Requesting Recommendation Letters: Email Templates & Tips

Crafting a compelling email to request a letter of recommendation is crucial. A well-written request increases the likelihood of receiving a strong, supportive letter that highlights your skills and experiences. Before sending any email, ensure you’ve thoroughly considered who would be the most appropriate recommender – someone who knows you well and can speak to your abilities relevant to the opportunity you’re pursuing. Prepare all materials like resume, statement of purpose to attach with email to help them write better recommendation letter.

When writing your email, be clear and concise about your request. Clearly state the purpose of the recommendation (e.g., graduate school application, job application), the deadline for submission, and any specific information or forms the recommender needs to complete. Providing ample time is essential, giving your recommender enough space to write a thoughtful and detailed letter. Don’t forget to express your gratitude for their time and consideration. By following these tips, you can significantly improve your chances of securing a strong recommendation that will bolster your application.

Remember to personalize each email. While the templates below offer a starting point, tailor each message to reflect your specific relationship with the recommender. Refer to specific projects you worked on together, courses you took with them, or conversations you had that showcase your abilities. Highlighting these specifics will help the recommender write a more impactful and relevant letter. This personalization shows that you value their insight and remember your interactions.

12 Email Templates for Requesting a Recommendation Letter

Here are 12 email templates you can adapt for different situations. Remember to personalize them for the best results!

1. Template 1: General Request

   Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Professor/Recommender’s Name],

   I hope this email finds you well.

   I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Program/Position] at [Institution/Company]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

   I believe your insights from [Course/Project] would be particularly valuable. I have attached my resume and [Statement of Purpose/Job Description] for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me by [Date a week before real deadline].

   Thank you for your time and consideration.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]

2. Template 2: Request from a Former Student

   Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Course Name]

   Dear [Professor’s Name],

   I hope you’re doing well. I’m [Your Name], a former student from your [Course Name] class in [Year].

   I’m currently applying for [Program/Position] at [Institution/Company] and would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].

   I particularly remember [Specific Project/Lesson] from your class, which helped me develop [Skill]. I’ve attached my resume and a brief personal statement for your reference. Please let me know if this is something you’re able to do.

   Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]

3. Template 3: Request for a Job Application

   Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Job Title]

   Dear [Manager/Supervisor’s Name],

   I hope this email finds you in good health.

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

   During my time working with you at [Previous Company], I learned [Skills] and accomplished [Achievements]. I have attached my resume and the job description for your reference. Would you be willing to write a letter on my behalf?

   Thank you for your support and guidance.

   Best Regards,
   [Your Name]

4. Template 4: Request Highlighting Specific Skills

   Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Professor/Recommender’s Name],

   I hope this email finds you well.

   I am applying for [Program/Position] at [Institution/Company], focusing on [Specific Area], and I was hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].

   I remember that your class on [Specific Subject] helped me learn [Specific skill]. I believe your insights into [Specific skill] would be particularly valuable. I’ve included my resume and statement for your review.

   Please let me know if you are able to support my application. Thank you for considering my request.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]

5. Template 5: Gentle Reminder (if you haven’t heard back)

   Subject: Following up on Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Professor/Recommender’s Name],

   I hope you are doing well.

   I am following up on my previous email from [Date] regarding a letter of recommendation for my application to [Program/Position] at [Institution/Company]. The deadline is approaching on [Date].

   I understand you are busy, and I just wanted to check in and see if you had a chance to consider my request. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. If not, I completely understand.

   Thank you again for your time.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]

6. Template 6: After Submission/Thank You

   Subject: Thank You – Recommendation for [Your Name]

   Dear [Professor/Recommender’s Name],

   I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for writing a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program/Position] at [Institution/Company].

   Your support means a great deal to me. Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and insightful letter.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]

7. Template 7: Request from a Research Assistant

   Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Research Assistant

   Dear [Professor’s Name],

   I hope this email finds you well.

   I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Graduate Program/Fellowship] at [University/Organization]. The deadline is [Date]. As your research assistant for the [Project Name] project, I learned valuable skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], and I believe your insights into my work ethic and research capabilities would be highly valuable.

   I have attached my resume, personal statement, and a description of the program/fellowship for your convenience. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter supporting my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.

   Best Regards,
   [Your Name]

8. Template 8: Request After a Long Time

   Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] (Alumnus)

   Dear [Professor’s Name],

   I hope this email finds you well. I’m [Your Name], an alumnus from your [Course Name] class in [Year].

   I’m reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [New Program/Position]. While it’s been a while, I still remember the valuable lessons and insights I gained from your class, particularly in [Specific Topic]. I’ve attached my resume, a brief personal statement, and details of the opportunity I’m pursuing.

   Please let me know if you’re able to provide a recommendation. I understand if it’s difficult given the time that has passed, but any support would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your consideration.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]

9. Template 9: Request From a Colleague

   Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Job Title]

   Dear [Colleague’s Name],

   I hope you’re doing well.

   I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As we’ve worked together on [Project/Task], I’ve always valued your insights and your ability to [Skill].

   I’ve attached my resume and the job description for your review. If you feel you can confidently recommend me for the role, I would be incredibly grateful. The deadline for submission is [Date].

   Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

   Best Regards,
   [Your Name]

10. Template 10: Request for Scholarship Application

    Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Scholarship Application

    Dear [Professor/Mentor’s Name],

    I hope this email finds you well.

    I’m applying for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship, which would greatly support my studies in [Field of Study]. The application requires a letter of recommendation, and I immediately thought of you due to your knowledge of my [Relevant Skill/Ability].

    I’ve attached my scholarship application, including my personal essay, and I’m happy to provide you with any further information. The deadline for the letter is [Date]. Thank you for considering my request.

    Best Regards,
    [Your Name]

11. Template 11: Request from a Volunteer

    Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Volunteer at [Organization Name]

    Dear [Supervisor/Coordinator’s Name],

    I hope this email finds you well.

    I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for [Program/Job]. During my time volunteering at [Organization Name], I gained valuable experience in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2]. I believe your observations of my performance and dedication as a volunteer would be incredibly valuable to my application.

    I have attached my resume and program/job description for your convenience. The deadline is [Date]. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]

12. Template 12: Request After Receiving Positive Feedback

    Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

    Dear [Professor/Mentor’s Name],

    I hope this email finds you well.

    Thank you again for your feedback on my work in [Project/Course]. Based on your positive comments, I was hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me in support of my application to [Program/Job/Internship]. The deadline is [Date].

    I’ve attached my resume and statement of purpose/job description. Please let me know if this is something you would be able to do, and if there’s anything else I can provide. Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,
    [Your Name]