experts in the field. Your guidance and support during my [Research Project/Thesis] were instrumental in developing my research skills.
The submission deadline is [Date]. I have attached my abstract, a brief outline of my presentation, and the conference guidelines for recommendation letters. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
In conclusion, requesting a letter of recommendation is a strategic process. By choosing recommenders who know you well, providing ample notice and detailed information, and following up with gratitude, you significantly increase your chances of securing a strong letter that enhances your application. Remember that building relationships with professors, supervisors, and mentors is crucial for future opportunities, and a well-managed request can strengthen those bonds.
