Crafting the Perfect Recommendation Request Email
Securing strong recommendation letters is crucial for academic applications, job opportunities, and scholarship pursuits. A well-crafted email not only makes the request clear but also demonstrates your professionalism and respect for the recommender’s time. Remember to personalize each email, providing context about your relationship with the recommender and specific details about the opportunity you’re pursuing.
Key Elements of a Successful Request
The most effective request includes a clear subject line, a polite and respectful tone, and a brief overview of your achievements and goals. Be sure to attach relevant documents such as your resume, personal statement, or a description of the opportunity. Most importantly, provide ample time for the recommender to write a thoughtful and compelling letter.
Always express your gratitude for their consideration, even if they are unable to fulfill your request. Offering alternatives, such as a specific outline or talking points, can also be helpful. A follow-up email is essential to ensure they have all the information they need and to gently remind them of the deadline.
21 Sample Recommendation Request Emails
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Opportunity 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 [Opportunity Name] at [Institution/Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I greatly enjoyed your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year], where I particularly benefited from [Specific topic or skill learned]. I believe my work on [Specific project or assignment] demonstrates my [Relevant skill] abilities, which are relevant to this opportunity.
I have attached my resume and a brief description of the [Opportunity Name] for your review. Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me?
Please let me know if you require any further information. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Dr. [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you in good health.
I am applying for a position as a [Job Title] at [Company Name] and I was hoping you might be able to write a letter of recommendation for me.
I really value the time you spent teaching me about [subject] in your [class] class. I also remember the conversations we had during office hours about [topic].
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me?
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request for [Job Title] – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The job description emphasizes [Key skills/qualifications] and I believe my experience in [Relevant projects/experiences] aligns well with their requirements.
During my time working under your supervision at [Company Name], I consistently demonstrated [Specific achievements and skills]. I am confident that your insights into my work ethic and abilities would be valuable to my application.
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume and the job description for your reference. Please let me know if you are able to support my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Request for Recommendation – [Your Name] – [University Program]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well.
I am applying to the [University Program] program at [University Name] for the [Fall/Spring] [Year] semester and I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. The deadline for submissions is [Date].
I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] course, and I believe my performance in [Specific assignment/project] showcased my understanding of [Key concepts]. Your insights into my academic abilities would greatly strengthen my application.
I have attached my resume, transcript, and a statement of purpose for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Scholarship Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you’re having a good week.
I’m applying for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship, which is awarded to students who [Scholarship Criteria]. I believe my experiences in [Relevant Activities] align well with this scholarship’s goals. The deadline for the recommendation is [Date].
I really appreciate the guidance and support you’ve provided me over the years, especially during [Specific Instance]. Your insights into my character and work ethic would be incredibly valuable in my application.
I’ve attached my resume and scholarship application details. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter for me. Thank you so much for your consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Letter Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am hoping you are doing well.
I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation to help me land a job as a [Job Title] at [Company Name].
I learned a lot from working under your supervision. During my time at [Your company Name], I consistently demonstrated [skill] and [skill].
I have attached my resume and job description for your reference. Please let me know if you are able to support my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Graduate School Application
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The application deadline is [Date].
I found your [Course Name] class particularly insightful and believe it solidified my interest in [Specific Field]. My performance in [Specific project/assignment] demonstrated my ability to [Relevant Skill].
I have attached my resume, transcript, and statement of purpose for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter in support of my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Request for Recommendation – [Your Name]
Dear [Professor’s Name],
I am writing to respectfully ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me.
I believe that your guidance helped me greatly with [Specific subject].
Let me know if you are able to support me. I have attached my resume, and a transcript to this email.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Fellowship/Program Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for the [Fellowship/Program Name] and I would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. The deadline for submission is [Date].
Your guidance and mentorship during [Specific Project/Experience] were invaluable to my development in [Relevant Skill/Area]. I believe your insights would be particularly relevant to the selection committee, as this fellowship emphasizes [Key Criteria].
I have attached my application materials and a brief overview of the [Fellowship/Program Name]. Please let me know if you are able to support my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you’re doing great!
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I’d be incredibly grateful if you’d be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. The deadline is [Date].
I really valued your guidance and mentorship during [Specific Experience]. I especially appreciated your advice on [Specific Skill/Topic], which helped me tremendously in [Achievement].
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application. Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would be truly grateful if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. The submission deadline is [Date].
I particularly appreciated your help during [time/project].
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would be truly grateful if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
I worked at [company] under your supervision. I would like to ask for your help with a letter of recommendation.
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would be so grateful if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline to submit is [Date].
During the [experience/project/time] I learned a lot with you. I believe that you will make the perfect recommender.
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would be really grateful if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. The final date is [Date].
Please help with a letter of recommendation, I was under your supervision for so long.
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you are doing great.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would be so grateful if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. It is due [Date].
Your feedback and help were a great asset to me in getting to where I am now. I believe that you are the best recommender for me.
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would be deeply grateful if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. It is due [Date].
Your teaching experience was a great help and your comments a greater asset.
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would be truly honored if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. It needs to be in by [Date].
I have been your student for a long time, and would be honored if you wrote me a letter of recommendation.
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would love if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. Its due by [Date].
I was your student, I hope you can help with this request.
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would be honored if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. The application is due by [Date].
I was a student of your, and learned a lot about [subject].
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would be truly grateful if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. The due date is [Date].
During the time that I was under your supervision, your comments were incredibly helpful in getting me where I am now.
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out because I’m applying for [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution] and I would be incredibly honored if you’d consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. I need a letter of recommendation by [Date].
I hope you can help me with a letter of recommendation. Your guidance was a big help.
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of [Position/Program]. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Conclusion
By using these email templates as a starting point and tailoring them to your specific situation, you can increase your chances of securing compelling letters of recommendation. Remember to be polite, provide sufficient information, and give your recommenders ample time to respond. Following these guidelines will demonstrate your professionalism and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.
