Recommendation Letter Request: Email Templates & Examples

Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel daunting, but with the right approach, it becomes a much smoother process. The key is to be polite, prepared, and respectful of the recommender’s time. Start by carefully selecting who you’ll ask – choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your strengths and accomplishments. Providing them with ample notice and all the necessary information, such as your resume, transcripts, and a brief outline of what you’re hoping they’ll highlight, significantly increases your chances of receiving a strong and compelling letter.

Crafting a well-written request is also crucial. Avoid being vague or demanding. Instead, express your gratitude for their past guidance and explain why you believe they are uniquely qualified to write a recommendation for you. Consider mentioning specific projects or experiences where they witnessed your skills firsthand. This helps them recall your capabilities and provides them with concrete examples to draw upon in their letter. Remember to proofread your request carefully for any typos or grammatical errors, as this reflects your attention to detail.

Below you’ll find 14 sample letters that you can adapt to your specific situation. These templates cover various scenarios, from requesting recommendations for graduate school applications to seeking letters for job opportunities. Feel free to tailor these examples to reflect your personal voice and relationship with the recommender. Remember to always follow up with a thank-you note, regardless of whether they are able to write the letter, to show your appreciation for their consideration.

Sample Letter 1: Recommendation for Graduate School

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Name of Program] program at [Name of University]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year]. Your lectures on [Specific Topic] were particularly insightful and inspired me to further pursue my studies in [Field of Study]. I believe my strong performance in your class, coupled with my [mention relevant skills/experiences], make me a suitable candidate for this program.

I have attached my resume, transcript, and a brief statement of purpose for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf by [Date – give them a reasonable deadline]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 2: Recommendation for a Job Application

Dear [Manager’s Last Name],

I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I saw the posting on [Platform] and the deadline for submission is [Date].

During my time at [Company Name] as a [Your Role], I consistently exceeded expectations in [Specific tasks or projects]. I believe my experience and skills in [mention relevant skills] align well with the requirements of this role. I especially value the mentorship and guidance you provided during my time on the [Team Name] team.

I have attached my resume, the job description, and a summary of my key accomplishments at [Company Name]. Please let me know if you are comfortable writing a letter of recommendation by [Date]. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 3: Request from a Former Employee

Dear [Previous Manager’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for a position as a [Job Title] at [Company Name]. The deadline is [Date].

I greatly valued my time working under your supervision at [Previous Company Name]. Your guidance was instrumental in my professional development, and I learned a great deal about [Specific skills or industry knowledge]. I believe your perspective on my work ethic and skills would be highly valuable to my application.

I have attached my resume and the job description for your review. Please let me know if you’re able to write a letter of recommendation for me by [Date]. Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 4: Request for Scholarship Application

Dear [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship and am hoping you would consider writing me a letter of recommendation. The deadline for submission is [Date].

Your [Course Name] class was incredibly impactful on my academic journey, particularly your insights on [Specific topic related to the scholarship]. I believe my strong academic performance, particularly in [Relevant subjects], and my dedication to [mention relevant extracurricular activities or community service] make me a strong candidate for this scholarship.

I have attached my transcript, resume, and a statement outlining my goals and qualifications for the scholarship. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf by [Date]. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 5: Follow-up After Initial Request (if no response)

Dear Professor/Mr./Ms. [Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my previous request for a letter of recommendation for the [Program/Position] which I sent on [Date of Original Email]. The deadline is approaching on [Date].

I understand you are busy, but a letter from you would greatly strengthen my application. Please let me know if writing a letter is something you are able to do. If not, I completely understand.

Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 6: Acknowledging Time Constraints

Dear [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m applying to [Program Name] and would be honored if you would write a letter of recommendation for me. I understand you’re incredibly busy, and I want to be respectful of your time. The deadline is [Date].

I remember benefiting greatly from your insights in [Course Name], particularly concerning [Specific topic]. My understanding of [Related field] has grown from your teachings.

To help streamline the process, I’ve attached my resume, a personal statement outlining my goals, and a brief description of the [Program Name] requirements. Please let me know by [Date] if you’re able to write a letter, or if you’re unable to due to your schedule. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 7: Focusing on a Specific Project or Skill

Dear [Professor/Manager’s Last Name],

I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for [Purpose of Recommendation – e.g., a specific job, graduate program]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I recall your guidance and expertise being particularly valuable during the [Project Name] project in your [Course Name/Team]. Your advice on [Specific Skill] proved invaluable. I’m hoping you could speak to my abilities in this area in your letter.

I’ve attached my resume and a summary of my contributions to the [Project Name] project. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf by [Date]. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 8: Request from a Student Who Didn’t Perform Exceptionally Well

Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for [Purpose of Recommendation]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I understand my performance in your [Course Name] class wasn’t exceptional, but I was impressed by [Mention specific aspect of the class or professor that you liked]. I believe that the skills that I learn could improve my performance in the future.

I have attached my resume and a short explanation of why I am interested in [Purpose of Recommendation]. If you think that you can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 9: Request from Volunteer Coordinator

Dear [Volunteer Coordinator’s Last Name],

I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for [Purpose of Recommendation]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I remember enjoying the time I spent in [Place of volunteering], and was inspired by your leadership style and kindness. I learned a lot from my time and valued your dedication.

I have attached my resume and a short explanation of why I am interested in [Purpose of Recommendation]. If you think that you can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 10: Request for Post-Graduation Job

Dear [Professor’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

As you know, I graduated from your course [Course Name] during [Time]. I used the skills that I acquired during your course while volunteering at [Place of volunteering], where I improved my [Skill].

I have attached my resume and a short explanation of why I am interested in [Job Title] position. If you think that you can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 11: Request for Career Advancement

Dear [Manager’s Last Name],

I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

During my time at [Company Name] as a [Your Role], I consistently exceeded expectations in [Specific tasks or projects]. I believe my experience and skills in [mention relevant skills] align well with the requirements of this role. I can recall that your mentorship provided me with the confidence to succeed during [Specific project].

I have attached my resume, the job description, and a summary of my key accomplishments at [Company Name]. Please let me know if you are comfortable writing a letter of recommendation by [Date]. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 12: Request for Job Skill Improvement

Dear [Teacher’s Last Name],

I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for the skill [Specific Skill] because this would improve my performance as a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

During your teaching of [Course Name], I gained the skills that I needed to improve my understanding of the skill. This inspired me to improve my ability by attending [Seminar].

I have attached my resume and a short explanation of why I am interested in improving my skills. If you think that you can help me, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 13: Simple Request for Job Interview

Dear [Manager’s Last Name],

I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] interview position at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

During my time at [Company Name] as a [Your Role], I consistently exceeded expectations in [Specific tasks or projects]. Your mentorship made it possible to have the chance to make a contribution during [Specific project].

I have attached my resume, the job description, and a summary of my key accomplishments at [Company Name]. Please let me know if you are comfortable writing a letter of recommendation by [Date]. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Letter 14: Job Position Request for a Friend

Dear [Manager’s Last Name],

I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for my friend for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The deadline for submission is [Date].

I have worked with my friend on multiple occasions and was impressed with their capacity as a [Your Role]. I believe that my friend will add value to the workplace if given the chance.

I have attached their resume, the job description, and a summary of their key accomplishments at [Previous Company Name]. Please let me know if you are comfortable writing a letter of recommendation by [Date]. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]