Ace Your Application: Requesting a Recommendation Letter

Securing a strong letter of recommendation is crucial for applications to graduate school, scholarships, internships, and jobs. Professors, often busy with research, teaching, and other commitments, require advance notice and a clear understanding of your goals. A well-crafted request demonstrates your respect for their time and increases the likelihood of receiving a compelling endorsement. This guide provides actionable advice and sample letters to help you navigate the process effectively.

Before reaching out, reflect on your relationship with the professor. Have you actively participated in their class, sought their advice during office hours, or collaborated on any projects? The stronger your connection, the more personalized and impactful their recommendation will be. Remember to provide them with ample time (ideally 4-6 weeks) to write the letter, along with relevant materials such as your resume, transcript, and a personal statement outlining your aspirations.

Your request should be concise and respectful. Clearly state the purpose of your request, highlighting the specific programs or positions you are applying for and the deadline for submission. Explain why you believe they are well-suited to write a recommendation for you, referencing specific examples of your work or contributions in their class. Demonstrate your genuine appreciation for their guidance and mentorship.

After sending your initial request, follow up politely a week before the deadline to ensure they have everything they need. Express your gratitude for their willingness to support your endeavors. Finally, regardless of the outcome of your application, send a thank-you note acknowledging their efforts and informing them of your decision. Maintaining a positive relationship with your professors can be invaluable throughout your academic and professional journey.

Sample Letter 1: General Request

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 to [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year], and I believe the knowledge and skills I gained there would be invaluable in my future studies. I was particularly interested in [Specific topic discussed in class]. I have attached my resume and personal statement for your review.

Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation for me. I would be happy to provide any additional information you may need.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 2: Highlighting Specific Skills

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The application deadline is [Date].

Your [Course Name] course was instrumental in developing my [Specific skill, e.g., data analysis] abilities. I believe this skill, which I honed through [Specific project or assignment], directly aligns with the requirements of this role. I was particularly proud of [Specific accomplishment in the course]. I have attached my resume and a cover letter outlining my qualifications.

Would you be willing to write a letter highlighting my [Specific skill] and my overall aptitude for this position? Please let me know if you require any further information from me.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 3: Mentioning Research Experience

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am applying to [Graduate Program Name] at [University Name] and would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. The deadline for the application is [Date].

I learned a great deal from you in [Course Name], particularly your lectures on [Specific topic]. Furthermore, my experience as a research assistant in your lab, focusing on [Research area], provided me with invaluable skills in [Specific skills gained]. I am confident these experiences have prepared me for graduate-level research. I have attached my resume, transcript, and statement of purpose for your review.

Please let me know if you are able to support my application with a letter of recommendation. I am happy to discuss my qualifications and aspirations further.

Thank you for your time and guidance.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 4: Focusing on a Project

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for a [Scholarship/Fellowship Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I believe my performance in your [Course Name] class, and particularly the [Project Name] project, demonstrated my [Skills demonstrated]. I am applying for this [Scholarship/Fellowship] because I want to further explore [Areas of interest] and I believe your insights into my abilities in this area would be invaluable. I have attached my resume and the project report for your convenience.

Would you be willing to write a letter highlighting my capabilities based on that project? Please let me know if this is possible and if you need any further information.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 5: Internship Application

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me in support of my application for a [Internship Name] at [Company Name]. The deadline for application submission is [Date].

I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year] and I feel that the skills and theories discussed would be very beneficial to me in this internship. I would love the opportunity to implement the theories learned in your class into a real-world experience at [Company Name]. My experience in [Relevant skills or course project] would make me a strong candidate for this internship. I have attached my resume and a copy of the internship description for your reference.

Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation for me. I can provide more information about the internship if required.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 6: Addressing a Specific Requirement in the 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 [Specific Program/Opportunity]. The deadline for submitting the recommendation letter is [Date].

In the application requirements, there’s a specific emphasis on [Specific skill or trait]. Given my strong performance and your insightful feedback in your [Course Name] class, particularly regarding [Specific project or assignment], I believe you’re uniquely positioned to speak to my [Specific skill or trait]. I’ve attached my resume, personal statement, and the relevant section of the application requirements for your convenience.

I would be honored if you could highlight this [Specific skill or trait] in your recommendation. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter and if you require any further information from me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 7: Request after a long time gap

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 am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submitting the recommendation letter is [Date]. Although it has been a while since I was in your class, I distinctly remember the lessons learned in your class.

I have been working in [industry] since graduation, where I have developed my [Specific skill]. I will be grateful if you can provide a letter of recommendation based on your memory of me as a student. I have attached my resume, personal statement, and transcript for your reference.

I understand it has been some time, but I truly valued your teaching and guidance. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 8: Request for a specific field that Prof is an expert

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 [Specific Field/Program] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

Your expertise in [Professor’s Field of Expertise] is highly regarded, and your [Course Name] class provided me with a strong foundation in this area. My research on [Related Topic] further solidified my interest in this field. Given your deep knowledge and experience, I believe you would be an excellent person to speak to my potential in [Specific Field/Program]. I have attached my resume, a summary of my research, and my personal statement.

I would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation highlighting my passion and potential in [Professor’s Field of Expertise]. Please let me know if you are able to do so.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 9: Application for a job that is related to the Prof’s field of study

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last 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], which is closely related to your area of expertise in [Professors field of study]. The application deadline is [Date].

I remember the lessons learned in your class, specifically [Course Name] class where I learned about [Topic related to Job role]. I am confident that your insights into my ability to contribute to a role within [Professors field of study] would greatly enhance my application.

I have attached my resume and job description. Thank you so much for the assistance and guidance.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 10: Letter of Recommendation as a PhD student

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Specific Award/Fellowship/Position] application, with a deadline of [Date]. This opportunity directly supports my PhD research in [Research Area].

The insights you provided in [Course Name], particularly during discussions on [Specific Topic], have been invaluable in shaping my research direction. Your guidance has been instrumental in refining my approach to [Specific Research Challenge]. This [Award/Fellowship/Position] would provide crucial resources for [Explain how the opportunity will benefit your research]. I’ve attached my CV, research proposal, and the specific requirements of the application.

Given your knowledge of my research potential and my engagement in your course, I believe your recommendation would significantly strengthen my application. 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]