Mastering the Art of the Recommendation Request
Securing a strong letter of recommendation can significantly impact your applications for college, graduate school, or employment opportunities. The key lies in making a thoughtful and professional request. Start by identifying individuals who know you well and can speak to your skills, qualifications, and character. It’s crucial to give your recommenders ample time – ideally at least a month – to write a compelling letter. Prepare a comprehensive package including your resume, personal statement (if applicable), and a clear explanation of the position or program you’re applying for. This gives them the information they need to craft a targeted and impactful recommendation.
Essential Elements of a Successful Request
A well-crafted request goes beyond a simple email. Show your appreciation for the recommender’s time and effort by acknowledging their busy schedule. Clearly state your purpose for needing the letter and the specific deadline. Highlight key achievements or experiences you’d like them to emphasize in their letter. This provides a helpful framework and ensures the recommendation aligns with your application goals. Follow up politely a week or two before the deadline to ensure everything is on track, addressing any questions they might have.
15 Sample Request Letter Scenarios
Below are 15 different scenarios for requesting letters of recommendation, tailored to various situations. Remember to adapt these templates to reflect your unique relationship with the recommender and the specific requirements of your application. Pay close attention to the tone and level of formality appropriate for each individual.
Sample 1: College Application Request from Student to Teacher
Dear Mr./Ms. [Teacher’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [University Name]. I truly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during my [Grade Level] year, and I believe you have a strong understanding of my academic abilities, particularly in [Specific Skill].
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume and a brief statement outlining my goals. Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me? Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Job Application Request from Employee to Manager
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. During my [Number] years at [Current Company], I have consistently strived to exceed expectations in my role as [Your Current Role]. I believe my work on [Specific Project] demonstrates my [Specific Skill] and [Another Specific Skill].
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume and the job description for your review. I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider writing a letter on my behalf.
Thank you for your time and leadership.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Graduate School Application Request from Alumnus 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 in [Year]. I am currently applying to the [Program Name] program at [University Name], and I was hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me.
Your course significantly influenced my decision to pursue [Field of Study]. I was particularly inspired by [Specific Topic/Project]. The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and personal statement. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Request from Intern to Supervisor
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to you today to respectfully request a letter of recommendation. As you know, I interned with [Company Name] in the [Department] department this past [Season]. I am now applying for [Type of Opportunity, e.g., full-time jobs, graduate programs] and believe your perspective on my work ethic and skills would be invaluable.
During my internship, I particularly enjoyed [Specific Task or Project] and learned a great deal about [Industry/Skill]. The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume and a brief description of the opportunities I am applying for. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Scholarship Application Request
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship, which would greatly assist me in pursuing my studies in [Field of Study] at [University Name]. I would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf.
I believe your insights into my [Specific Quality, e.g., dedication to community service, academic achievements] would be particularly helpful in strengthening my application. The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, personal statement, and the scholarship application guidelines. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Requesting a Character Reference
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to request a character reference in support of my application for [Opportunity, e.g., volunteer position, leadership role]. As someone who has known me for [Number] years, I believe you can provide valuable insights into my character, work ethic, and commitment to [Values].
The application requires a brief statement outlining my personal qualities. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if this is something you can assist with. I truly value your opinion.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Request from a Volunteer to Volunteer Coordinator
Dear [Coordinator’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for [Job/Program Name]. My time volunteering with [Organization Name] has been invaluable, and I believe your perspective on my dedication and skills would be very helpful.
During my time volunteering, I particularly enjoyed [Specific Task or Project] and learned a great deal about [Skill Learned]. The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume and a brief description of the opportunities I am applying for. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Requesting a Letter After a Long Time
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 back in [Year]. I understand it has been some time, but I’m hoping you might remember me. I am currently applying to [Type of Program/Job] and believe your insights from my time in your class would be valuable.
Specifically, I remember [Specific Project or Discussion] and how it influenced my current interests in [Field]. The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a brief statement of purpose, and a refresher on my past work. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: Request Emphasizing a Specific Skill
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Program/Job]. I am particularly hoping you can speak to my skills in [Specific Skill, e.g., leadership, problem-solving, communication]. You witnessed my skills in this area during [Specific Situation or Project] when I [Action Taken].
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume and a document highlighting specific achievements where I demonstrated this skill. Your support would mean a great deal.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Request After a Successful Project
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
Following the successful completion of the [Project Name] project, I am writing to request a letter of recommendation. I am applying for [Program/Job] and believe your insights into my contributions and the skills I demonstrated during the project would greatly strengthen my application.
Specifically, I am hoping you can speak to my [Specific Skills, e.g., teamwork, analytical abilities, project management] and the positive impact I had on the project’s outcome. The deadline is [Date]. I have attached a project summary and my resume for your reference.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: Request from Peer (If Appropriate)
Dear [Peer’s Name],
I’m writing to see if you’d be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I’m applying for [Program/Job] and thought your perspective as a colleague/classmate who has witnessed my [Specific Skill or Trait] would be valuable. We worked closely on [Project/Task] and you saw firsthand my [Specific Contribution].
The deadline is [Date]. I can share my resume and some notes about what I’m hoping to highlight in my application. No pressure, but I’d really appreciate it!
Thanks,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: Request for a Letter of Continued Support
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. You wrote a letter of recommendation for me back in [Year] for [Purpose], and I’m now applying for [New Opportunity – e.g., a more advanced program, a promotion]. I was hoping you might be willing to write an updated letter.
Since then, I have [Briefly Describe Key Achievements and Growth]. The deadline is [Date]. I’ve attached my original application materials and an updated resume for your review. Thank you again for your previous support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13: Request Highlighting Learning from Criticism
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Program/Job]. I recall our conversation about [Specific Feedback] and I wanted to demonstrate how I’ve grown and improved since then. I believe your perspective on this transformation would be invaluable.
Since that conversation, I have [Specific Actions Taken to Improve] and I am now seeing [Positive Results]. The deadline is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume and a brief reflection on the feedback I received.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14: Request for Academic Recommendation Focusing on Research
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for [Graduate Program Name]. I am especially interested in [Specific Research Area], and I believe my experience in your [Course Name] class, particularly the [Research Project Name] project, prepared me well for advanced study.
I am hoping you could speak to my research skills, including my ability to [Specific Skills – e.g., analyze data, formulate hypotheses, conduct literature reviews]. The deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a copy of my research paper, and a statement of purpose.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15: Request for Work-Related Recommendation Focusing on Leadership
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. This role requires strong leadership skills, and I believe my experience as [Your Role] at [Current Company] has provided me with a strong foundation in this area.
Specifically, I am hoping you can speak to my ability to [Specific Leadership Skills – e.g., motivate teams, delegate tasks, resolve conflicts, make strategic decisions]. I would particularly appreciate it if you could mention the [Specific Project] where I demonstrated these skills. The deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume and the job description.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion: The Path to a Powerful Recommendation
Requesting a letter of recommendation should be approached strategically and thoughtfully. By selecting the right recommenders, providing them with ample information, and expressing your appreciation, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving a strong and impactful letter. Remember to personalize your requests and tailor them to each individual and situation. A well-crafted request demonstrates your professionalism and respect for the recommender’s time, ultimately leading to a more compelling and effective letter.
