Crafting a strong recommendation request is crucial for academic and professional success. A well-written request should be personalized, polite, and provide the recommender with all the necessary information to write a compelling letter. Remember to give ample notice!
The best requests highlight your achievements and explain why you’ve chosen that specific individual to write the recommendation. Provide context about the role or program you are applying for and any specific points you’d like them to address. Make their job easier.
Before sending your request, consider the recommender’s expertise and your relationship with them. Have you interacted with them recently? Do they know your work well? Ensuring a good fit will significantly improve the quality and impact of the resulting recommendation.
Always express your gratitude for their time and effort, regardless of whether they agree to write the recommendation. A thank you note after the letter is submitted is also a gracious and professional gesture. Build strong professional relationships.
Sample Recommendation Request Letters
Sample 1
Dear Professor Smith,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the Master’s program in Computer Science at Stanford University. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I greatly enjoyed your Artificial Intelligence course last semester, and I believe my work on the [Project Name] project demonstrated my strong understanding of the subject matter. Your insights were invaluable.
I have attached my resume, transcript, and a brief statement of purpose outlining my goals for graduate study. I would be grateful if you could highlight my analytical skills and my passion for artificial intelligence.
Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2
Dear Dr. Johnson,
I hope this email finds you in good health. I’m applying for the Software Engineering position at Google, and I was hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. The application deadline is [Date].
During my internship at [Company Name], you served as my mentor, and I learned a great deal from your guidance, especially regarding [Specific Skill or Project]. Your advice was crucial.
I’ve attached my resume and the job description for your review. I think your insights on my teamwork skills and problem-solving abilities would be particularly valuable to Google.
Please let me know if this is something you would be comfortable with. Thank you for your consideration.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 3
Dear Mr. Brown,
I trust you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the volunteer program at [Organization Name]. The deadline to apply is [Date].
As my supervisor during my volunteer work at [Previous Organization], you witnessed my commitment to community service and my ability to work effectively with others.
I have included a description of the volunteer program and my resume. I would appreciate it if you could speak to my dedication and communication skills.
Kindly let me know if you are able to support my application. Thank you so much for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4
Dear Mrs. Davis,
I hope this email finds you well. I’m reaching out to you to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the Fulbright Scholarship program, with a focus on research in [Area of Study]. The deadline is [Date].
Your mentorship during my undergraduate research project on [Research Topic] was invaluable. Your guidance helped me develop strong research skills and a deeper understanding of the field.
I’ve attached my research proposal, my resume, and a statement of purpose for your review. I would be grateful if you could highlight my research abilities, critical thinking skills, and potential for contributing to the field.
Please let me know if you are able to provide a letter of recommendation. Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5
Dear Coach Thompson,
I hope you are having a great season. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I am applying to several colleges with strong baseball programs, and the deadline for applications is [Date].
Your coaching over the past four years has not only improved my baseball skills but has also instilled in me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
I’ve attached my athletic resume and a list of the colleges I am applying to. I believe your insights on my leadership qualities, work ethic, and dedication to the sport would be particularly valuable.
Please let me know if you are able to support my application. Thank you for your time and guidance.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 6
Dear Professor Garcia,
I trust you are having a productive semester. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for an internship at [Company Name] in their marketing department. The deadline for application is [Date].
I particularly enjoyed your Marketing Strategies class last semester, especially the project on [Project Name] where I demonstrated my understanding of market analysis and campaign development.
I have attached my resume, a description of the internship, and a short summary of the skills I hope to highlight during the internship. I would appreciate it if you could focus on my analytical skills, creativity, and ability to work in a team environment.
Kindly let me know if this is something you’re comfortable with. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7
Dear Mrs. Rodriguez,
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out because I am applying for a teaching position at [School Name] and would greatly appreciate a letter of recommendation from you. The deadline for submitting the application is [Date].
During my time as a student teacher in your classroom, I was able to learn so much about effective teaching strategies and classroom management. Your mentorship has greatly impacted my approach to education.
I’ve attached my resume, a statement of teaching philosophy, and the job description for the teaching position. I would be grateful if you could speak to my enthusiasm for teaching, my ability to connect with students, and my adaptability.
Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter on my behalf. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 8
Dear Mr. Lee,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for a scholarship from the [Organization Name] to help fund my graduate studies. The deadline is [Date].
Your guidance during my participation in the [Club/Organization] significantly influenced my career aspirations. I appreciated your advice and the opportunities you provided for professional growth.
I have attached my resume, a personal statement outlining my academic goals, and information about the scholarship. I would appreciate it if you could address my leadership skills, dedication to community service, and commitment to academic excellence.
Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9
Dear Professor White,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the prestigious [Program Name], which is a program focused on international development. The deadline is [Date].
I thoroughly enjoyed your course on Global Economics, and I believe my final paper on [Paper Topic] demonstrated my strong analytical and writing skills. Your feedback was invaluable.
I have attached my resume, a statement of purpose, and a brief summary of the program. I would be honored if you could highlight my critical thinking skills, my understanding of global issues, and my passion for international development.
Kindly let me know if you are able to support my application. Thank you for your time and expertise.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 10
Dear Supervisor Green,
I trust you are having a successful quarter. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to provide a letter of recommendation for my application to the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification program. The deadline is [Date].
During my time working under your supervision on the [Project Name] project, I significantly enhanced my project management skills. I learned valuable lessons in planning, execution, and teamwork.
I have attached my updated resume, the PMP program requirements, and a brief outline of my project management experience. I would be grateful if you could speak to my leadership skills, organizational abilities, and problem-solving skills.
Please let me know if this is something you would be comfortable with. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11
Dear Professor Hall,
I hope this email finds you well. I’m applying for a research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to further my research on [Research Area], and I was hoping you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
Your guidance during my independent study on [Specific Topic] was instrumental in shaping my research interests. Your expertise in the field has been a great source of inspiration for me.
I’ve attached my research proposal, my curriculum vitae, and a brief statement of my career goals. I would appreciate it if you could emphasize my research potential, my innovative thinking, and my ability to contribute to the scientific community.
Please let me know if this is something you would be comfortable supporting. Thank you for your valuable time and consideration.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 12
Dear Doctor Reed,
I trust you are having a good day. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to medical school. I am applying to several schools, and the first deadline is [Date].
My experience shadowing you at [Hospital Name] was incredibly insightful, and I learned a great deal about the dedication and compassion required to be a successful physician.
I’ve attached my resume, my personal statement, and a list of the medical schools to which I am applying. I believe your insights on my work ethic, my interpersonal skills, and my commitment to healthcare would be particularly helpful.
Kindly let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf. Thank you for your guidance and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13
Dear Manager Stone,
I hope this email finds you well. As you know, I’ll be leaving [Company Name] soon. I am applying for a senior position at [New Company Name] and wondered if you would be able to write a letter of recommendation for me? The deadline is [Date].
During my time in your team, you have provided me with fantastic guidance and support to grow. Without your leadership, I would not be where I am today.
I’ve attached my CV, a description of the senior role at [New Company Name] and a summary of my achievements in your team. I would greatly appreciate it if you could speak about my leadership potential, my commitment to teamwork and my work ethic.
Please let me know whether this is something that you would be able to provide. Thanks so much for your consideration.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 14
Dear Professor Taylor,
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the summer internship program at [Company Name]. The application deadline is [Date].
I found your course on [Course Name] to be particularly engaging and relevant to my interests, particularly the project focused on [Project Focus]. I believe this has prepared me well for the internship.
I’ve attached my resume, a cover letter, and a description of the internship program. I would be incredibly grateful if you could highlight my problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and my ability to learn quickly.
Please let me know whether you can write a letter of recommendation for me. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15
Dear Mr. Carter,
I hope this email finds you well. I’m reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for the position of [Position Name] with [Organization Name]. The application deadline is [Date].
During my time as a volunteer at [Previous Organization], I developed an appreciation for the work you do and my skills improved in areas of organisation and communication.
I have included a description of the volunteer program and my resume. I would appreciate it if you could speak to my dedication and communication skills.
Kindly let me know if you are able to support my application. Thank you so much for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 16
Dear Professor Clark,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the graduate program in Environmental Science at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I thoroughly enjoyed your course on Conservation Biology, and I believe my work on the [Project Name] assignment demonstrated my interest in conservation. Your insights were invaluable.
I have attached my resume, transcript, and a brief statement of purpose outlining my goals for graduate study. I would be grateful if you could highlight my analytical skills and my passion for environmental science.
Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 17
Dear Mrs. Hill,
I hope this email finds you in good health. I’m applying for the Junior Marketing Manager position at [Company Name], and I was hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. The application deadline is [Date].
During my last role, you were my manager, and I learned a great deal from your guidance, especially regarding [Specific Skill or Project]. Your advice was crucial.
I’ve attached my resume and the job description for your review. I think your insights on my creativity skills and my problem-solving abilities would be particularly valuable.
Please let me know if this is something you would be comfortable with. Thank you for your consideration.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 18
Dear Mr. King,
I trust you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the non-profit program at [Organization Name]. The deadline to apply is [Date].
As my previous mentor, you have always been supportive of my goals and have always inspired me to push myself further.
I have included a description of the non-profit program and my resume. I would appreciate it if you could speak to my dedication and work ethic.
Kindly let me know if you are able to support my application. Thank you so much for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 19
Dear Mrs. Nelson,
I hope this email finds you well. I’m reaching out to you to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Organization Name] program, with a focus on research in [Area of Study]. The deadline is [Date].
Your mentorship during my internship was invaluable. Your guidance helped me develop strong research skills and a deeper understanding of the field.
I’ve attached my research proposal, my resume, and a statement of purpose for your review. I would be grateful if you could highlight my research abilities, critical thinking skills, and potential for contributing to the field.
Please let me know if you are able to provide a letter of recommendation. Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 20
Dear Coach Oliver,
I hope you are having a great season. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I am applying to several colleges with strong sports programs, and the deadline for applications is [Date].
Your coaching over the past years has not only improved my skills but has also instilled in me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
I’ve attached my athletic resume and a list of the colleges I am applying to. I believe your insights on my leadership qualities, work ethic, and dedication to the sport would be particularly valuable.
Please let me know if you are able to support my application. Thank you for your time and guidance.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 21
Dear Professor Phillips,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for an internship at [Company Name] in their department. The deadline for application is [Date].
I particularly enjoyed your class, especially the project on [] where I demonstrated my understanding of the subject.
I have attached my resume, a description of the internship, and a short summary of the skills I hope to highlight during the internship. I would appreciate it if you could focus on my analytical skills and creativity.
Kindly let me know if this is something you’re comfortable with. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
These sample letters offer a starting point for crafting your own personalized recommendation requests. Remember to tailor each letter to the specific recommender and the opportunity you are pursuing. A thoughtful and well-crafted request will significantly increase your chances of receiving a strong and supportive letter of recommendation.
