Requesting Recommendation Letters: Easy Steps & Samples

Preparing to Request a Recommendation

Before you even think about emailing a potential recommender, do your homework. Reflect on your relationship with them. Did you excel in their class? Did you work closely with them on a project? Choose someone who knows your work well and can speak to your strengths. Provide them with all the necessary materials: your resume/CV, a personal statement (if applicable), and information about the program or job you’re applying for. This preparation shows respect for their time and greatly increases the likelihood of a positive response and a strong recommendation.

Crafting Your Recommendation Request Email

Your request email should be polite, concise, and professional. Start with a formal greeting and a reminder of who you are and how the recommender knows you. Clearly state your purpose: that you are requesting a letter of recommendation for a specific opportunity. Mention the deadline for submission very clearly and prominently. Assure them that you are happy to provide any additional information they might need. End with a sincere thank you for their time and consideration. Always offer to meet with them in person to discuss your qualifications.

Following Up and Showing Gratitude

If you haven’t heard back from your recommender within a week, send a polite follow-up email. Reiterate your deadline and express your understanding of their busy schedule. Regardless of whether the letter is written or not, always send a thank-you note after the deadline has passed. A handwritten note is a thoughtful gesture, but an email is also perfectly acceptable. Keep your recommenders in the loop about your application outcomes; they will appreciate knowing the results of their efforts.

Timing is Everything

Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for a recommendation. Give your recommenders at least 4-6 weeks’ notice before the deadline. This allows them ample time to write a thoughtful and well-written letter. Rushing them can result in a generic or less impactful recommendation. It also demonstrates respect for their time and professional commitments.

Sample Letter 1: Professor Recommendation

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

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I greatly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year], and I believe my performance and contributions demonstrated my potential for success in this field. The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume and personal statement for your review. Please let me know if this is something you’d be able to help me with. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number (Optional)]

Sample Letter 2: Supervisor/Manager Recommendation

Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Supervisor/Manager’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and would be grateful if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. During my time at [Company Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date], I consistently excelled in my role as [Your Role] and developed strong skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2]. The deadline for submitting the letter is **[Date]**. I have attached my resume and the job description for your reference. I am happy to provide any further information that you may require. Thank you for your support.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Email Address]

Sample Letter 3: Asking a Former Teacher (After a Break)

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

Dear [Teacher’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class back in [Year]. I’m currently applying to [Program/Opportunity] and would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. I remember enjoying [Specific memory/lesson from their class]. I believe your insights into my [Specific skill or trait] would be invaluable to my application. The deadline is **[Date]**. I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of the program. Would you be available to write a letter on my behalf? Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 4: Emphasizing Specific Skills

Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Focus on [Skill]

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I am writing to you today to respectfully request a letter of recommendation for me on my application. As you may remember, as a student in your class I excelled greatly by completing all assignemts early, and receiving **[Grade]** in the class. I am applying to [Program/Opportunity], and hoping you could highlight my [Specific Skill] in your letter. I’ve attached my resume for your reference, and the deadline to submit my letter of recommendation is **[Date]**. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 5: Requesting a General Letter of Recommendation

Subject: General Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a general letter of recommendation from you, which I plan to use for future job applications and career opportunities. Your insights into my work ethic, [Specific skill or trait], and overall potential would be incredibly valuable. I have attached my resume for your review. Please let me know if this is something you are able to do, and when might be a good time to get this submitted. Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 6: From a Previous Client (Freelancer)

Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Freelance Work

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I hope you’re well! I’m reaching out to request a letter of recommendation based on the work I did for you/your company, [Company Name], on [Project Name] ([Dates]). Your letter could highlight my skills, as in [skill]. I am using it to apply for [Opportunity]. The deadline is **[Date]**. I’ve included a summary of the project and my resume. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Best,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 7: Requesting From Volunteer Coordinator

Subject: Recommendation Request for [Name] – Volunteer Work

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request that you write a letter of recommendation for me, based on my time and efforts that I put into volunteering, from [Start Date] to [End Date] at [Location]. In the letter, can you highlight **[skill]**? The deadline is **[Date]**. I’ve attached my resume for your reference. Thank you so much.

Best,

[Your Name]