Requesting a letter of recommendation can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step in many academic and professional pursuits. Whether you’re applying to graduate school, seeking a job, or vying for a scholarship, a strong recommendation can significantly boost your chances of success. The key is to ask the right person, provide them with ample information, and give them sufficient time to write a compelling letter. This article provides examples and best practices to help you navigate the process with confidence, making it easier for your recommenders to support you effectively.
Before diving into the examples, remember the core principles of a successful request: ask politely, provide context about your goals, offer supporting materials like your resume and personal statement, and express gratitude for their time and effort. The more information you furnish your recommender with, the better they can tailor their letter to showcase your relevant skills and experiences. Also, be mindful of deadlines and provide a reasonable timeframe for them to complete the letter. A rushed request can result in a less effective recommendation.
When crafting your request, tailor it to the specific person and the opportunity you’re pursuing. Briefly explain why you’re asking them specifically, highlighting the relevant experiences or qualities they can speak to. Be clear about the purpose of the recommendation, the target audience, and any specific information or strengths you’d like them to emphasize. Finally, make it easy for them to say “yes” by providing all necessary documents and offering to answer any questions they may have. A well-prepared request demonstrates respect for their time and increases the likelihood of a positive response.
Below are 18 examples of request for letter of recommendation. Each sample cater for a specific context, be sure to modify these templates to suit your unique situation and relationship with your recommender. Pay attention to the tone, information included, and the level of formality to ensure your request is professional and effective. Consider sending your request well in advance of the deadline, providing ample time for your recommender to craft a thoughtful and impactful letter.
Recommendation Request Examples
Example 1: Requesting a Letter for Graduate School (Professor)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Graduate School Application
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 for submission is [Date].
I greatly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester. Your lectures on [Specific Topic] were particularly insightful and inspired my interest in [Related Field]. I believe your insights on my [Specific Skill/Trait] would be invaluable to my application.
I have attached my resume, personal statement, and transcript for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation for me. I am happy to provide any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Example 2: Requesting a Letter for a Job (Supervisor)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope you are doing well.
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
During my time at [Company Name], I learned a great deal under your supervision. Your guidance and mentorship helped me develop my skills in [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2]. I believe your perspective on my work ethic and ability to [Specific Accomplishment] would be highly beneficial to my application.
I have attached my resume and the job description for your review. Please let me know if you are able to provide a letter of recommendation. I am happy to discuss the role and my qualifications further.
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Requesting a Letter for a Scholarship (Teacher)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Scholarship Name] Application
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. The deadline is [Date].
I remember your class on [Subject] was influential in helping me understand more about [Influenced Topic].
I have attached my scholarship application materials, including my essay and transcript. Would you be willing to write a letter highlighting my academic achievements and my commitment to [Relevant Field]? Please let me know if you are able to assist. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Requesting a Letter from a Volunteer Coordinator
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Opportunity Name]
Dear [Coordinator’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for [Opportunity Name] and would be grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation for me, highlighting my volunteer work at [Organization Name]. The deadline is [Date].
During my time volunteering, I focused on [volunteer work].
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Requesting a Letter from a Mentor
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Program/Position Name]
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well.
I am applying for [Program/Position Name] and I was hoping that you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
Your advice and support in helping me to reach this goal have been invaluable to me and I would be proud to include your recommendation in my application.
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Requesting a Letter for an Internship
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Internship Name] Application
Dear [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for the [Internship Name] internship at [Company Name] and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
During my time in your [Course Name] class, I found the topics you covered on [Topic] to be most inspiring.
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Requesting a Letter for a Job
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Job Title] Application
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
During my time reporting to you, I valued how your guidance helped me grow.
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 8: Requesting a Letter for Study Abroad
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Study Abroad Application
Dear [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for a study abroad program in [Country] and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
During my time in your class, I was very involved and enjoyed learning about [Course Topic].
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 9: Requesting a Letter for a Fellowship
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Fellowship Application
Dear [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for the [Fellowship Name] fellowship and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
The [Fellowship Name] fellowship will help me to achieve my goal of [Goal].
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 10: Requesting a Letter for a Residency
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Residency Application
Dear [Doctor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for a residency and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
Your mentorship during my time completing my degree helped guide me to where I am today.
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 11: Requesting a Letter for a Grant
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Grant Application
Dear [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for a grant for [Grant Type] and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
I hope that receiving this grant will help me to continue my research in [Research Type].
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 12: Requesting a Letter for Professional Development
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Professional Development Program
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for a professional development program and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
Professional development programs allow me to stay current in my field and benefit the whole team.
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 13: Follow Up Request for Letter
Subject: Following Up: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Position/Application Name]
Dear [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am following up on my previous email regarding my request for a letter of recommendation for [Position/Application Name]. The deadline is approaching on [Date], and I wanted to check if you would be able to write the letter.
Please let me know if you have any questions or require any additional materials from my end.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 14: Requesting a Letter for a Promotion
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Promotion Application
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for a promotion and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
The [Position Name] is a goal I have had for a very long time.
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 15: Requesting a Letter for a Certification
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Certification Application
Dear [Professor/Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for a certification and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
I hope this certification will help me to improve the service I offer.
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 16: Requesting a Letter for a Prestigious Award
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Award Application
Dear [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for a prestigious award and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
The [Award Name] award is my dream.
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 17: Requesting a Letter for a New Job
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [New Job] Application
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am applying for a new job in [Job Field] and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
Your guidance as my manager was so invaluable to me during my time reporting to you.
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 18: Requesting a Letter for a Personal Project
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Personal Project Support
Dear [Professor/Manager Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am working on a personal project in [Project Type] and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
I’m so passionate about [Project Type] and hope to be able to dedicate my time to it.
I’ve attached a document outlining the specifics of the opportunity, along with my resume and cover letter. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter by the deadline. Thank you!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Mastering the art of requesting letters of recommendation is essential for academic and professional advancement. By following the guidelines and examples presented here, you can increase your chances of securing strong, supportive letters that effectively highlight your strengths and potential. Remember to personalize each request, provide ample information, and express your sincere gratitude for your recommender’s time and effort. Good luck!
