Asking Your Professor for a Recommendation Letter: A Guide
Securing a strong recommendation letter from a professor is crucial for graduate school applications, scholarships, and job opportunities. It provides valuable insights into your academic abilities, work ethic, and potential, far beyond what your transcripts can convey. However, the process of requesting a letter can feel daunting. Understanding the appropriate approach and providing your professor with ample information will increase your chances of receiving a positive and impactful recommendation.
This article provides guidance on how to effectively request a recommendation letter from a professor. We’ll cover the key elements to include in your request, typical timelines, and provide seven sample letters you can adapt to your specific situation. Remember, preparation is key to making this process smooth and successful. Give them enough time to write your letter, and provide all the data and information they might need, like a resume, or why you need the letter.
7 Sample Request Letters for Professor Recommendations
The following are seven sample letters you can adapt to your specific situation. Remember to personalize each letter to reflect your relationship with the professor and the specific opportunity you’re pursuing. Ensure you adjust the content to match your specific situation, and replace bracketed information with the relevant details.
Sample Request Letters
Sample 1: General Request for Graduate School
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Graduate Program Name]
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 [Graduate Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year], and I believe my work in that class, particularly my [mention a specific project or assignment], demonstrated my [mention relevant skills or qualities]. I am pursuing this graduate program to further my knowledge in [Specific Area] and believe it aligns well with my long-term career goals of [Mention Goals].
I have attached my resume/CV, transcript, and a personal statement outlining my goals and qualifications. I would be grateful if you could consider my request. Please let me know if you require any additional information. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample 2: Request Highlighting Specific Skills
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Job/Internship Title]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Job/Internship Title] position at [Company Name]. The application deadline is [Date].
I believe my experience in your [Course Name] class, where I demonstrated strong [Specific Skill 1] and [Specific Skill 2] skills, makes me a suitable candidate for this role. I am particularly excited about [mention something specific about the role that interests you]. During your class, I learned how to [mention what you learned and how it will help in the role].
I have attached my resume and a description of the position. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf and if you require any further information. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample 3: Request After a Long Period of Time
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Opportunity Name]
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 [Semester/Year]. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for [Opportunity Name].
I understand it has been some time since I was a student in your class, but I remember your lectures on [Specific Topic] being particularly influential in my academic development. Since then, I have [Briefly describe your accomplishments since taking their class]. I believe the skills I developed in your course are directly relevant to this opportunity.
I have attached my resume/CV, a personal statement, and any other relevant documents. I would be happy to provide you with any additional information that might be helpful. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample 4: Request for a Specific Program Requirement
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Program Requirement Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Program Requirement Name] at [Institution Name]. The deadline for submitting the recommendation is [Date].
Your insights and guidance in [Course Name] were instrumental in solidifying my understanding of [Specific Topic]. I am confident that your recommendation would significantly strengthen my application, particularly in demonstrating my proficiency in [Skill/Area].
I have attached the application requirements, my resume, and a draft of my statement of purpose. Please let me know if there is any additional information you require from my end. Thank you for your time and willingness to assist me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample 5: Request Focusing on a Specific Project
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Project Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Project Name], which aims to [Brief Description]. The deadline for application is [Date].
My participation in your [Course Name] class, particularly the [Specific Assignment/Project] we worked on, significantly enhanced my understanding of [Relevant Skill/Concept]. I believe this experience, coupled with my skills in [List Skills], makes me a strong candidate for this project.
I have attached a proposal outline, my resume, and the requirements for this project. Please let me know if you are available to write a letter supporting my application and if you need more details. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample 6: Follow-Up Request
Subject: Following Up – Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Opportunity Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am following up on my previous email from [Date] regarding a letter of recommendation for [Opportunity Name]. The deadline for submission is approaching on [Date].
I understand you are busy, but I wanted to gently remind you of my request. I have attached the documents I sent previously, including my resume and personal statement. Please let me know if you require any further information or if you are unable to write the letter.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample 7: Request for a Scholarship Application
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Scholarship Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the [Scholarship Name], which would greatly assist me in funding my studies. The deadline for submission is [Date].
Your guidance and mentorship in [Course Name] have been invaluable to my academic pursuits. I am particularly proud of [mention a specific accomplishment]. I believe that your recommendation would highlight my potential and commitment to the field of [Field of Study].
I have attached the scholarship application details, my transcript, and a personal statement. Please let me know if you can provide a letter on my behalf and if you require any other information. I deeply appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
Key Takeaways and Conclusion
Requesting a letter of recommendation from a professor requires careful planning and professional communication. Remember to give your professor ample time, provide them with all necessary information, and tailor your request to the specific opportunity you’re pursuing. Always follow up politely, and express your sincere gratitude for their time and effort. By following these guidelines and adapting the sample letters provided, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving a compelling recommendation that will help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
