Why Recommendation Letters Matter
A strong letter of recommendation can significantly impact your chances of success in various endeavors, from college admissions and scholarship applications to job searches and graduate school applications. These letters offer a valuable third-party perspective on your skills, character, and potential, providing insights that go beyond your resume or transcript. Taking the time to request them properly is crucial.
The Art of Asking: Best Practices
Start by identifying individuals who know you well and can speak confidently and positively about your abilities. Approach them politely and professionally, ideally in person or via email, well in advance of the deadline. Provide them with all the necessary information, including your resume/CV, a personal statement (if applicable), and specific details about the opportunity you’re pursuing. Be clear about the deadline and offer to answer any questions they may have. And always remember to express your gratitude for their time and effort, regardless of whether they agree to write a letter.
Essential Information to Provide
To help your recommenders write compelling letters, provide them with context and direction. Share your resume, transcript, and a brief summary of your accomplishments and goals. Explain why you’re seeking their recommendation and what you hope to achieve. Highlight specific experiences or skills you’d like them to emphasize in their letter. Don’t be afraid to offer talking points or specific anecdotes that showcase your strengths and suitability for the opportunity.
Sample Recommendation Request Letters
Sample Letter 1: From Student to Professor
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year]. I’m writing to you today to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name].
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume, transcript, and a brief statement of purpose that provides further information about my background and goals. I particularly valued your insights during [Specific Project/Assignment] and believe you have a good understanding of my analytical and problem-solving abilities. Please let me know if this is something you’re able to assist with. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 2: From Employee to Former Manager
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I trust this email finds you in good health. As you know, I worked as a [Your Job Title] at [Company Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I’m currently applying for a [Job Title] position at [New Company Name] and would greatly appreciate it if you would write a letter of recommendation for me.
I’ve attached my resume and the job description for your review. I believe your insights into my [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2] skills, particularly demonstrated during the [Project Name] project, would be invaluable. The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to provide a recommendation, and if so, what information you require from me.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 3: To an Advisor or Mentor
Dear [Advisor/Mentor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for [Purpose – e.g., a scholarship application, internship, etc.]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
As my advisor/mentor during [Time Period/Project], you have witnessed my dedication to [Field of Study/Area of Interest]. I believe your perspective on my [Specific Skill] and [Another Specific Skill] would be particularly helpful. I have attached my resume and a brief description of [Purpose] for your review. Please let me know if you’re able to assist me with this request.
Thank you for your ongoing support and guidance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 4: Requesting a Recommendation via LinkedIn
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out because I’m applying for a [Job Title/Program] at [Company/Institution], and I believe a recommendation from you would be incredibly valuable.
I especially value your insights into my [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which I honed during our time working together on [Project/Initiative]. If you’re willing, a recommendation highlighting these skills would be greatly appreciated. The deadline is [Date]. I’d be happy to provide you with my resume and any other information you might need. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Following Up on a Previous Request
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my previous request for a letter of recommendation, which I sent on [Date of Initial Request]. The deadline for submitting the letter is fast approaching on [Date].
I understand you’re very busy, and I appreciate you considering my request. Please let me know if you require any further information from me or if you’re unable to write the letter at this time. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Acknowledging the Recommender’s Time
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Opportunity]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I know your time is valuable, and I truly appreciate you considering my request. I’ve attached my resume and a brief statement of purpose to provide you with more context. Please let me know if you are able to provide a recommendation, and what materials you might need from me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: To a Volunteer Coordinator or Supervisor
Dear [Coordinator/Supervisor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m applying for [Opportunity] and I would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. I volunteered with [Organization Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
During my time volunteering, I [Specific Accomplishment] and [Another Specific Accomplishment]. I believe you can speak to my [Skill 1] and [Skill 2]. The deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume and a brief description of [Opportunity]. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter of recommendation.
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Requesting a Recommendation for Graduate School
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name] for graduate studies.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume, transcript, a brief statement of purpose, and the specific requirements for the letter of recommendation. I am particularly interested in [Specific Research Area] within [Field of Study], and I believe your insights on my [Specific Skill] and [Another Specific Skill], as demonstrated in your course, would be valuable to the admissions committee. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter of recommendation and if you need any further information from me. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 9: Giving Recommender Context to Speak About
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m applying for the [Opportunity/Position] at [Company/Organization], and I was hoping you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
Specifically, I was hoping you could speak to my [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] as they relate to [Specific Project/Task] we worked on together. Your insights into my ability to [Specific achievement from project/task] would be extremely helpful. I’ve attached my resume and a more detailed description of the opportunity. Please let me know if you’re able to help, and if so, if there’s anything else I can provide.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Requesting recommendation letters can feel daunting, but by following these tips and utilizing these sample letters, you can increase your chances of securing strong and impactful endorsements. Remember to be proactive, polite, and provide your recommenders with all the necessary information to write compelling letters that highlight your best qualities and potential for success. Good luck!
