Recommendation Letter Request: Samples & Tips for Professors

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Recommendation Letter Request: Samples & Tips for Professors

Crafting the Perfect Recommendation Letter Request

Requesting a letter of recommendation from a professor can feel daunting, but a well-crafted request significantly increases your chances of receiving a strong and supportive letter. This guide provides 21 sample requests, designed to help you approach your professors with confidence and clarity. Remember to personalize each template and provide ample information to assist them in writing a compelling recommendation.

Key Elements of an Effective Request

Before sending your request, ensure you’ve included essential details. Clearly state the purpose of the recommendation (e.g., graduate school application, job application, scholarship). Provide relevant deadlines, a resume or CV, a transcript, and a personal statement if applicable. Offering specific examples of your work in their class or research projects is also crucial. Finally, express your gratitude for their time and consideration.

Sample Recommendation Letter Requests (21 Examples)

Sample 1: Graduate School Application – Formal

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 the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date]. I would be honored if you would consider writing a letter based on my performance in your [Course Name] class. I have attached my resume, transcript, and personal statement for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sample 2: Graduate School Application – Less Formal

Hi Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I’m applying to [University Name]’s graduate program in [Program Name], and I was hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I really enjoyed your [Course Name] class, and I think you have a good understanding of my abilities. The deadline is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume and a statement of purpose. Thanks!

Sample 3: Job Application – Internship

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I am applying for a [Job Title] internship at [Company Name]. Given your expertise in [Professor’s Area of Expertise] and my performance in your [Course Name] class, I believe a letter from you would significantly strengthen my application. The deadline for the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume and the job description for your reference. Thank you!

Sample 4: Job Application – Entry-Level Position

Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I hope all is well. As I approach graduation, I’m applying for an entry-level [Job Title] position at [Company Name], a role I believe aligns well with the skills I developed in your [Course Name] course. Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me? The deadline is [Date]. My resume and the job description are attached. Thank you for your consideration.

Sample 5: Scholarship Application

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. This scholarship would greatly assist me in furthering my education. Your insights into my performance in [Course Name] would be invaluable to my application. The deadline is [Date]. I have included my transcript and a statement outlining my achievements. Thank you.

Sample 6: Research Position Application

Hi Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I’m applying for a research assistant position with Professor [Other Professor’s Last Name] in [Department]. Given your familiarity with my work in [Course Name] and your own research in [Professor’s Research Area], I was hoping you’d be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date]. My resume is attached. Thanks!

Sample 7: Highlighting a Specific Project

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Program/Job Name]. I believe my work on the [Project Name] project in your [Course Name] class demonstrated my [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] abilities, which are crucial for this opportunity. The deadline is [Date]. I’ve attached relevant materials for your review. Thank you!

Sample 8: Addressing a Professor You Haven’t Seen Recently

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I hope you are doing well. It has been [Time Period] since I took your [Course Name] class. I am applying for [Opportunity], and I was hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation. I remember learning [Specific Topic] from your class, which has been very helpful in [Current Situation]. The deadline is [Date], and I have attached my resume and relevant materials.

Sample 9: Focusing on a Specific Skill

Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I am applying to [Program/Position] where strong [Specific Skill] skills are essential. I believe you saw my [Specific Skill] abilities firsthand in your [Course Name] class during the [Specific Assignment/Project]. Would you be willing to write a letter highlighting this? The deadline is [Date], and I have attached my materials.

Sample 10: Expressing Gratitude and Reminding of Achievements

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], Thank you again for your engaging [Course Name] class. I learned so much. I am now applying to [Program/Position] and believe my [Achievement 1] and [Achievement 2] in your class would be relevant to highlight. Would you be comfortable writing a letter of recommendation? The deadline is [Date], and my materials are attached.

Sample 11: For a Professor Who Knows You Well

Hi Professor [Professor’s Last Name], Hope you’re doing well. I’m applying to [Program/Position] and would love it if you’d write a letter of recommendation for me. I feel like you have a good understanding of my strengths, especially after [Shared Experience]. The deadline is [Date]. Let me know if you’re able to help!

Sample 12: Asking if They Feel They Can Write a *Strong* Letter

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I’m applying to [Program/Position] and am requesting letters of recommendation. Given my performance in your [Course Name] class, I was wondering if you feel you could write a *strong* letter of recommendation on my behalf? The deadline is [Date]. My materials are attached. If not, I completely understand.

Sample 13: Referencing a Specific Conversation

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I’m writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program/Position]. I remember our conversation about [Topic discussed], and I believe that your insight into my passion for [Field] would be valuable. The deadline is [Date]. My materials are attached.

Sample 14: Emphasizing Long-Term Goals

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the [Program/Position]. As you know, my long-term goal is to [Long-term goal], and I believe that the skills I developed in your [Course Name] course will be essential to my success. The deadline is [Date]. All my materials are attached, and please let me know if you have any questions.

Sample 15: Providing a Draft (Optional)

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I am applying to [Program/Position]. I’ve attached my resume, transcript, and a *draft* letter of recommendation (optional, but can be helpful) to assist you. The deadline is [Date]. Please feel free to modify or reject any part of the draft. My performance in your [Course Name] class significantly shaped my path towards [Goal]. Thanks!

Sample 16: Asking for Advice in addition to a Letter

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I am applying to [Program/Position]. In addition to requesting a letter of recommendation, I would also value your advice on [Specific aspect of application]. The deadline is [Date]. My materials are attached, and I am available to meet during your office hours to discuss further.

Sample 17: Acknowledging a Professor’s Busy Schedule

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I understand that you are very busy, but I was hoping you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me in support of my application to [Program/Position]. The deadline is [Date]. If your schedule doesn’t allow, I understand, but I greatly appreciate your consideration. My materials are attached.

Sample 18: After a Strong Class Performance

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for [Program/Position]. I believe I performed well in your [Course Name] class, achieving [Specific Grade or Achievement]. The deadline is [Date]. I hope you can speak to my abilities in [Relevant Skill]. My materials are attached.

Sample 19: For a Specific Fellowship

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the prestigious [Fellowship Name] fellowship. This fellowship would allow me to pursue my research in [Research Area]. The deadline is [Date]. I would be honored if you could consider writing a letter based on your experience with me in your [Course Name] class. I have attached my resume, transcript, and personal statement for your review. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sample 20: Requesting with Plenty of Lead Time

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing well in advance to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program/Position]. The deadline isn’t until [Date], but I wanted to give you ample time to consider and potentially write the letter. I thrived in your [Course Name] class, and I’ve attached my materials for your review.

Sample 21: Requesting After a Meaningful Discussion/Mentorship

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name], Thank you again for the insightful discussions we had during your office hours last semester. I’m now pursuing [Goal] and am applying to [Program/Position]. Given your mentorship and guidance, I was hoping you would be able to write a letter of recommendation highlighting [Specific skills or qualities]. The deadline is [Date] and all my material is attached.

Conclusion

These sample requests provide a starting point for crafting your own personalized emails. Remember to tailor each request to the specific professor and opportunity, providing as much relevant information as possible. By being proactive, respectful, and organized, you can increase your chances of receiving a strong and effective letter of recommendation.

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Hello, I’m Richard Patricia, a Professional Letter Writer with years of experience crafting the perfect words to communicate your message effectively. Whether it’s a business proposal, a heartfelt apology, or a formal request, I understand how important it is to get the tone, language, and style just right. My approach is simple: each letter is tailored to the unique needs of my clients, ensuring it reflects professionalism, sincerity, and warmth. I pride myself on delivering letters that not only convey the message clearly but also resonate with the reader.

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