Requesting a letter of recommendation can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step for academic applications, job prospects, and professional advancements. The key to a successful request lies in preparation, politeness, and providing the recommender with ample information to write a strong and personalized letter. Approaching potential recommenders with a well-crafted request demonstrates respect for their time and increases your chances of receiving a positive response.
Before drafting your request, carefully consider whom to ask. Choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your skills, abilities, and achievements in a relevant context. Provide them with sufficient lead time – ideally at least a month – before the deadline. Clearly state the purpose of the letter and provide them with supporting materials such as your resume, a personal statement (if applicable), and details about the opportunity you’re pursuing.
Remember to personalize each request. Generic requests are less likely to resonate with the recommender. Explain why you’ve chosen them specifically and highlight the experiences you shared that would make them well-suited to write you a strong letter. Offer to meet with them to discuss your application or career goals further, ensuring they have a clear understanding of what you’re aiming to achieve. This collaborative approach can significantly improve the quality of the recommendation letter.
Finally, always express your gratitude, regardless of whether the person agrees to write the letter. A simple thank you demonstrates your appreciation for their time and consideration. If they do agree to write the letter, remember to follow up closer to the deadline to gently remind them and offer any additional information they may need. After the letter is submitted, send another thank-you note expressing your sincere gratitude for their support. This fosters a positive relationship and leaves a lasting positive impression.
Sample Recommendation Letter Requests
Sample Letter 1: Academic 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 thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester, and I learned a great deal about [Specific Topic]. I believe your insights into my understanding of [Specific Skill] would be valuable to the admissions committee. I have attached my resume and a draft of my personal statement for your review.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me? I would be happy to meet with you during your office hours to discuss my application further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2: Job Application
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], and I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you. The job description emphasizes skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], which I believe align with the experience I gained working with you on the [Project Name] project at [Previous Company/Organization]. The deadline for the submission is [Date].
I particularly valued your guidance during that project, especially your insights on [Specific Aspect of Project]. I have attached my resume and the job description for your review.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation highlighting my skills and experience in these areas? I am available to chat at your convenience to provide more context.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: Scholarship Application
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Scholarship Name]. This scholarship will greatly assist me in pursuing my education and achieving my career goals in [Field of Study]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
Your mentorship during my time as [Your Role] at [Organization] significantly shaped my understanding of [Specific Area] and solidified my passion for [Field of Study]. I believe your perspective on my dedication and potential would be highly valuable.
I have attached my scholarship application materials, including my essay and transcript, for your review. Would you be willing to write a letter highlighting my qualifications for this scholarship?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: 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]. I am particularly interested in your research in [Specific research area]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
Your class, [Course Name], was instrumental in shaping my interest in [Specific field]. I believe your insights on my critical thinking and analytical skills would be a great asset to my application. I have attached my resume, a personal statement, and a transcript for your reference.
Would you be open to writing a letter that supports my application? I’m happy to meet during your office hours to discuss my application further.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Internship Application
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Internship Title] internship at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that your observation of my work ethic and skills during my time [how you know the recommender] would be a great addition to my application. I have attached my resume, cover letter, and the internship details for your reference.
Would you be willing to write a letter that supports my application? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Volunteer Position
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for a volunteer position at [Organization Name]. This position is a great fit for me due to [reason]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe your observation of my skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] during my time [How you know recommender] would be a great addition to my application. I have attached my resume, cover letter, and the position details for your reference.
Would you be willing to write a letter that supports my application? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: Recommendation for another Job
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My friend [friend name] is applying for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] and asked me to find someone to write a reference for them. I remember you mentioning once that you were also looking for people to write recommendations for. I told them that you’re a competent worker and are very reliable. If you have the time, would you be willing to write them a recommendation? The deadline for submission is [Date].
Let me know what you think!
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Letter for Award
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Award Name]. I believe that you would make a strong case due to [reason]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe your observation of my skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] during my time [How you know recommender] would be a great addition to my application. I have attached my resume, cover letter, and the position details for your reference.
Would you be willing to write a letter that supports my application? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: Character Recommendation
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation. I am applying to [program] and need a letter to support my case. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe your observation of me as a person and my character will prove helpful in my case.
Would you be willing to write a letter? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: Law School
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for law school. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that your observation of my skills in debate and critical thinking that I learned while I was [How you know recommender] will prove helpful in my case.
Would you be willing to write a letter? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11: High School
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [School Name] for high school. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that your observation of my work ethic in [subject name] will prove helpful in my case.
Would you be willing to write a letter? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12: Private High School
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [School Name] private high school. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that your observation of my skills in [skill] during [where you saw skills] will prove helpful in my case.
Would you be willing to write a letter? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13: Residency Program
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Program Name] residency program. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that your observation of my skills in [skill] during [where you saw skills] will prove helpful in my case.
Would you be willing to write a letter? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 14: Dental School
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for dental school. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that your observation of my skills in [skill] during [where you saw skills] will prove helpful in my case.
Would you be willing to write a letter? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 15: Medical School
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for medical school. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that your observation of my skills in [skill] during [where you saw skills] will prove helpful in my case.
Would you be willing to write a letter? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 16: Teacher Recommendation
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support me when I apply to a new teaching position. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that your observation of my skills in [skill] during [where you saw skills] will prove helpful in my case.
Would you be willing to write a letter? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 17: Transfer Student
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to transfer schools. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that your observation of my skills in [skill] during [where you saw skills] will prove helpful in my case.
Would you be willing to write a letter? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 18: Board Member Recommendation
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to join a new board. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that your observation of my skills in [skill] during [where you saw skills] will prove helpful in my case.
Would you be willing to write a letter? I’m available to chat at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Crafting a professional and well-thought-out request for a recommendation letter is vital for securing strong endorsements. By providing context, offering support, and expressing gratitude, you significantly increase your chances of receiving a compelling letter that positively impacts your application or career prospects. Remember to tailor each request to the individual recommender and the specific opportunity you’re pursuing. Good luck!
