Crafting the Perfect Recommendation Letter Request
Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes a straightforward process. The key is to be organized, respectful, and provide your recommender with all the information they need to write a compelling letter. This includes your resume, a personal statement (if applicable), and specific details about the opportunity you’re pursuing. Remember to give them ample time – at least a few weeks – to write the letter. A well-crafted request demonstrates professionalism and increases the likelihood of receiving a strong recommendation.
Before you even draft your request, consider who would be the best person to ask. Think about individuals who know you well, have seen your work firsthand, and can speak to your strengths and abilities. A generic letter from a well-known figure is often less impactful than a personalized letter from someone who can genuinely vouch for your qualifications. Finally, always express your gratitude for their time and effort, regardless of whether they agree to write the letter or not. A simple thank you goes a long way in maintaining a positive relationship.
18 Example Recommendation Letter Requests
Example 1: College Application
Dear Professor Smith,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [University Name] for their [Major] program. I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class last semester and learned a great deal from your lectures on [Specific Topic]. I believe your insights into my [Specific Skill/Trait] would be valuable to the admissions committee. I have attached my resume and personal statement for your review. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Job Application
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As my supervisor at [Previous Company], you witnessed my contributions to [Project/Team] and my strong [Skill] skills. The job description emphasizes the need for [Required Skill] and I believe your letter could highlight my suitability for this role. I’ve attached the job description and my updated resume. The application deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to provide a recommendation. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Graduate School
Dear Dr. Brown,
I am applying to the [Program Name] program at [University Name] and would be honored if you would write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. Your guidance during my research on [Research Topic] was invaluable, and I believe your letter would speak to my research abilities and potential for success in a graduate program. I have attached my CV, a draft of my personal statement, and a description of the program. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Scholarship Application
Dear Mr. Davis,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I believe your knowledge of my commitment to [Activity/Field] during my time in [Organization/Club] makes you an ideal person to speak to my qualifications. The scholarship committee is looking for candidates who demonstrate [Specific Quality], which I believe aligns with the work I did under your supervision. I have attached the scholarship application details and my resume. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Internship
Dear Professor Wilson,
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for a summer internship at [Company Name] in their [Department] department. I believe your insights from your [Course Name] class, particularly on [Specific Topic], would be valuable in highlighting my understanding of [Relevant Skill]. I have attached the internship description and my resume. The deadline for submitting the application is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation for me. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Volunteer Position
Dear Mrs. Garcia,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for a volunteer position at [Organization Name]. As my mentor in [Program Name], you witnessed my passion for [Cause] and my ability to [Skill]. The volunteer role requires someone who is [Required Quality], and I believe you can attest to my commitment to these values. I’ve attached a description of the volunteer position and my application. The deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if you are available to write a recommendation. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Recommendation for a Colleague
Dear [Recipient Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing on behalf of my colleague, [Colleague’s Name], who is applying for [Position/Program]. I’ve worked closely with [Colleague’s Name] on several projects at [Company/Organization] and have been consistently impressed by their [Skill 1] and [Skill 2]. I believe their abilities would make them a valuable asset to your team. Please let me know if you are willing to write a letter of recommendation. I can provide more details about their qualifications and the specific requirements of the [Position/Program]. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 8: Promotion at Work
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Position] promotion within the company. During my time as a [Current Position], I have consistently exceeded expectations in [Area 1] and [Area 2], leading to [Achievement 1] and [Achievement 2]. I believe my experience and dedication make me a strong candidate for this role. I have attached my updated resume and the job description for your review. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 9: Leadership Program
Dear Coach Rodriguez,
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for the [Leadership Program Name] and would be honored if you would write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. As my coach for the [Sport/Activity] team, you’ve witnessed my leadership skills firsthand, particularly my ability to [Specific leadership skill]. The program focuses on developing [Key Leadership Quality], which I believe aligns with my strengths. I have attached the program details and my application. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 10: Artistic Residency
Dear Professor Miller,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Residency Name] artistic residency program. Your guidance during my [Art Form] studies has been invaluable. I believe your letter would speak to my artistic abilities, my dedication to my craft, and my potential to contribute to the program’s community. I have attached my artist statement, portfolio, and the residency program details. The deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to provide a recommendation. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 11: Transferring Schools
Dear Guidance Counselor Reynolds,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to transfer to [University Name]. I believe a change in academic environment will better suit my goals of pursuing a degree in [Major]. Your knowledge of my academic performance and extracurricular activities at [Current School] makes you an ideal person to speak to my potential for success at [University Name]. I have attached my transcript, a personal statement explaining my reasons for transferring, and the application requirements. The deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 12: Requesting from a Former Employer (After a Long Time)
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I worked at [Company Name] under your supervision as a [Your Role] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I am currently applying for a [Job Title] position at [New Company], and I was hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I remember learning a great deal from you about [Specific Skill/Industry Knowledge]. I’ve attached my resume and the job description for your reference. The deadline is [Date]. I understand it has been some time, but I would be grateful if you could consider my request. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 13: Requesting a General Letter for Future Opportunities
Dear Professor Davies,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a general letter of recommendation that I can use for future job or graduate school applications. I greatly appreciated your [Course Name] class and believe you have a strong understanding of my [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] abilities. I understand this is a more open-ended request, but I would be grateful if you could provide a letter highlighting my strengths and potential. I have attached my resume for your review. Please let me know if this is something you are able to do. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 14: Requesting After Having a Recommendation Written Before
Dear Dr. Edwards,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to you again to request a letter of recommendation, this time for [Specific Program/Position] at [Organization/Company]. As you kindly wrote a letter for me previously for [Previous Application], you are familiar with my skills and experiences in [Relevant Field]. This opportunity aligns well with my long-term goals, and I believe your renewed support would be invaluable. I have attached the details of the program/position and an updated resume. The deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to write another letter for me. Thank you again for your continued support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 15: Follow-up to a Previous Request (No Response)
Dear Mr. Finley,
I hope this email finds you well. I am following up on my previous email from [Date] regarding a letter of recommendation for the [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution]. The deadline is approaching on [Date], and I wanted to check in to see if you might be able to provide a letter. I understand you are busy, but your recommendation would be greatly appreciated. I have re-attached the relevant documents (resume, personal statement, etc.) for your convenience. Please let me know if this is something you can do. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 16: When You Need Multiple Letters from the Same Person
Dear Mrs. Graham,
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to several graduate programs in [Field of Study], and they each require a letter of recommendation. I am writing to request if you would be willing to write a letter that I can submit to multiple institutions. While the programs are similar, their emphasis varies. I can provide you with the specifics for each program, including their mission statements and any specific qualities they seek in candidates. I have attached my CV and a general personal statement. The earliest deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if this is feasible, and I can provide you with the necessary materials for each program. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 17: Requesting a Letter When You Were Not a Star Student
Dear Dr. Hayes,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year]. I am applying to [Program/Position] and understand that my performance in your class was not exceptional; however, I believe I have grown significantly since then and have gained valuable experience in [Relevant Skill/Area]. I would be grateful if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation based on your observations of my work ethic, participation, and any specific instances where you saw potential. I have attached my resume and a brief explanation of my current goals. The deadline is [Date]. I understand this is an unusual request, but I would be very appreciative of your consideration. Thank you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 18: Thanking Someone Who Agreed to Write a Letter
Dear Professor Ingram,
Thank you so much for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for me! I truly appreciate you taking the time to support my application to [Program/Position]. As promised, I am sending you the following materials: my resume, personal statement, and the specific requirements for the letter, including the submission deadline of [Date]. Please let me know if you need any further information from me. I am very grateful for your assistance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaways & Best Practices
Requesting a letter of recommendation is a crucial step in many application processes. Remember to be polite, provide ample information, and give your recommender sufficient time. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your strengths. A well-crafted request, accompanied by the necessary supporting documents, significantly increases the chances of securing a strong and effective letter of recommendation. Don’t forget to follow up and express your sincere gratitude, regardless of the outcome. Building and maintaining positive relationships with mentors and professors is essential for long-term success.
