Crafting a compelling letter of recommendation request is key to securing valuable support. A personalized approach and providing sufficient context significantly improve your chances of a positive response.
When requesting a letter, remember to be polite, specify your purpose (job, school, etc.), and highlight why you chose them. Attach your resume/CV and any relevant supporting materials.
Offer a deadline and explicitly thank them for their time and consideration, even if they decline. Make the process as easy as possible for them to write a great letter.
25 Sample Letter of Recommendation Request Emails
Sample 1: Short & Sweet
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m applying for [Opportunity] and would be honored if you’d write a letter of recommendation. Let me know if you’re able. Deadline: [Date].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Focused on Specific Skills
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Opportunity]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I’m applying for the [Opportunity] at [Company/School]. Your insights on my [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2] during [Project/Experience] would be invaluable. Attached is my resume. Deadline: [Date]. Could you help?
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: For a Professor
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Course Name]
Dear Professor [Recommender’s Last Name],
I enjoyed your [Course Name] class and learned a great deal. I am now applying to [Graduate School/Program] and was hoping you would consider writing me a letter of recommendation. I found [Specific Concept] particularly impactful. My application deadline is [Date]. Let me know if this is something you can do. Thank you.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: For a Manager
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. As you know, I’ve enjoyed my time at [Company]. I’m now applying for a [Job Title] position at [Company] and would appreciate a letter of recommendation. Your perspective on my contributions to [Project/Team] would be very helpful. Attached is my resume and the job description. Deadline: [Date]. Thank you for your time.
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Highlighting a Key Project
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Project Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Opportunity]. I believe your insights on my work during the [Project Name] project would be highly relevant, particularly regarding [Specific Achievement]. Attached you’ll find my resume and a brief overview of the [Opportunity]. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Follow-Up After Initial Contact
Subject: Following Up – Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding a letter of recommendation for my application to [Opportunity]. The deadline is approaching ([Date]), and I wanted to ensure you had all the information you needed. Let me know if you require anything further. Thank you again for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Emphasizing Personal Growth
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am hoping you’ll be willing to write a letter of recommendation as I apply for [Program/Job]. I value your perspective on my growth and development, especially regarding [Specific Area] since working with you at [Company/Organization]. I am applying for [Opportunity]. The deadline is [Date].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Sample 8: Focusing on Leadership Skills
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Opportunity]. Given your direct observation of my leadership skills during [Project/Role], I believe your perspective would be incredibly valuable. The application deadline is [Date]. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9: For a Scholarship Application
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Scholarship Application
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my scholarship application for [Scholarship Name]. I believe your observations of my [Specific Skill/Trait] would be particularly helpful to the scholarship committee. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to assist me.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 10: Thanking in Advance
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I’m hoping you’re able to write a letter of recommendation for me. I am applying to [Opportunity] by [Date]. Your insights based on my work on [Project/Task] would be very valuable. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11: Mentioning Shared Values
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Shared Value]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am applying for [Opportunity] and would be honored if you would provide a letter of recommendation. I feel that your understanding of [Shared Value] would enhance the letter. The deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume for your convenience.
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample 12: Providing a Detailed Summary
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Opportunity]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
As you may know, I’m looking to [Career Change/Further Education]. I would like to request a letter of recommendation from you due to your knowledge of my skills. As you’re aware I’ve made [Summary of Accomplishments]. The deadline is [Date]. Thank you in advance.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 13: Requesting an Informational Interview & Recommendation
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am applying for [Opportunity] by [Date] and thought to start with an informational interview. If you are amenable, I would also like to request a letter of recommendation because your insights based on [Project/Task] would be very valuable.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Sample 14: Requesting Recommendation from Alumni
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Your School]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am excited to apply for [Opportunity] by [Date]. My research shows that you are an Alumni and I wanted to connect based on shared history. If you are amenable, I would like to request a letter of recommendation because your insights based on my values would be very valuable. I am applying to [Opportunity].
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15: Requesting Recommendation from Supervisor for Higher Education
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Graduate School
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am applying for [Opportunity] by [Date]. I would greatly appreciate if you could write me a Letter of Recommendation. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at [Company]. Your insights on my contributions to [Project/Team] would be very helpful, since I plan to go Graduate School and work as a researcher. Attached is my resume and the program description.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 16: Requesting Recommendation from Supervisor for Job Opportunity
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Job Opportunity
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I’ve encountered an exciting job opportunity with [Company], and I hope you can assist with a letter of recommendation. Your direct oversight of my skills during [Time Period] and [Role] will enhance the letter greatly. Please let me know if you need the job requirements. The deadline is [Date].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Sample 17: Requesting Recommendation from a client
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Project Accomplishments
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I’ve enjoyed helping you with [Project] and plan to start my own consulting business! I would love your Letter of Recommendation based on my performance. I believe your insights on my contributions to [Project/Team] would be very helpful, as it will demonstrate great things about the work I put in. Please let me know if you have questions! The deadline is [Date].
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample 18: Requesting Recommendation from Teacher
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Teacher Appreciation
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
During your teaching of [Course] I have found great passion in [Subject]. I wanted to connect and request a letter of recommendation from you. I believe your insights on my commitment to the course would be invaluable, since I want to become a [Career]. Please let me know if I can elaborate on the course. The deadline is [Date].
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 19: Requesting Recommendation from Business Associate
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Business Accomplishments
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
Given your experience in this Industry I plan to further my learnings. I would love to partner with you to craft a Letter of Recommendation. I believe your insights on my skills, as demonstrated during the [Time Period] and [Role], will enhance the letter greatly. Please let me know if I can bring the details! The deadline is [Date].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Sample 20: Requesting Recommendation for Internship
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Internship Opportunities
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
As you know, I plan to get experience within [Industry] and I believe that an internship would be a great place to start. I would love your Letter of Recommendation based on my [Skills]. Let me know if you want to know more about my skills during [Project]! Please let me know if you have questions! The deadline is [Date].
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample 21: Requesting Recommendation for Club
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Organization/Club
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
Given my love and commitment to learning, I plan to get involved with [Club]. I would love your Letter of Recommendation based on my [Skills]. Please let me know if you have questions! The deadline is [Date]. I can provide more details about the club and the role.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 22: Requesting Recommendation from a Colleague
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Colleagues
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
Since we work together directly at [Company], I find you to be the best fit to help with a Letter of Recommendation. The skills I want to highlight relate to [Opportunity]. Please let me know if you want to discuss it more in person, since I am free on [Days/Time]. The deadline is [Date].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Sample 23: Requesting Recommendation from a Friend
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Opportunity]
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
Based on our relationship and the time we have spent together, I know you are aware of my skills. To best capture it, I request a letter of recommendation relating to the [Opportunity] I am involved with. Let me know if you need more details. The deadline is [Date].
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample 24: Requesting Recommendation for Business School
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Business School
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I have worked with you for [Number] years and you are well aware of my performance. I would greatly appreciate you drafting a Letter of Recommendation so I can apply to Business School! Let me know if you want to discuss it more. The deadline is [Date].
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 25: Requesting Recommendation from Volunteering Experience
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Volunteering
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
As you know, volunteering is one of my passions and I want to continue volunteering for [Role]. I am happy to provide all the details, as well as a thank you present for your time and commitment. Let me know if you can do it and what the next steps are. The deadline is [Date].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
A well-crafted email requesting a letter of recommendation can significantly increase your chances of securing valuable support. Remember to personalize each request, provide ample context, and express your gratitude. Good luck!
