Recommendation Letter Request: Tips & Sample Letters

Crafting the Perfect Recommendation Letter Request

Securing strong recommendation letters is crucial for academic and professional advancement. The key lies in approaching potential recommenders thoughtfully and providing them with everything they need to write a compelling letter. Start by considering who knows your work best and whose opinion carries weight in the eyes of the recipient. Remember to ask well in advance of the deadline, giving your recommender ample time.

Essential Elements of Your Request

Your recommendation request should be clear, concise, and professional. Include information about why you need the letter, what you’re applying for (e.g., a specific job, program, or scholarship), and the deadline. Provide your recommender with supporting materials, such as your resume, personal statement (if applicable), and a brief overview of your accomplishments and skills relevant to the application. Offer to meet with them to discuss your goals and answer any questions they may have.

Making it Easy for Your Recommender

To ensure a strong letter of recommendation, explicitly state the key qualities or achievements you would like them to highlight. Perhaps you excelled in a specific project or demonstrated leadership skills in a particular situation. By providing concrete examples, you make it easier for your recommender to write a personalized and impactful letter. Thank them sincerely for their time and effort, regardless of whether they accept your request. Send a thank-you note after the letter has been submitted.

Follow-Up and Gratitude

While respecting your recommender’s time, it’s appropriate to send a polite reminder a week or so before the deadline. Ensure you thank them again for their support. Keeping the lines of communication open and maintaining a positive relationship with your recommenders can benefit you throughout your career.

Sample Letter 1: Request from a Former Student (Professor)

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 for the [Program Name] program at [University Name].

The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume and personal statement for your review, which further detail my academic and professional experiences. I would be grateful if you could speak to my [Specific Skills/Qualities, e.g., analytical abilities, work ethic, communication skills] which I developed during your course.

I would be happy to meet with you to discuss my application further. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 2: Request from an Employee (Manager)

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope you are doing well.

I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation from you in support of my application for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I believe my experience working under your supervision at [Company Name] has prepared me well for this opportunity.

The application deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume and the job description for your reference. I would appreciate it if you could highlight my contributions to the [Project/Team] and my skills in [Specific Skills, e.g., project management, teamwork, problem-solving].

Please let me know if you require any additional information. Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 3: Request for a Scholarship

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I am writing to you today to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. The deadline for the letter is [Date].

As you know, I have dedicated myself to [mention relevant activities or goals] during my time at [Institution]. I believe this scholarship would greatly aid in my pursuing [Future Goals/Aspirations].

I have attached my resume and a statement of purpose. I would be grateful if you could touch upon my [Specific Quality 1] and [Specific Quality 2].

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 4: Request for Graduate School

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I enjoyed being a student in your [Course Name] class. I learned [Specific Skill/Knowledge] which is crucial for my success in [Program Name] program at [University Name].

I have attached my resume and personal statement for your review. Please let me know if you require any additional information. Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 5: Formal Request via Email (Higher Position)

Dear Mr./Ms. [Recommender’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you in good health. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you in support of my application to [Position/Program/Opportunity].

As [Your Position/Context], I have always admired your [Quality/Expertise]. I believe that your insights on my [Relevant Skill/Achievement] would greatly strengthen my application.

The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached [Supporting Documents: Resume, Statement of Purpose, etc.] for your review.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 6: Request Focusing on Specific Skills

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I remember [Related Class Taken] with you.

The [Job Title] position requires in depth knowledge in the area of [Skill1] and [Skill2], which I have gained from your class [Related Class Taken]. I really appreciated your lecture regarding on [Subject] which is really helpful.

The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume and the job description for your reference. Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 7: Request for Mentorship Program

Dear Mr./Ms. [Recommender’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Mentorship Program Name] program. The deadline for submission is [Date].

During my time at [Place], I have always been inspired by your [Achievement/Quality]. I am hoping that I can learn a lot from [Mentorship Program Name].

I have attached my resume and a statement of interest for your reference. Your insights on my [Skill1] and [Skill2] would greatly strengthen my application. Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 8: Request to someone who has worked closely with you

Dear Mr./Ms. [Recommender’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to ask if you’d be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me in support of my application for the [Specific Job/Program]. The deadline for the submission is [Date].

Your guidance during [Project] helped me to improve in area of [Skill1]. With my expertise in [Skill2], I believe that [Specific Job/Program] will contribute to my goals in the future.

I have attached my resume, statement of purpose, and other [Supporting documents]. Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 9: Request after a Long Time

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well and you are doing good. My name is [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class way back in [Semester/Year]. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application for the [Program Name].

I know it’s been a while, but I wanted to reconnect and see if you would be able to write a letter of recommendation for me. I still remember what you have taught me in the area of [Related Lesson]. I believe that my knowledge on [Skill1] is very important in [Program Name].

I have attached my resume and personal statement for your review. I really appreciate that if you give me a chance to talk about my accomplishments. Please let me know if you are able to help me in the future. Thank you for your time and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]