Crafting the perfect email to request a letter of recommendation can significantly increase your chances of receiving a strong endorsement. This is a crucial step for college applications, job searches, and graduate school admissions. The key is to be polite, professional, and provide all the necessary information to make the process as easy as possible for the recommender. A well-written request shows respect for their time and increases the likelihood of them agreeing to write a compelling letter on your behalf.
Before sending your email, take some time to consider who would be the most suitable person to ask. Think about professors, supervisors, or mentors who know you well and can speak to your skills and qualifications. Be sure to ask individuals who have had a positive experience working with you and are likely to provide a positive recommendation. When you reach out, customize each email to fit the specific relationship and opportunity. This personal touch strengthens your request and demonstrates genuine consideration.
When composing your request email, it’s important to highlight your relationship with the recommender, the purpose of the letter, and any relevant deadlines. Provide them with your resume or CV, a personal statement (if applicable), and any other materials that will help them write a comprehensive and impactful letter. Clearly state the qualities or accomplishments you would like them to emphasize. By giving them ample information, you’re setting them up for success in writing a strong letter.
Remember to express your gratitude for their time and consideration, regardless of whether they are able to write the letter. Offer to answer any questions they may have and provide further information if needed. Following up politely after a week or two can also be beneficial, especially if the deadline is approaching. A simple thank you email after receiving the letter shows your appreciation and maintains a positive relationship.
18 Sample Request Letter of Recommendation Emails
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor/Dr. [Recommender’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 [Position/Program] at [Institution]. As you know, I was a student in your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year]. I found your lectures on [Specific Topic] particularly insightful, and your guidance helped me significantly improve my understanding of [Subject Area].
The deadline for submitting the recommendation is [Date]. To assist you, I have attached my resume/CV and a brief personal statement outlining my goals and qualifications. I would be grateful if you could speak to my [Specific Skills/Qualities] in your letter.
Please let me know if you are able to write a recommendation for me. I am happy to provide any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].
As my supervisor at [Previous Company], you had the opportunity to observe my work on projects such as [Project Name]. I believe your insights into my [Specific Skills] would be invaluable to my application.
The deadline for submitting the recommendation is [Date]. I have attached my resume and the job description for your review. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application with a letter of recommendation.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Application Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m reaching out to respectfully request a letter of recommendation from you for my application to [Program Name] at [University Name]. I greatly enjoyed your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year], especially learning about [Specific Topic]. Your class not only deepened my understanding of [Subject Area] but also inspired me to pursue [Specific Goal].
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume, a personal statement, and details about the [Program Name] to provide you with more information. If possible, I’d be grateful if you could highlight my [Skills/Attributes].
Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf. I would be happy to discuss my application further if needed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you in support of my application for [Position/Opportunity]. During my time at [Company Name], I greatly valued your guidance and mentorship. Your advice helped me develop key skills in [Specific Skills].
I am applying for [Position/Opportunity] because [Reason]. The deadline for the recommendation is [Date]. I have attached my updated resume and a brief overview of the [Position/Opportunity]. If you’re willing, I would appreciate a letter that speaks to my [Skills/Attributes] and how they align with the requirements of [Position/Opportunity].
Please let me know if you are able to fulfill this request. Thank you for your support and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Recommendation Request for Graduate School Application – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. As a student in your [Course Name] class, I particularly enjoyed [Specific Project or Topic]. Your insights into [Subject Area] have motivated me to pursue further studies in this field.
The deadline for submitting the recommendation is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a draft of my personal statement, and information about the [Program Name] requirements. I believe your perspective on my [Specific Skill or Trait] would be particularly valuable in my application.
Please let me know if you are able to write a recommendation letter for me. I would be happy to provide you with any additional materials or information that you may need. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Update and Request
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I know it’s been some time since I was a student in your [Course Name] class back in [Year], but I wanted to reach out because I am applying to [Opportunity/Program] and remember your class and guidance fondly.
I am hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. Since graduating, I have been working as a [Your Job Title] at [Your Company]. I’ve attached my resume for your review. The deadline for the recommendation is [Date].
Please let me know if you’re able to assist. Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for [Position/Program]. During my time working/studying with you, I achieved [Specific Achievement 1] and [Specific Achievement 2]. I believe these experiences demonstrate my ability to [Relevant Skills].
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume and any required application documents to help you with the letter. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter on my behalf. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for [Opportunity/Program]. As my mentor, your guidance has been invaluable in shaping my [Skills/Goals].
The deadline for the recommendation is [Date]. I have attached my resume and any relevant information about the [Opportunity/Program]. If possible, I’d appreciate it if you could highlight my [Skills/Qualities]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation for me.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Subject: Following Up: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am following up on my previous email from [Date] regarding my request for a letter of recommendation for the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is approaching on [Date].
I understand that you are busy, but I wanted to check in and see if you were able to write the letter for me. Please let me know if you need any further information from me. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Thank You – Recommendation Letter for [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf for [Position/Program]. I truly appreciate you taking the time to support my application. Your insights and kind words have undoubtedly strengthened my candidacy. Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Position Applied For]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m reaching out to you because I’m applying for a [Position Applied For] role at [Company Name], and I’m hoping you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. During my time at [Previous Company], I learned a great deal under your guidance.
The deadline is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume and the job description for your reference. I would appreciate it if you could emphasize [Specific Skill/Quality] in your recommendation, as it is particularly relevant to this role. Please let me know if this is something you can assist with.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Scholarship Application
Dear [Professor/Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As a student in your [Course Name] class, I found [Specific Aspect of the Course] particularly beneficial, and I believe it helped me to develop [Relevant Skill].
The deadline for submitting the recommendation is [Date]. To assist you, I have attached my academic transcript, a personal statement, and information about the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. If possible, I would appreciate it if you could speak to my [Specific Qualities] in your letter.
Please let me know if you are able to provide a recommendation. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Program/Position]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Program/Position] at [Institution/Company]. I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity because [Briefly Explain Why], and I believe my skills and experience align well with the requirements.
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume, a personal statement (if applicable), and information about the [Program/Position]. I would be grateful if you could highlight my [Specific Skills/Qualities] in your letter. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application with a letter.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Additional Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you today as I require an additional letter of recommendation for my application to [Program/Position]. You previously wrote a letter for me for [Previous Application], and I greatly appreciate your support. I believe another letter from you would further strengthen my application.
The deadline for the new recommendation is [Date]. I have attached updated materials, including my resume and a personal statement. Please let me know if you are able to provide this additional letter.
Thank you again for your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Application for [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I realize it has been some time since we last interacted, but I’m hoping you might still be willing to write a letter of recommendation for my application to [Position/Program] at [Institution/Company]. I valued your insights during [Specific Project/Course] and your advice on [Specific Topic] has been invaluable.
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume, a personal statement, and information about the [Position/Program] to refresh your memory. Please let me know if you’re able to provide a letter on my behalf.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: LinkedIn Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to you via LinkedIn to request a recommendation on my profile. Your experience working with me on [Project/Initiative] at [Company] gave you valuable insight into my [Skills/Abilities].
If you feel you can provide a positive recommendation highlighting my [Specific Strengths] and how they benefitted our work together, I would be extremely grateful. I am hoping to showcase these skills to potential employers as I [State your goals – e.g., am seeking new opportunities in [Industry], am working on growing my network]. If you would like more context, I am always open to discuss further.
Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Subject: Thank You – Letter of Recommendation
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you are having a wonderful day. I wanted to thank you again for taking the time out of your busy schedule to write a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [position]. I wanted to let you know that I [did/did not] get the position! Your support helped me [describe how much getting the position/being considered for the position helped].
I truly appreciate your help with this endeavor. Please let me know if there’s ever anything I can do for you in the future!
All the best,
[Your Name]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Application for [Opportunity]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to see if you’d be willing to provide a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I realize that I wasn’t the most outstanding student in [Course Name], but your class [state one specific thing you learned or enjoyed]. I’m hoping to apply for a [Opportunity] with the aim of [Goals].
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume and personal statement, and would be happy to send over further info. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to have a quick chat about my goals, or if I can help in any way.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
All the best,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Requesting a letter of recommendation can feel daunting, but by following these tips and using the provided samples, you can create compelling and effective emails. Remember to personalize your request, provide ample information, and express your gratitude. A well-crafted email can significantly increase your chances of securing strong letters of recommendation, ultimately boosting your applications and career prospects.
