Professor Recommendation: Sample Letters & Expert Tips

Crafting the Perfect Request: A Guide to Professor Recommendations

Securing a strong recommendation letter from a professor is crucial for graduate school applications, scholarships, and job opportunities. However, simply asking isn’t enough. The key is to make the process as easy and efficient as possible for your professor while showcasing your accomplishments and goals. A well-crafted request demonstrates respect for their time and significantly increases your chances of receiving a glowing letter. Consider your relationship with the professor, the program you’re applying to, and your specific achievements in their class.

Timing, Context, and the Essential Details

Plan your request well in advance. Giving professors ample time (at least a month) allows them to write thoughtful and detailed recommendations. Provide them with all necessary information, including your resume/CV, transcripts, a personal statement (if applicable), and specific details about the program or position you’re applying for. Also, clearly state the deadline for submission. Make sure to follow up politely a week or two before the deadline to ensure they haven’t forgotten.

Highlight Your Achievements and Offer Assistance

Remind the professor of your contributions to their class. Mention specific projects, presentations, or insightful discussions that demonstrate your abilities and engagement. If possible, offer to provide them with a draft of the key points you’d like them to emphasize in the letter. This can be a great way to help them remember your strengths and ensure the letter aligns with your overall application strategy. Furthermore, be sure to offer to answer any questions they may have.

Gratitude and Professionalism: The Final Touches

Always express your sincere gratitude for their time and effort, regardless of whether they agree to write a letter. After the letter is submitted, send a thank-you note expressing your appreciation. Maintaining a positive and professional relationship with your professors can be invaluable throughout your academic and professional career. This shows respect and strengthens your network.

Sample Letter 1: General 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 in support of my application to graduate programs in [Field of Study]. I am planning to apply to [mention specific universities if possible].

I greatly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year]. Your lectures on [Specific Topic] were particularly influential in solidifying my interest in [Field of Study]. I also remember the helpful feedback I received on my [Specific Assignment].

My resume, transcript, and personal statement are attached for your review. The application deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. I would be happy to provide any additional information you may need.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID]

Sample Letter 2: Request for a Specific Job Application

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you in good health. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I found the listing on [Platform].

I learned so much in your [Course Name] course and often find myself applying the skills I developed in your class, especially regarding [Specific Skill] in my current [Work Experience/Project].

The job description and my resume are attached. The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. Would you be available to write a letter highlighting my abilities and qualifications for this role?

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Email Address]

Sample Letter 3: Emphasizing a Specific Skill

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I am applying for the [Program Name] program at [University Name] and would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me.

During your [Course Name] class, I particularly excelled in [Specific Skill]. I believe this skill is essential for success in [Program Name]. I remember during the [Project/Assignment] I demostrated [Specific skill].

I have attached my resume, transcript, and a brief statement of purpose for your review. The deadline for the recommendation is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to support my application.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Phone Number]

Sample Letter 4: Reminding of a specific project.

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 [Type of Program/Job] at [Organization Name].

I remember working on the project of [Project Name], and i got A grade as the project shows my [Skills] and [Skills].

Please find the attached resume and transcript for your information. Let me know if you are free to support the application. The deadline is [Date].

Thanks you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID]

Sample Letter 5: Focus on impact and lesson learned.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope you are doing fine. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Position/Program Name] at [Organization Name].

I have learnt a lot from the [Course Name], and also, the project impact from the class is [Impact Name].

Please check my resume for your information. The deadline is [Date].

Thanks you a lot.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Number]

Sample Letter 6: General Request with Flexible Timing

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation. I’m exploring opportunities in [Field/Industry] and a strong letter from you would be incredibly valuable.

I especially benefited from [Specific Project/Assignment/Topic] in your [Course Name] class. It helped me develop [Specific Skill].

I’m happy to provide you with my resume, relevant application materials, and deadlines as they arise. Please let me know if you would be willing to write a letter for me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your University Email]

Sample Letter 7: Follow up of a previous email of request for letter.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am following up on my previous email from [Date] regarding my application to the [Organization Name] at [Position/Program Name].

I attached the resume, so you can check it for your reference, let me know if it works for you, so i can provide the deadline and more information.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best,

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

Sample Letter 8: Request letter after graduation.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope you are doing well, I am [Your Name], graduated from [University Name]. I am applying for [Job/Program Name] at [Organization Name].

I remember that i learnt a lot from your class, so it will be a pleasure if you can support my application.

Please find attached my resume. The deadline is [Date].

Thanks for your support.

Best,

[Your Name]

[Your University Email]

Sample Letter 9: Requesting for scholarship purpose.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope you are having a good day, I am writing for you to support in my application for [Scholarship Name], that is very important to support my [Studies/Research].

I was one of your student for the [Course Name], i always participate in the topics and always have good grades.

I attached the requirement and all the files for the application. The deadline is [Date].

Thanks you so much.

[Your Name]

[Your Email]

Sample Letter 10: Requesting mentioning teamwork skill.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I am writing to request your recommendation. I am trying to apply for [Program Name], and your letter will be of great help.

In the [Course Name] class, i remember that i show a strong teamwork spirit, when we are working on the [Group Project Name].

I attached my CV and all the related materials, the due date is [Date].

Looking forward to hear from you soon.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

[Contact Info]

Sample Letter 11: Requesting for PhD application.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this message finds you well, my name is [Your Name], and i am graduating on [Date]. I am trying to apply for PhD in [Area], because it is my area of expertise.

I know you are expert in this area as well, so i will be happy to receive a letter from you, highlighting my skill.

The deadline is [Date], please check my resume to check if we had the same area of expertise.

Thank you so much.

Best,

[Your Name]

[Your University Email]

Sample Letter 12: Reminding the professor if he know you well.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope you are doing great, i am writing to request your support for my [Application/Scholarship]. You know me well because i frequently visit your office hours during your class [Course Name].

I will attach the material and deadline, please let me know if i can count on you.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Info]

Sample Letter 13: Request mentioning specific contribution

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for my application to the [Program/Job Title] at [Institution/Company Name].

During your [Course Name] class, I contributed significantly to [Specific Project/Discussion/Activity] by [Specific Action/Insight]. This experience solidified my interest in [Related Field/Skill].

I have attached my resume and a brief statement outlining my goals. The deadline for the recommendation letter is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to support my application.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Student ID Number]

Sample Letter 14: Request for internship

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

Hope you are doing great, I am looking for an internship on [Area of expertise]. I think you know a lot about my skills from the [Course Name], so it will be great if you can support my application.

I will provide all the documents and the deadline, and also i want to thank you for supporting my career.

I hope you reply soon.

Best Regards.

[Your Name]

[Email Address]

Sample Letter 15: Request mentioning course and specific topics.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope you are having a great day. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the [Type of Opportunity – e.g., graduate program, scholarship, job] in the field of [Specific Field]. I greatly enjoyed your [Course Name] course, particularly the modules on [Specific Topic 1] and [Specific Topic 2]. These topics sparked my interest in [Specific Area of Interest] and helped me develop skills in [Specific Skills].

I have attached my resume and a personal statement that further details my qualifications and aspirations. The deadline for submitting the letter of recommendation is [Date]. Would you be willing to write a letter on my behalf?

Thank you for considering my request. I truly appreciate your time and guidance.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Contact Number]

Sample Letter 16: After an informal discussion.

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me about my application to the [Program Name] during our informal discussion in your class. I feel confident that [Specific skill i learned] would make a good fit for my future.

Please check the attached file, the deadline is [Date].

It will be a honor for me to receive the recommendation from you.

Regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 17: About Specific Grade

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you for [Program/Job Application].

I am a student with ID [ID], and you assigned me a grade of [Grade], so it shows i am a good student.

The deadline is [Date], please let me know if it works for you.

Thank you.

Best.

[Your Name]