Crafting the Perfect Request: Asking Your Professor for a Reference
Securing a strong recommendation letter from a professor is crucial for graduate school applications, job opportunities, and scholarship programs. The key lies in approaching your professor professionally and providing them with the necessary information to write a compelling letter. This includes giving them ample notice (at least 4-6 weeks), reminding them of your work in their class, and providing a detailed summary of your achievements and career goals. Be mindful of their time and make the process as easy as possible for them.
Essential Information to Provide: Setting Your Professor Up for Success
To empower your professor to write a stellar recommendation, furnish them with a comprehensive package. This should include your resume or CV, a personal statement outlining your goals and aspirations, and a transcript if relevant. Additionally, provide specifics about the program or position you’re applying for, including the key skills and qualities the selection committee is seeking. Highlight any specific projects, papers, or contributions you made in their class that directly align with these requirements. The more information you give, the better they can tailor the letter to your needs.
Dos and Don’ts of Requesting a Recommendation: Professionalism Matters
A professional approach significantly increases your chances of securing a positive and impactful recommendation. Do schedule a meeting (in person or virtually) to discuss your request. This allows you to build rapport and answer any questions the professor may have. Don’t simply send a generic email asking for a letter. Do express your gratitude for their time and consideration. Don’t be pushy or demanding about deadlines. Remember, they are doing you a favor.
Following Up and Expressing Gratitude: The Final Touches
After submitting your request, follow up politely a week or two before the deadline to ensure the professor has everything they need. A simple email thanking them for their time and reminding them of the due date is sufficient. Once the letter has been submitted, send a sincere thank-you note expressing your appreciation for their support. This gesture reinforces your professionalism and leaves a lasting positive impression. Consider informing them of the outcome of your application – they’ll appreciate knowing the impact of their recommendation.
Sample Recommendation Request Letters:
These are examples. Adjust them to fit your specific needs and relationship with your professor.
Sample Letter 1: General Request
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].
As you know, I was a student in your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year]. I particularly enjoyed [Specific aspect of the course] and believe that the skills I developed in that class, specifically [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], would be valuable assets to the [Program Name] program.
I have attached my resume, transcript, and a personal statement for your review. These documents provide further details on my academic and professional background. I would also be happy to meet with you to discuss my application in more detail.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
Sample Letter 2: Specific Focus on a Project
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The application deadline is [Date].
I greatly valued your guidance and instruction during your [Course Name] course in [Semester/Year]. I particularly remember and enjoyed working on the [Project Name] project. I believe the skills I honed during that project, such as [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3], are directly applicable to the requirements outlined in the job description.
I have attached my resume, a copy of the job description, and a brief statement outlining my career goals. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further at your convenience.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 3: Request with Reminder of Accomplishments
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date].
I was a student in your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester. I’m reaching out because I truly enjoyed your class, especially [Specific Aspect of the Class]. As you may recall, I [Specific Achievement 1, e.g., presented a well-received project on X] and [Specific Achievement 2, e.g., actively participated in class discussions, contributing valuable insights].
I have attached my resume, a personal statement highlighting my aspirations, and a copy of my transcript for your convenience. Please let me know if you require any additional information. I would be happy to schedule a meeting with you to discuss my application further.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and willingness to help me with this crucial step in my academic career.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 4: Polite and Formal Request
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to you today with the utmost respect to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Scholarship/Fellowship Name] offered by [Organization Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I had the pleasure of being a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year] academic year. I found your lectures on [Specific Topic] particularly insightful and directly relevant to my current research interests. My understanding of [Concept] was significantly enhanced through your instruction.
I have attached my curriculum vitae, a research proposal outlining my intended work if awarded the scholarship, and a copy of the scholarship guidelines. I would be honored if you would consider writing a letter highlighting my academic abilities and potential for success in this field. I am available to meet during your office hours or at another mutually convenient time to discuss this further.
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
[Your University Email Address]
Sample Letter 5: Emphasizing Career Goals
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the [Internship Name] at [Company Name]. The deadline for the letter is [Date].
I was a student in your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year]. I found your insights on [Specific Topic] extremely valuable. I am particularly interested in pursuing a career in [Career Field] and believe this internship would provide me with invaluable experience.
I have attached my resume, a description of the internship, and a brief statement outlining my career goals and how this internship aligns with them. I would be happy to discuss my qualifications further with you at your convenience.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional)]
Sample Letter 6: Addressing the Professor’s Expertise
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Graduate Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
Given your expertise in [Professor’s Area of Expertise], I believe your insights would be invaluable in supporting my application. As a student in your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year], I particularly benefited from your lectures on [Specific Topic Related to Professor’s Expertise].
I have attached my resume, personal statement, and a writing sample for your review. Please let me know if you require any further information. I would be glad to schedule a meeting to discuss my application in more detail.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Number]
Sample Letter 7: Requesting a Letter After a Long Time
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] semester. I understand it has been some time, but I remember your class fondly and learned a great deal.
I am currently applying for [Opportunity: e.g., a research position, a job] at [Organization/Company Name], and I am hoping you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. The deadline for submission is [Date].
To refresh your memory, I have attached my resume, which highlights some of the projects and skills I developed during your class, particularly [Specific Skill/Project]. I have also included a brief statement about the opportunity and why I am a good fit. I understand that it has been a while, so please let me know if there is any other information I can provide to assist you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 8: Highlighting Specific Skills Learned in Class
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you’re having a great week. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The application deadline is [Date].
I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] course in [Semester/Year]. I found your lectures particularly engaging, and I significantly improved my skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] as a result. These skills are particularly relevant to the requirements of the [Program Name] program, which emphasizes [Program Emphasis].
I have attached my resume, a personal statement outlining my goals, and a transcript for your review. I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss my application with you further during your office hours or at another convenient time.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID Number]
Sample Letter 9: Referencing a Specific Conversation
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 is [Date].
I am applying to the [Program Name] program at [University Name], and I believe your recommendation would be incredibly valuable to my application. I remember our conversation after class on [Date] about [Topic of Conversation] and your advice on [Specific Advice] which helped me to [Result].
As discussed, I have attached my resume, personal statement, and a copy of the program description. I am happy to provide any additional information you may need. Would you be available for a brief meeting to discuss my application further?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
Sample Letter 10: Request for a Research Position
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for a research position in [Research Area] at [Institution Name]. The deadline for the letter is [Date].
As you know, I was a research assistant in your lab during [Semester/Year]. During that time, I assisted with [Specific Tasks] and gained valuable experience in [Specific Skills]. I believe these skills are directly relevant to the requirements of this research position.
I have attached my resume, a description of the research position, and a brief summary of my research experience in your lab. I am happy to meet with you to discuss this further at your convenience.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your University Email]
Sample Letter 11: Focused on a Specific Class Assignment
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline is [Date].
I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester, particularly the [Assignment Name] assignment. My analysis of [Specific Topic] for that assignment helped me develop skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which I believe are crucial for success in the [Program Name] program.
I have attached my resume, a personal statement outlining my academic goals, and a copy of the [Assignment Name] assignment for your reference. Please let me know if you require any further information.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Letter 12: Requesting a letter for a volunteer position
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 for a volunteer position at [Organization Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe this experience could further my career. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I developed important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to the [Volunteer Position].
I have attached my resume, a description of the volunteer position, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 13: Requesting a letter for a conference presentation
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 present at the [Conference Name] conference. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe presenting at this conference will greatly improve my experience. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this presentation.
I have attached my resume, a description of my presentation, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 14: Requesting a letter for a leadership position
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 for a leadership position in [Organization Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe taking the role in the position will greatly assist my development for my career. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this leadership position, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 15: Requesting a letter for a club position
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 for a club position in [Club Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe being in the position of [Club Name] will enhance my current career. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this club position, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 16: Requesting a letter for a student research position
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 for a student research position in [Club Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe working in the student research position will provide insights to my career. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this student research position, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 17: Requesting a letter for a student grant position
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 for a student grant position. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe working in the student grant position will provide learning opportunities for my career. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this student grant position, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 18: Requesting a letter for a student thesis position
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 for a student thesis position. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe working in the student thesis position will provide new insights for my career. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this student thesis position, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 19: Requesting a letter for a student journal publication
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 for a student journal publication. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe having a student journal publication will enhance my career. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this student journal publication, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 20: Requesting a letter for a student research scholarship
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 for a student research scholarship. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe having a student research scholarship will boost my career. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this student research scholarship, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 21: Requesting a letter for a student design position
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 for a student design position. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe having a student design position will enhance my current job experience. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this student design position, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 22: Requesting a letter for a student business position
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 for a student business position. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe having a student business position will enhance my current job skills and experience. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this student business position, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 23: Requesting a letter for a student marketing position
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 for a student marketing position. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe having a student marketing position will enhance my current knowledge on marketing and experience. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this student marketing position, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample Letter 24: Requesting a letter for a student leadership association position
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 for a student leadership association position. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I believe having a student leadership association position will enhance my current role and leadership experiences. As a student in your [Course Name] course during the [Semester/Year], I learned important skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2], which are important to this position.
I have attached my resume, a description of this student leadership association position, and a brief statement outlining my qualifications. I am also available to meet with you to discuss this opportunity further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Conclusion: Increase Your Chances of a Positive Recommendation
Requesting a reference letter from a professor requires careful planning and a professional approach. By providing ample notice, supplying detailed information, and following up politely, you can significantly increase your chances of receiving a strong and impactful recommendation. Remember to express your gratitude and keep your professors informed of your progress – they appreciate knowing the impact of their support.
