Securing a strong reference letter is crucial for various opportunities, from job applications to academic pursuits. Knowing how to ask effectively and providing your recommender with the necessary information is key to receiving a compelling and supportive letter. This guide offers practical advice and numerous sample letters to help you navigate the reference request process smoothly.
Before diving into the sample letters, remember to personalize each request. Clearly state the purpose of the letter (e.g., job application, graduate school admission), provide a deadline, and offer your resume or any other relevant materials. Show appreciation for their time and willingness to support your endeavors. Always follow up with a thank you note after they have submitted the letter.
A well-crafted reference letter request not only makes it easier for the recommender but also increases the chances of receiving a strong and tailored recommendation. Consider your relationship with the recommender when selecting the appropriate tone and level of formality. Providing specific details about your achievements and skills will help them write a more impactful letter.
Below you’ll find a variety of sample letters tailored for different situations and relationships. Feel free to adapt these samples to fit your specific needs and circumstances. Remember to proofread carefully before sending your request.
Sample Reference Letter Requests
Sample Letter 1: Formal Request to a Former Manager
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to respectfully 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 reported directly to you as a [Your Role]. I believe your insights into my [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] would be valuable to the hiring manager. I have attached my resume for your review.
Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 2: Informal Request to a Professor
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you’re doing well.
I’m applying to the [Program Name] program at [University Name] and was hoping you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date].
I really enjoyed your [Course Name] class and felt I excelled in [Specific Project/Area]. I believe your perspective on my academic abilities and [Specific Skill] would be incredibly helpful. I can provide you with my transcript, statement of purpose, and resume.
Please let me know if this is something you’d be able to do. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 3: Request to a Supervisor for an Internship
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for an internship at [Company Name]. The internship is focused on [Area of Focus] and I believe my experience working with you on [Project Name] would be relevant. The deadline is [Date].
During my time as a volunteer at [Organization Name], I learned a lot about [Skill]. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 4: Request after some time has passed.
Dear [Previous Colleague’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m reaching out because I am currently applying for a new role at [New Company] as a [New Role]. Given our work together at [Old Company], I was hoping you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me.
Specifically, I think your insights on my leadership skills during the [Project Name] would be very relevant. Please let me know if this is something you can accommodate. The deadline is [Date].
Kind Regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 5: Request for a Scholarship Application
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I trust this message finds you in good health. I am currently in the process of applying for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship, and I would be immensely grateful if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I firmly believe that my experiences in your [Class Name] class, particularly my work on the [Project Name] project, have equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in my academic endeavors.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 6: Request From a Student
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you to support my application for the [Job Name] position at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I was a student in your [Class Name] class and found your teachings to be extremely informative. The experience I gained in your class has helped me in my job search.
I appreciate your time and consideration.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 7: Request to volunteer as a Leader.
Dear [Leader’s Name],
I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you to support my application for the volunteer role at [Organization Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
During my time as a volunteer at [Organization Name], I learned a lot about [Skill]. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 8: Request to Mentor
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you to support my application for the mentor role at [Organization Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the mentor position, and I am confident that I can make a positive impact.
I appreciate your time and consideration.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 9: Request to a Fellow worker
Dear [Colleague’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you to support my application for the volunteer role at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
During our project you were very helpful and knowledgeable, I hope you can help me with this letter. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 10: Request to a Professor Assistant
Dear [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you to support my application for the job at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I have enjoyed my time as your assistant and feel that I have learned valuable skills. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 11: Request to a Previous Internship Mentor
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to help support my application at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I learned a lot from my internship and you taught me valuable skills. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 12: Request to a Club Mentor
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application at the club at [Club Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I learned a lot from you and can’t thank you enough, I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 13: Request to a High School Teacher
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application at [School Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I learned a lot from you, especially [Skill], I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 14: Request for Job Promotion
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my promotion at [Job Title]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I hope my work over the years has been beneficial. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 15: Request to Coach
Dear [Coach’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to be a Coach at [Team Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I was a great team worker and can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 16: Request to join a Band
Dear [Band Leader’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to be a band member at [Band Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I am very skilled with my instrument and I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 17: Request to Teacher for Student job
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to be a teacher at [School Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I enjoy teaching and I believe I would be a great candidate. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 18: Request to an Employer
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the job at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I learned a lot from working with the company. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 19: Request for acceptance for a Job
Dear [Boss’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my acceptance for the job at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I enjoy helping the team and company I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 20: Request for Joining a Charity
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my joining the team at [Charity Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I love helping people, and I feel that I would be a great asset. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 21: Request for a Car Loan
Dear [Bank Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for a car loan at [Bank Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I have been great with payment’s and I believe I would be a great asset. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 22: Request to join a group
Dear [Group Leader’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to join [Group Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I have enjoyed the group for a while and love how much it helps me. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 23: Request for new Clients
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my business at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I enjoy helping people with their needs and I believe I would be a great asset. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 24: Request for Job for Friend
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my friend [Friend’s Name] for the Job at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe that my skills and experience align well with the requirements of the Job. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Sample Letter 25: Request for Joining a Research team.
Dear [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to join the research team at [College Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I enjoy helping and I believe I would be a great asset. I can provide more information if needed.
Thank you for your support.
[Your Name]
Requesting a reference letter can seem daunting, but by following these guidelines and utilizing the provided samples, you can confidently approach potential recommenders and increase your chances of receiving a strong and supportive endorsement. Remember to personalize your requests and show genuine appreciation for their time and effort. Good luck!
