Crafting the Perfect Recommendation Letter Request
Requesting a letter of recommendation can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a smooth and successful process. The key is preparation, politeness, and providing your recommender with everything they need to write a strong letter on your behalf. Start by identifying individuals who know you well and can speak to your skills, experiences, and character relevant to your application. Think about professors who you excelled in their class, supervisors who witnessed your work ethic, or mentors who guided your development.
Essential Steps for a Successful Request
Before reaching out, gather essential information. This includes details about the application deadline, the specific requirements of the letter, and any accomplishments or experiences you want to highlight. When you contact your potential recommender, be sure to do it well in advance of the deadline – ideally, at least a month. Explain why you’re asking them specifically and what you hope the letter will achieve. Don’t forget to express your gratitude for their time and consideration.
Providing Support and Making it Easy
To make the process as easy as possible for your recommender, provide them with all the necessary materials. This could include your resume or CV, a personal statement or essay draft (if applicable), and a list of your accomplishments and skills. You should also provide them with clear instructions on how to submit the letter and the deadline. Offering to answer any questions they may have demonstrates your commitment and helps them write a more comprehensive and insightful letter.
20 Sample Recommendation Letter Request Letters
Here are 20 sample letters you can adapt for your own requests. Remember to personalize each one to fit your specific situation and relationship with the recommender.
- Dear Professor Smith,
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for the Master’s program in Computer Science at Stanford University, and I was hoping you would consider writing me a letter of recommendation. I greatly enjoyed your Data Structures course and believe you have a strong understanding of my abilities. Please let me know if this is something you are able to do. Thank you for your time and consideration. - Dear Dr. Jones,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a summer internship at Google. I thoroughly enjoyed working on the research project in your lab last semester, and I believe your insights into my research skills would be invaluable. The deadline for submission is April 15th. I am happy to provide further details about the internship and my experiences in your lab. - Dear Mr. Brown,
I hope you are doing well. As you know, I worked as a sales intern under your supervision last summer. I learned a great deal from you and believe you are the best person to speak to my work ethic and ability to work in a team. I am applying for a full-time position at Salesforce and would be honored if you would write me a recommendation letter. - Dear Ms. Davis,
I am applying for a scholarship to help fund my undergraduate education. I remember you as a very good English Teacher, and I am thankful for that, and the scholarship has a deadline on March 1. I remember that you taught me well, and I’m hoping you can write me a letter of recommendation. - Dear Coach Williams,
I am writing to you because I am hoping to play college basketball and I am hoping you can write me a letter of recommendation because you can speak to my dedication and ability to perform on a team. My coach for many years, you saw me play well, and I hope you have some time to write me a letter. - Dear Principal Johnson,
I am requesting a letter of recommendation because I am applying to be a teacher’s assistant, and I remember being a good student in your school. I will graduate soon, and your letter can greatly assist me in this endeavor. - Dear Senator Rodriguez,
I would like to request a letter of recommendation because I will be applying for a political internship, and I would like to be able to learn more about the political sphere. The deadline for the application is coming up soon, and I am hoping you can write me a letter soon. - Dear Professor Thompson,
I am hoping that you will write me a letter of recommendation because I am applying for a debate contest, and I would like you to write me a letter of recommendation because of how well I did in debate class. You know my strong speaking ability, and I hope that you can help me out. - Dear Doctor Brown,
As you know, I volunteered in your clinic last year, and I would like to request a letter of recommendation because I am applying for medical school and believe you can attest to my character and ability to work in medicine. I am hoping that you can write the letter with details to the medical field. - Dear President Clark,
I am requesting a letter of recommendation because I am applying for a leadership award. As the president of my club last year, you saw me lead the team to success, and I hope you will write me a letter of recommendation to boost my application. - Dear Officer Miller,
I am hoping for you to write me a letter of recommendation because I am applying for a job in law enforcement. You can attest to my good character and my desire to help the community. I hope you will be able to write the letter. - Dear Architect Davis,
I would be honored for you to write me a letter of recommendation because I am applying to work at an architecture firm. Your expertise will benefit me, and I hope you can assist me. - Dear Chef Lee,
I am hoping to receive a letter of recommendation because I am applying to be the head chef at my restaurant, and I would like to show my superior skills. Please help me out. - Dear Musician Brown,
I would like to apply for a letter of recommendation because I hope to get a music award. I need to prove my dedication to my craft and how hard I’ve worked to play music. - Dear Dancer Williams,
I would love for you to write me a letter of recommendation because I am applying to join a dancing company, and I will need all the support I can get. - Dear Writer Davis,
I am hoping you will write me a letter of recommendation because I am applying for a writing grant. I want to prove my ability as a writer to make it. - Dear Film Director Johnson,
I am hoping you can write me a letter of recommendation because I am hoping to make it in the film industry, and I will need to prove my abilities. - Dear Artist Rodriguez,
I would like you to write me a letter of recommendation because I am applying for an art contest, and you saw my abilities and talent as an artist. - Dear Game Developer Thompson,
I need you to write me a letter of recommendation because I am hoping to work as a game developer, and the letter will greatly assist me. - Dear Programmer Miller,
I am asking you to write me a letter of recommendation because I am hoping to work as a programmer, and I believe that your letter will greatly help me out.
Remember to replace these samples with your own personalized letters.
Conclusion
By following these tips and utilizing the sample letters as a starting point, you can confidently request strong letters of recommendation that will significantly enhance your applications. Remember, a well-crafted request, coupled with a thoughtful recommender, can make all the difference.
