Asking professors for recommendation letters can feel daunting. Successful requests are well-planned and respectful of the professor’s time. Start by considering which professors know you and your work best. Give them plenty of advance notice.
Think about the specific programs or opportunities you’re applying for. Tailor your request to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to those goals. Provide the professor with all the necessary information, including deadlines and application instructions.
Remember proper etiquette. A polite and professional tone is essential. A personal email is almost always preferred over a generic, mass-sent request. Refresh their memory of your interactions in their class or during research.
Always offer to provide additional materials. This could include your resume, personal statement, or a transcript. A comprehensive view of your academic and professional accomplishments helps them write a stronger, more personalized recommendation letter.
Sample Recommendation Letter Request Emails
Sample Letter 1
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Application Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I greatly enjoyed your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year], and I learned a great deal from your lectures on [Specific Topic]. My work on [Project Name] in your class, particularly [Specific Skill/Achievement], is highly relevant to the [Program Name].
I have attached my resume and personal statement for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. I am happy to provide any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Fellowship Application]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am applying for the [Fellowship Name] and would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. The application deadline is [Date].
I remember our discussions during office hours about [Specific Topic] in your [Course Name] class. Your insights were invaluable to my understanding of the subject.
I’ve attached my CV and a draft of my research proposal. Please let me know if you can support my application. I’m available to discuss my research and goals further if needed.
Thank you very much for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Job Application]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The deadline to submit the letter is [Date].
Your [Course Name] class was instrumental in helping me develop my [Specific Skill] skills. I particularly enjoyed [Specific Project/Assignment].
I have attached my resume and a link to the job description. Please let me know if you feel you can write a strong letter on my behalf. I am happy to provide additional information.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Graduate School]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline is [Date].
I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] course in [Semester/Year], and I found your lectures on [Specific Topic] particularly insightful. My work on the [Project Name] project in your course honed my research skills significantly.
I have attached my resume, transcript, and statement of purpose. Please let me know if you are able to write a strong letter for me. I’m available to discuss my goals further at your convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Scholarship Application]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the [Scholarship Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I learned a great deal from your [Course Name] class, particularly your lectures on [Specific Topic]. The skills I gained in your course have been invaluable to my academic success.
I have attached my transcript, resume, and a brief statement about why I am applying for this scholarship. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Internship Application]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am applying for a [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name] and was hoping you might consider writing a letter of recommendation. The application deadline is [Date].
I still remember when your lectures on [Specific Topic] during [Course Name] class, helped to improve my understanding. I am available to give you all the supporting documents for your review.
Thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Research Program]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Program Name]. The deadline is [Date].
I still recall from your lectures on [Specific Topic] during our interaction. I would really appreciate if you could help me.
Thank you very much for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Teaching Job]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to [Institution Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I would be very happy to share with you my experience in [Course Name]. I am available to give you all the supporting documents for your review.
Thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Volunteer Application]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to [Volunteer Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I still remember when you were discussing to us during lecture on [Specific Topic] during [Course Name] class, helped to improve my understanding. I am available to give you all the supporting documents for your review.
Thank you very much for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Consulting Job]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I would be very happy to share with you my experience in [Course Name]. I am available to give you all the supporting documents for your review.
Thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Postdoc Application]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to [Institution Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I still recall from your lectures on [Specific Topic] during our interaction. I would really appreciate if you could help me.
Thank you very much for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Program]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to [Program Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I would be very happy to share with you my experience in [Course Name]. I am available to give you all the supporting documents for your review.
Thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Organization Application]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to [Organization Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I still remember when you were discussing to us during lecture on [Specific Topic] during [Course Name] class, helped to improve my understanding. I am available to give you all the supporting documents for your review.
Thank you very much for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Requesting recommendation letters requires thoughtful planning and respectful communication. By following these guidelines and tailoring your requests, you’ll increase your chances of securing strong letters that effectively support your applications. Remember to express your gratitude for their time and effort.
