Requesting a letter of recommendation can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step in many application processes. Whether it’s for college, graduate school, a job, or a scholarship, a strong recommendation can significantly boost your chances. Proper planning and respectful communication are key to securing effective letters.
The ideal approach involves identifying individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths and abilities. Provide them with ample time to write the letter and furnish them with all the necessary information, including your resume, transcripts, and a clear statement of your goals and aspirations for the application.
Remember to approach potential recommenders politely and professionally. A brief meeting, either in person or virtually, can help refresh their memory of your work and allow you to discuss your application in more detail. Following up with a thank-you note, regardless of their decision, is always a thoughtful gesture.
Selecting the right recommender is essential. Choose individuals who not only know you well but also hold a position of authority or expertise in a relevant field. A well-written letter from a respected source carries significant weight with admissions committees and employers.
Sample Letter of Recommendation Request
Here are 21 sample letter templates you can tailor to suit your specific needs and circumstances. Each template focuses on different aspects and purposes to cater to different scenarios.
Sample 1: General Request
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program/Position Name] at [Institution/Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
As you may recall, I was a student in your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year]. I believe your insights into my [Specific Skill/Trait] would be valuable to the admissions committee.
I have attached my resume and a personal statement outlining my goals. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf by [Date]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Specific Skill Focus
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for [Job Title] at [Company Name] and I am requesting a letter of recommendation from you. I believe you can speak to my skills in [Specific Skill] as you saw them when I was your [Your Role] at [Company/Project Name].
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume and a personal statement. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf by [Date]. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Request for Graduate School
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date]. I truly believe my skillset would make me a great asset to their next cohort.
As you know, I was in your [Course Name] during [Semester/Year]. I believe you can speak to my [Skill/Ability]. I am happy to provide additional resources.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Request with a Reminder
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I understand you are busy but wanted to kindly remind you about my letter of recommendation for [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
As you know, I was in your [Course Name] during [Semester/Year]. I believe you can speak to my [Skill/Ability] and [Skill/Ability]. I would be happy to meet to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Request for Scholarship
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application for the [Scholarship Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date]. I truly believe I would make a great recipient.
As you know, I worked with you on [Project/Program Name] during [Timeframe]. I believe you can speak to my [Skill/Ability]. I have attached my resume and scholarship information to this email.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Request for Internship
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application for an internship at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
During my time as a student in [Course Name] during [Semester/Year], I became very interested in [Field/Topic]. I believe I would greatly excel as an intern because of this.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Request with a Focus on Teamwork
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I am applying because I believe I will thrive in the environment, having gained a strong understanding of teamwork. My collaboration with you during [Project Name] really fostered my ability to be a strong team player.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Request for Professional Development
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for the [Professional Development Program Name] program. The deadline for submission is [Date].
As someone dedicated to improving their skills and work ethic, this would greatly benefit my career. I truly believe you can speak to my qualities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Request Focusing on Leadership
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for the [Leadership Program Name] program. The deadline for submission is [Date].
As someone dedicated to improving their leadership skills, I believe I would greatly excel in this program. You have helped me foster these skills when I worked with you on [Project/Program].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Request Following a Mentorship
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
As my mentor, I believe you would be able to greatly recommend me based on my skills, abilities, and interests.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: Request Following a Project Completion
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
You saw first hand my skills, abilities, and interests when working together on [Project Name]. I believe you would be able to write a great recommendation on my behalf.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: Request for Volunteering
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for volunteering with [Organization Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
As someone with an interest in helping others, I truly believe this is the right place for me. You have seen this quality in me throughout the semester in [Course Name].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13: Request for an Award Nomination
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application for the [Award Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
As someone who has worked diligently throughout the semester, I believe I would be a great candidate. I hope you feel the same.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14: Request with a Career Goal in Mind
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
Since my career goal is to work in [Field/Topic], I thought about the ways in which you could highlight me. You have seen firsthand how I have grown throughout [Timeframe].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15: Request for Further Education
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application for my master’s degree program at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
With the goal of furthering my education and career, I am excited about this new chapter. You have helped me greatly throughout my academic journey.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 16: Request for a Teaching Role
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application for the teaching role at [School/Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
As someone with a passion for learning and fostering growth for my students, I think I would be a great fit for the position. I hope you believe so as well.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 17: Request for Creative Skills
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
As you are aware, I am very passionate about [Artistic Field/Skill]. I believe you have seen this passion in my work.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 18: Request for Analytical Skills
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
Analytical skills are a high priority in [Field/Industry], which I strongly developed when working with you. I greatly appreciate any consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 19: Request with Flexibility and Adaptability
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
When working on [Project Name], I had to adapt to new circumstances, learning flexibility. I believe you can speak to that.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 20: Request for Problem Solving Abilities
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
When working on [Project Name], you helped me develop my problem-solving skills. I believe you can speak to that in your letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 21: Requesting a Letter for General Purposes
Dear [Professor/Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for general purposes. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe I have the skills and qualities of a qualified candidate, and hope you can speak to that in your letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
In conclusion, securing compelling letters of recommendation requires thoughtful planning, respectful communication, and a clear understanding of your goals. By following the tips and utilizing the sample letters provided, you can increase your chances of obtaining strong endorsements that enhance your applications and open doors to future opportunities.
