Planning Your Request: Who, When, and How
Securing strong recommendation letters is crucial for academic applications, job searches, and scholarship opportunities. Start by identifying individuals who know you well and can speak positively about your skills, work ethic, and character. Consider professors whose courses you excelled in, supervisors who oversaw your impactful projects, or mentors who guided your development. Once you’ve identified potential recommenders, think about when you need the letter. Give your recommenders ample time, ideally at least four weeks before the deadline. Finally, decide how you’ll approach them. An in-person meeting (if possible) is often best, followed by a formal email request.
Crafting the Perfect Recommendation Letter Request
Your request should be clear, concise, and personalized. Begin by reminding the recommender of your relationship, specifying the context in which they know you (e.g., “Professor Smith, I was a student in your Introduction to Psychology class in Fall 2022”). Clearly state your purpose for needing the letter (e.g., “I am applying to the Master’s program in Clinical Psychology at UCLA”). Provide all necessary materials, including your resume/CV, a draft of your personal statement (if applicable), and specific instructions or guidelines for the letter’s content and submission. Most importantly, express your gratitude for their time and consideration.
Following Up and Providing Support
After sending your initial request, follow up with your recommender after about a week to ensure they received it and to answer any questions they may have. Continue to be a helpful resource by providing them with any updates or additional information they might need as they write the letter. This proactiveness shows your respect for their time and commitment. Remember that writing a good recommendation letter takes effort, so offering support is greatly appreciated and can result in a stronger, more insightful letter. If, after a reasonable time, you haven’t heard back, gently remind them of the deadline.
Expressing Gratitude and Maintaining Contact
Once your recommender has submitted the letter, be sure to send a heartfelt thank-you note or email expressing your appreciation. Let them know the outcome of your application or job search. This keeps them in the loop and demonstrates the impact of their efforts. Maintaining a positive relationship with your recommenders can be beneficial throughout your career. Consider sending occasional updates on your professional achievements and staying connected through platforms like LinkedIn.
Sample Recommendation Letter Request Letters
Sample Letter 1: Professor Request (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Application/Job Name]
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 greatly enjoyed your lectures and learned a great deal about [Subject].
I am currently applying to [Program/Job Title] at [Institution/Company Name], and I was hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline for submission is [Date].
To assist you, I have attached my resume, a draft of my personal statement, and the specific guidelines for the letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 2: Supervisor Request (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Position Applied For]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well.
As you know, I worked under your supervision as a [Your Position] at [Company Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I learned so much during my time there, particularly in [Specific Skill or Area].
I am now applying for a [Position Applied For] position at [Company Name], and I believe a strong recommendation from you would significantly strengthen my application. The deadline for the letter is [Date].
I’ve attached my resume, the job description, and a brief overview of my key contributions at [Company Name]. Please let me know if this is something you can support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 3: Mentor Request (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m writing to you because I’m applying to [Program/Opportunity] and I believe your insights into my [Specific Skill/Quality] would be invaluable in a letter of recommendation.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached more information about [Program/Opportunity], as well as my resume. Would you be able to assist me in a recommendation letter.
I would be happy to discuss this further with you at your convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 4: Direct and Clear (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you are well.
I am applying for [Opportunity] and would be honored if you would write me a letter of recommendation. The deadline is [Date], Would you be able to write this letter for me?
I’ve attached [Relevant Documents] to help with your letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 5: Mentioning Specific Achievements (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m applying to [Opportunity] and I remember your support during [Project/Event], I am hoping if you would consider to write a letter for me. The deadline is [Date].
I have attached [Documents], Could you write a letter for me with this support? Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 6: Requesting Specific Points (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
As I apply for [Opportunity], I was hoping if you would be able to write a letter of recommendation of my [Trait/Skill]. The deadline is [Date].
I have attached [Documents], Could you write a letter for me with this support? Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 7: Highlighting Future Goals (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m writing to you to request a letter of recommendation as I pursue my goal of [Future Goal] through [Opportunity]. The deadline is [Date].
I have attached [Documents], Could you write a letter for me with this support? Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 8: From a Former Student (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m [Your Name], a former student from your [Course Name] class in [Year]. I’m applying to [Program/Job] and I believe your insights could be very helpful. The deadline is [Date].
I have attached [Documents], Could you write a letter for me with this support? Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 9: Formal Tone (Email)
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I trust this message finds you in good health.
I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Opportunity]. The deadline is [Date].
I have attached [Documents], Could you write a letter for me with this support? Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 10: Informal Tone (Email)
Subject: Quick favor: Recommendation for [Your Name]
Hi [Recommender’s Name],
Hope you’re doing great!
I’m applying for [Opportunity] and was hoping you’d be willing to write a quick recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
I have attached [Documents], Could you write a letter for me with this support? Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thanks a bunch!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 11: Addressing a Busy Recommender (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well, and I understand how busy you are.
I’m applying for [Opportunity] and would be incredibly grateful if you could find the time to write me a short letter of recommendation. The deadline is [Date].
I have attached [Documents], Could you write a letter for me with this support? Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 12: Expressing Gratitude in Advance (Email)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Opportunity]. Thank you in advance for considering my request. The deadline is [Date].
I have attached [Documents], Could you write a letter for me with this support? Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of support. I understand your time is valuable and if you are unable to it will not affect my decision.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Conclusion: Requesting Recommendations with Confidence
Requesting recommendation letters can feel daunting, but by following these steps and utilizing the provided samples, you can approach the process with confidence. Remember to be proactive, respectful, and appreciative of your recommenders’ time. A well-crafted request and a thoughtful follow-up can significantly increase your chances of receiving a strong and impactful letter that supports your future endeavors.
