Requesting Recommendation Letters: Tips & Examples

Why a Strong Recommendation Matters

A compelling letter of recommendation can significantly impact your applications for jobs, graduate programs, scholarships, and other opportunities. It provides an objective perspective on your skills, accomplishments, and character, reinforcing the information presented in your resume or application. A well-written recommendation letter adds credibility and depth to your profile, demonstrating that others recognize your potential and value. Therefore, planning your request is critical.

Key Elements of a Successful Request

To ensure you receive a strong and timely letter, start by identifying individuals who know you well and can speak positively about your abilities and work ethic. Give them ample notice (at least 2-3 weeks) before the deadline. Clearly state the purpose of the letter and provide them with all necessary materials, such as your resume, transcript, a draft of your personal statement (if applicable), and any specific instructions from the institution or organization to which you’re applying. Finally, be polite and express your gratitude for their willingness to support your endeavors.

Making the Request: In-Person vs. Email

While an in-person request can be more personal, email is often the most convenient and efficient method, especially if your recommender is geographically distant. Regardless of the method you choose, be clear and concise in your communication. Briefly remind them of your relationship and any specific projects or accomplishments they witnessed firsthand. Offer to provide them with any additional information they may need to write a comprehensive and insightful letter. A follow-up email a week before the deadline is a courteous reminder.

Handling Potential Refusals

Sometimes, a recommender may decline your request, perhaps due to time constraints or a feeling that they cannot write a strong enough letter. If this happens, don’t take it personally. Thank them for their consideration and politely inquire if they might suggest someone else who could be a suitable recommender. Having alternative options prepared will help you avoid delays in your application process. Always be respectful of their time and decision.

Sample 1: Request from a Former Student to a Professor

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Program/Job Application]

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year], and I believe the skills and knowledge I gained were instrumental in my decision to pursue [Field of Study/Career Path].

I’ve attached my resume and a draft of my personal statement. The application deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter for me. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 2: Request from an Employee to a Manager

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation from you. As you know, I have greatly enjoyed my time working at [Company Name]. I am currently applying for a position at [New Company Name], and I believe a letter from you would significantly strengthen my application.

I am proud of the work I accomplished while working under your supervision. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. I would be happy to provide you with a resume and more information about the position.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 3: Focused on Specific Accomplishment

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I hope you are well. I am writing to you because of your deep knowledge of me and my work. I am currently in the process of applying for [Job or Program].

I am hoping that you will be able to provide a letter that speaks to my collaborative skills. The application deadline is [Date]. I am attaching my resume and the job description.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 4: From Volunteer to Supervisor

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well! I’m writing to you today to ask for a letter of recommendation to aid my application for [Volunteer/Job]. I was proud to volunteer at [Organization] under your guidance.

I’ve attached my resume for you to review. The deadline is [Date]. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 5: Requesting a Letter for an Internship

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I remember you as a professor who valued student development, so I wanted to ask you to consider writing a letter of recommendation for me for a [Internship] position.

This internship will allow me to develop a lot of the technical skills that you taught in your class. I’ve attached all the documents that I believe will be helpful. The deadline is [Date]. Thank you!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 6: Requesting a Letter Focused on Leadership

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I’m currently applying for a program at [Program] that I am certain that you’ll be impressed with. Given that you knew me during my time as [Role] at [Organization], I thought you would be the best person to ask to write a letter for me.

I’ve attached all of the relevant documents. The deadline is [Date]. Let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 7: Requesting a Letter After a Long Period of Time

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. It’s been quite a while since I took your class, but I wanted to see if you would be able to write a letter of recommendation for me for my [Job or Program] application.

I’m more than willing to schedule a time to meet so you can remember more about my performance. I can also provide a more detailed overview of my work. Let me know what you think!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 8: Recommendation for a Scholarship

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I was hoping to apply for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I am certain that with your insights into my academic capabilities, that you’ll be able to draft an amazing letter for me.

I will be attaching a copy of my resume, transcript, and scholarship guidelines. Do let me know if you’re available. The deadline is [Date].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 9: Highlighting Specific Qualities

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I’m requesting a letter of recommendation for a [Program Name] program that I’m applying to. Given that you guided my capstone project, I believe that you’ll be able to speak to my research and analytical capabilities.

I’m attaching a copy of my capstone project for your reference. Let me know if you need any more information! The deadline is [Date].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 10: From a Colleague to a Senior Employee

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Senior’s Name],

I greatly appreciate the guidance you’ve provided over my years here at [Organization]. I will now be applying to [Program Name], and I am looking to receive a letter that describes my professionalism.

If you are available, I would greatly appreciate it. I’m attaching all relevant documents, including my resume. Thank you for your consideration! The deadline is [Date].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 11: Addressing Lack of Recent Interaction

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I understand it’s been some time since you’ve taught me, but I’m hoping you remember my [Course Name] project. I would like a recommendation for [Program] to highlight my research capabilities.

If you require any more context, I’m willing to meet to provide any relevant information. The deadline is [Date]. Let me know!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 12: Emphasizing Career Goals

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I’m applying for [Program] to further develop my career and achieve my aspirations to be a [Goal]. Your course on [Course Name] greatly influenced my decisions, so I’m hoping that you’ll be able to draft a recommendation for me.

The deadline is [Date]. Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 13: Focusing on Specific Projects or Tasks

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Professor’s Name],

As you know, I had worked closely with you on the [Project] task for [Organization]. I am certain that because of this relationship, you will be able to talk about my ability to manage complexity.

Let me know if you’ll be available to write a recommendation for me, I’ve attached my resume for your reference. The deadline is [Date].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 14: Request for General Recommendation

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I am looking to build a portfolio of recommendations for future job applications. I am reaching out to you to see if you are willing to provide a general recommendation.

It will be a general reference letter that I can utilize at my disposal. If this is doable, let me know!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 15: Direct and Concise Request

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I am currently in the process of applying for [Program]. I’m certain you remember me, so I wanted to see if you’d be available to write a recommendation.

Thank you for your consideration. The deadline is [Date].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]