Crafting a Compelling Recommendation Request
Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step in many application processes. The key is to approach potential recommenders strategically and respectfully. Start by considering who knows you well enough to speak to your strengths and accomplishments. Think about professors who taught you in relevant courses, supervisors who witnessed your work ethic, or mentors who guided your development. Prepare all the information they need, including your resume, transcript, statement of purpose (if applicable), and specific instructions for submitting the letter.
Timing, Information, and Follow-Up: Essential Steps
Timing is critical. Give your recommenders ample time – at least a month – to write a thoughtful letter. A rushed request can result in a generic and unhelpful recommendation. When you make your request, clearly state your purpose for the letter, the deadline for submission, and any specific aspects of your experience or skills you’d like them to highlight. Be sure to provide a way for them to easily contact you if they have any questions. After submitting the request, follow up politely to ensure they have everything they need and to reiterate your appreciation for their time and effort.
Sample Recommendation Request Letters (13 examples)
Sample Letter 1: Professor Recommendation
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Program/Position]
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]. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Program/Position] at [Institution/Company].
I truly enjoyed your [Course Name] class and learned a great deal about [Specific Topic]. I believe my performance in the course, particularly my work on [Specific Project/Assignment], demonstrates my [Relevant Skill 1] and [Relevant Skill 2], which are essential for success in the [Program/Position].
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and a brief statement of purpose for your review. The application website is [Website Link], and the instructions for submitting the letter are outlined there.
Thank you for considering my request. I would be grateful for your support. Please let me know if you require any further information from me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 2: Supervisor Recommendation
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Position Applied For]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. As you know, I worked as a [Your Job Title] in your team at [Company Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I am currently applying for the [Position Applied For] position at [Company Name], and I would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me.
During my time at [Company Name], I had the opportunity to work on [Project 1] and [Project 2], where I developed skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2]. I believe my contributions to [Specific achievement or project] were significant and aligned with the values and requirements of this new role.
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a description of the [Position Applied For], and my statement of interest. Please let me know if you require any additional information.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate your support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 3: Mentor Recommendation
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Fellowship/Scholarship Name]
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I trust this email finds you in good health. I’m writing to you today to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I am applying for the [Fellowship/Scholarship Name], and your insights would be invaluable to my application.
Over the past [Number] years, your guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional goals. Your advice on [Specific topic or area] has been particularly helpful, and I believe your perspective on my [Specific skill or trait] would strengthen my application significantly.
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume, the fellowship/scholarship guidelines, and a personal statement that details my experiences and goals. Please let me know if there’s any other information I can provide.
Thank you for your continued support and belief in my abilities. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 4: Simple Request
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m applying to [Program/Opportunity] and would be honored if you’d write a letter of recommendation for me.
The deadline is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume and a description of the [Program/Opportunity]. Please let me know if you’re able to help.
Thanks so much!
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Emphasizing Specific Skills
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Position/Program]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. I’m writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Position/Program] at [Organization/Institution].
As you know from my time [Working/Volunteering/Studying] with you at [Organization/Institution], I developed strong skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. I believe these skills are directly relevant to the requirements of the [Position/Program], particularly in [Specific area/task].
The deadline for the recommendation is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a statement of purpose outlining my goals, and a job description (if applicable). Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter for me. If so, I’m happy to provide further details and answer any questions you may have.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Request After a Long Time
Subject: Catching Up & Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. It’s been a while, but I remember your [Course Name] class fondly! I’m [Briefly explain your current situation/career path].
I’m writing to ask if you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I’m applying to the [Program/Position] at [Institution/Company], and I believe your perspective on my [Specific skill/quality observed in your class] would be very valuable.
The deadline is [Date], and I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of the [Program/Position]. I understand it’s been some time, so please let me know if you feel you can confidently write a letter for me. If not, I completely understand.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: Request for Grad School
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Graduate Program Application
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]. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Graduate Program Name] program at [University Name], focusing on [Specific Area of Study].
I especially enjoyed your lectures on [Specific Topic] and believe that the skills and knowledge I gained in your class, particularly through [Specific Project/Assignment], have prepared me well for graduate-level work. I am confident that my [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2], which I developed further through [Related Experience], make me a strong candidate for this program.
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, statement of purpose, and the application instructions. The application website is [Website Link].
Thank you for considering my request. I truly appreciate your support. Please let me know if you need any further information from me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample Letter 8: Recommendation for a Scholarship
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Scholarship Name] Application
Dear [Teacher/Counselor/Mentor Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Scholarship Name].
This scholarship would be a tremendous help in funding my education at [University/College Name]. I’ve been fortunate to [Briefly mention accomplishments – e.g., maintain a high GPA, volunteer regularly, participate in extracurricular activities]. I believe your insights into my [Specific quality – e.g., work ethic, leadership skills, dedication] would be very helpful to the scholarship committee.
The deadline for the letter is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume/transcript and a description of the scholarship. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter for me.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: Recommendation for an Internship
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Internship Application
Dear [Professor/Supervisor/Mentor Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to an internship at [Company/Organization Name] in the [Department/Field].
I am particularly interested in this internship because [Explain your reason for wanting the internship – e.g., aligns with career goals, offers hands-on experience in a specific area]. During my time in your [Class/Project/Team], I developed skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], which I believe would be beneficial to this role.
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume, the internship description, and a brief statement of interest. Please let me know if you require any additional information.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: Thank You in Advance
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to [Program/Opportunity], and I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf.
Knowing your time is valuable, I wanted to reach out well in advance. The deadline for the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume, a brief personal statement outlining my goals, and any specific instructions for submission.
Thank you so much in advance for your consideration. I truly value your opinion and would be honored to have your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11: Recommendation Request – Specific Examples
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Scholarship/Position]
Dear [Professor/Manager/Mentor],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Scholarship/Position] at [Institution/Company]. I’m applying because [briefly state why you’re a good fit].
During my time [in your class/working with you], I believe I demonstrated [Skill 1] and [Skill 2]. For example, in [Specific situation/project], I [actions you took] which resulted in [positive outcome]. I feel these qualities would make me a successful candidate.
The deadline is [Date] and I have attached my resume, transcript (if applicable), and the application instructions. I would greatly appreciate your insights. Thank you for considering my request.
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12: Requesting a Refresher Meeting
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Job Title]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re having a great week. I’m reaching out to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].
Given that it’s been some time since I worked directly under your supervision at [Previous Company], I was hoping to schedule a brief meeting with you to discuss my application and refresh your memory regarding my contributions to the team.
The deadline for submission is [Date], and I’ve attached my resume, the job description, and a summary of my key accomplishments during my time with [Previous Company]. Please let me know if you’re available to meet sometime next week or if you prefer me to provide this information via email.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I appreciate your support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13: Acknowledging Recommender’s Busy Schedule
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Position/Program]
Dear Dr. [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you to support my application for [Position/Program] at [Institution Name].
I understand that you are very busy, and I want to assure you that I value your time. I am applying for [Position/Program] at [Institution Name]. I enjoyed your [Course Name] class and believe that the knowledge I gained would be helpful for this opportunity.
If you agree to write a letter of recommendation, the deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume and a description of the opportunity for your convenience. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any further information from me. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Conclusion: Securing Strong Recommendations
A well-crafted request is key to obtaining strong letters of recommendation. Remember to be respectful, provide ample information, and give your recommenders sufficient time. By following these guidelines and tailoring your request to each individual, you’ll significantly increase your chances of receiving compelling recommendations that enhance your applications.
