Crafting the Perfect Letter of Recommendation Request
Securing strong letters of recommendation is crucial for graduate school applications, job opportunities, and scholarship pursuits. Approaching your professors effectively is key. This guide provides nine sample request letters, along with tips on how to personalize your request and increase your chances of receiving a glowing recommendation. Remember to give your professor ample time and provide them with all the necessary information to write a compelling letter on your behalf.
Essential Elements of a Successful Request
Before diving into the samples, let’s highlight key components: Timing is critical – request at least a month in advance. Personalize each request – don’t send a generic email. Remind the professor of your interactions in their class, specific projects you excelled at, and how their insights shaped your academic path. Always provide a resume, transcript, and a clear statement of purpose or the requirements of the application you’re pursuing. Finally, express your gratitude for their time and consideration.
Nine Sample Request Letters for Your Inspiration
Below are nine sample request letters you can adapt to your specific circumstances. Remember to replace the bracketed information with your own details. Use these samples as a starting point to craft a personalized and effective request. Each sample offers a slightly different tone and focus, catering to various professor-student relationships.
Sample Recommendation Request Letters
Sample Letter 1: Formal and Detailed
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Application Type]
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 respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name].
I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class and found your lectures on [Specific Topic] particularly insightful. I believe the knowledge and skills I gained in your class have prepared me well for further study in [Field of Study]. As you may recall, I [Mention a specific project or contribution you made in the class].
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and a statement of purpose for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me by [Date]. I would be 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)]
Sample Letter 2: Focusing on Specific Skills
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you in good health. I’m [Your Name], a former student from your [Course Name] course ([Semester/Year]). I’m applying for a [Job Title/Program Name] at [Company/University], and I believe a letter of recommendation from you would significantly strengthen my application.
During your class, I particularly benefited from learning about [Specific Skill/Concept]. I believe my performance on the [Assignment/Project] demonstrated my aptitude for [Specific Skill] which aligns well with the requirements of this [Job/Program].
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of the [Job/Program] to this email. The application deadline is [Date]. Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me? I’d be happy to provide further information or meet with you to discuss this further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: Emphasizing Academic Growth
Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I trust this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I had the pleasure of being a student in your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year]. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Graduate Program Name] at [University Name].
Your [Course Name] course had a profound impact on my academic development, particularly in the area of [Specific Area]. I especially appreciated [Mention a specific aspect of the course, e.g., your teaching style, the discussions, a specific assignment]. I feel that I demonstrated my growth in [Specific Skill] through [Specific Project/Assignment].
The application deadline is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and a personal statement for your review. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application. I’m available to meet during your office hours to discuss this further.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: Focusing on a Specific Project
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [University/Company Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I’m [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to [Position/Program Name] at [University/Company Name].
I particularly enjoyed working on the [Project Name] project in your class. I learned a great deal about [Specific Skill/Concept] through this project. As you may recall, I [Mention a specific contribution you made to the project].
The deadline for the recommendation is [Date]. I have attached my resume and a description of the [Position/Program Name]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter. I’d be happy to provide any additional information you might need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: More Casual Tone (If Appropriate)
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Hi Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
Hope you’re having a good [Semester/Time of Year]! It’s [Your Name] from your [Course Name] class ([Semester/Year]). I’m applying to [Program/Job] at [University/Company] and was hoping you might be willing to write me a letter of recommendation.
I really enjoyed your class, especially [Specific topic or activity]. I think the skills I developed in [Specific Skill] during that time would be really helpful in [Program/Job].
I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of what I’m applying for. The deadline is [Date]. Let me know if this is something you’d be able to do! Thanks so much for your time.
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: After a Long Time Since the Class
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] (Former Student)
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 back in [Semester/Year]. I understand it’s been a while, but I’m hoping you might remember me.
I’m currently applying to [Program/Job] at [University/Company], and I believe your recommendation could be invaluable. I still remember your insightful lectures on [Specific Topic], and I believe the critical thinking skills I developed in your class have been instrumental in my subsequent endeavors.
To refresh your memory, I [Briefly describe a project, contribution, or interaction you had in class]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and a statement of purpose. The deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter. I’d be happy to provide any additional information.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: For a Professor You Worked Closely With
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Purpose]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m [Your Name], and I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Program/Position] at [Institution/Company].
Having worked closely with you on [Project/Research/Activity], I believe you have a strong understanding of my abilities and potential. I particularly valued your guidance and mentorship during [Specific aspect of the collaboration]. The experience I gained working with you on [Project/Research] was invaluable in shaping my [Skills/Interests].
I’ve attached my resume, a description of the [Program/Position], and a statement of purpose. The deadline for the letter is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter. I’d be happy to discuss this further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: When you need multiple Letters
Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I was in your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year]. I’m applying to several [Program/Job] openings, and a strong letter of recommendation from you would be incredibly helpful.
During your class, I particularly enjoyed [Specific Topic/Project]. I learned [Specific Skill] which I believe is highly relevant to [Program/Job Requirements]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and a general statement of purpose highlighting the type of positions I’m applying for.
The deadlines for these applications vary, but most fall within [Timeframe]. Would you be willing to write a general letter of recommendation that I can adapt for different applications? I’m happy to provide more specific information for each application if needed. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: Directly Addressing a Weakness
Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Opportunity]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I had the pleasure of being a student in your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year]. I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the [Opportunity] at [Organization].
I greatly valued your [Course Name] class, especially [Specific Aspect of the Course, e.g., the challenging problem sets, the thought-provoking discussions]. I believe you have a unique perspective on my capabilities, particularly considering [Mention a specific challenge you faced in the class or a potential weakness]. I am working diligently to improve in this area, and I believe I have demonstrated progress by [Specific examples of improvement].
The deadline for the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume, transcript, and a statement of purpose. Please let me know if you feel comfortable writing a letter for me, and I am happy to provide any additional information you may require.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Conclusion: Making Your Request Count
Requesting a letter of recommendation is a delicate process. By following the tips outlined in this guide and tailoring these sample letters to your individual situation, you can increase your chances of receiving a strong and supportive letter that will significantly enhance your application. Remember to be proactive, respectful, and grateful for your professors’ time and effort.
