Crafting a Winning Reference Letter Request
Securing a strong recommendation letter from a professor can significantly impact your applications for graduate school, scholarships, or jobs. The key is to approach your professor respectfully, providing them with ample time and all the necessary information to write a compelling letter. Remember, professors are busy, so making the process as easy as possible for them dramatically increases your chances of receiving a positive and impactful reference.
Essential Elements for Your Request
When requesting a reference letter, be sure to include your resume or CV, a transcript (unofficial is usually fine), a brief statement of purpose outlining your goals and how the program or position aligns with them, and any specific instructions or requirements from the application. Clearly state the deadline and the method of submission (e.g., email, online portal). Also, gently remind the professor of the course you took with them and any specific projects or interactions that showcase your skills and abilities. Providing this context will help them write a more personalized and effective letter.
Follow-Up and Gratitude
After sending your initial request, follow up a week or so before the deadline to politely remind the professor. A simple email reiterating the deadline and asking if they need any further information is sufficient. Regardless of whether the professor agrees to write the letter, always express your sincere gratitude for their time and consideration. A thank-you note after the letter has been submitted is also a thoughtful gesture that will strengthen your relationship with the professor.
Timing is Everything
Don’t wait until the last minute to request a letter of recommendation! Give your professor at least one month’s notice, and preferably more. This allows them sufficient time to consider your request, gather their thoughts, and write a thoughtful and detailed letter. Respecting their time will increase the likelihood of them agreeing to write the letter and ensuring it reflects your best qualities.
Sample Request Letters:
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Application Type]
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] ([Course Number]) class during the [Semester/Year]. I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
[Briefly explain why you are applying and what you hope to achieve]. I believe my experience in your [Course Name] class, particularly [mention a specific project or skill], aligns well with the requirements of this program. I have attached my resume, transcript, and a personal statement for your review. I have also included the instructions for submitting the recommendation.
Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation for me by [Date – Give them a reasonable timeframe]. If so, please let me know if you require any further information.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
[Your Phone Number]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I’m writing to you today because I truly value your advice and expertise.
As you know, I was in your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year], and I really enjoyed your class and learned a lot. I am currently applying to [Program Name] at [University Name] and I believe your letter of recommendation will boost my chances to be accepted to the program.
I know you are very busy, so I am also including my personal statement, transcript and resume for your review. I can also provide you with additional information or context about the program, application, or even myself!
I am looking forward to hear back from you soon.
Thank you again!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
[Your Phone Number]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Job Application]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you’re having a good week. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The application deadline is [Date].
As you may recall, I was a student in your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year]. I particularly excelled in [Specific Skill/Project], which I believe is highly relevant to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. This role involves [briefly describe relevant job responsibilities], and I am confident that my skills in [Specific Skill] developed in your class would make me a valuable asset to their team.
I have attached my resume, a cover letter tailored to this position, and the job description for your reference. Please let me know if you are able to provide a letter of recommendation by [Date]. I would be happy to provide you with any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
[Your Phone Number]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – 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 to support my application to the [Program Name] program at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I thoroughly enjoyed working with you as a research assistant on the [Research Project Name] project during [Semester/Year]. Your guidance and mentorship significantly contributed to my understanding of [Research Area] and strengthened my research skills. I am particularly interested in pursuing research in [Specific Research Area] during my graduate studies, and I believe my experience on the [Research Project Name] project has prepared me well for this endeavor.
I have attached my CV, a statement of purpose outlining my research interests, and the application instructions for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation for me by [Date]. If so, please let me know what additional information you might need.
Thank you for your time and guidance.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
[Your Phone Number]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Professional Opportunity]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you in good health. My name is [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year]. I know it has been some time since I was in your class, but I remember your lectures fondly and the impact they had on my academic development.
I am currently applying for a [Type of Opportunity] in [Field], and I believe a letter of recommendation from you would greatly strengthen my application. I have been working in [Your Field] for [Number] years, and my experiences have solidified my passion for [Specific Area]. I am applying for [Specific Program/Position] because [Explain Briefly].
To refresh your memory, I have attached my resume and a brief overview of my experiences since graduating. I would be grateful if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me. The deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if this is something you would be able to do and if you need any further information from me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for [Opportunity]. The deadline is [Date].
I was a student in your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year]. I have attached my resume and relevant details for your review. Please let me know if you’re able to assist.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – Graduate 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 [Graduate Program Name] program at [University Name]. The application deadline is [Date].
As you may recall, I excelled in your [Course Name] course in [Semester/Year], achieving a [Grade] and actively participating in class discussions. I found your lectures on [Specific Topic] particularly insightful and they further fueled my interest in [Field of Study]. I am hoping to further my studies in that field through graduate studies.
To aid you in your letter, I’ve attached my resume, transcript, and a brief statement of purpose outlining my academic goals. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me by [Date]. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Professor’s First Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to see if you might be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me in support of my application to [Program/Opportunity]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I really enjoyed your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year], and I learned a great deal about [Specific Topic]. I’ve attached my resume and a short description of the program/opportunity to this email. Please let me know if this is something you’re able to do, and if so, what further information I can provide.
Thanks so much,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. My name is [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] and [Course Name] classes. I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I really enjoyed both of your courses and I believed I performed well in both of them. Your classes allowed me to [Explain Briefly how the classes helped you]. I am including my resume and transcript to help you write the letter.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I trust this message finds you in good health. I hope you are doing well. My name is [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class. I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I know you are busy, but please let me know if this is possible for you.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I remember working with you on the [Project Name] and I learned so much from this opportunity. I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I know you are busy, but your letter would mean a lot to me. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I remember taking your [Course Name] online course and I learned so much. I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I can provide you with any additional information that you require. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
To: [Professor’s Email Address]
Subject: Recommendation Request – [Your Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I remember taking your [Course Name] course and I learned so much. I am excited to say that I recently won the [Award Name] award. I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [Program Name] at [University Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].
I can provide you with my resume and transcript to help you write the recommendation letter. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
Conclusion
Requesting a letter of recommendation can seem daunting, but by following these guidelines and utilizing the provided sample letters as templates, you can increase your chances of receiving a strong and supportive reference. Remember to be polite, provide ample information, and express your gratitude. A well-crafted request can make all the difference in achieving your academic or professional goals.
