Requesting a Letter of Recommendation: Easy Samples & Tips

Securing a strong letter of recommendation is crucial for college applications, job searches, graduate school admissions, and various other opportunities. A well-written recommendation highlights your skills, accomplishments, and potential, significantly boosting your chances of success. However, simply asking for a letter isn’t enough. You need to approach the process strategically, ensuring you choose the right recommender and provide them with the necessary information to write a compelling letter.

This article provides seven sample letters requesting a letter of recommendation, covering various scenarios. We’ll also offer tips on how to personalize each letter to fit your specific situation, making it easier for your chosen recommender to write a glowing reference on your behalf. Remember to always provide ample time and necessary details to your recommender to ensure a positive and helpful response.

Sample Letter 1: For College Application

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Recommender’s Institution/Company]
[Recommender’s Address]

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

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

I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year]. I especially appreciated [Mention a specific lesson, project, or discussion]. I believe my work in your class demonstrated my [Mention relevant skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, etc.].

I have attached my resume, transcript, and a personal statement outlining my academic goals and interests. Please let me know if you require any additional information. I would be happy to discuss my application further at your convenience. Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample Letter 2: For Job Application

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Recommender’s Institution/Company]
[Recommender’s Address]

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I believe your insights into my [Relevant Skill] and [Another Relevant Skill] would be invaluable to my application. The application deadline is [Date].

As you know, I worked under your supervision at [Company/Organization Name] as a [Your Position] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During that time, I [Mention a specific accomplishment or contribution]. I am confident that the skills I developed during my time there, particularly in [Specific Skill], align well with the requirements of this position.

I have attached the job description and my resume for your review. Please let me know if you are able to provide a letter and if you need any further information from me. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample Letter 3: For Graduate School

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Recommender’s Department]
[Recommender’s University]
[Recommender’s Address]

Dear Professor [Recommender’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to the [Program Name] program at [University Name] and would be honored if you would write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. The application deadline is [Date].

I learned a great deal from your [Course Name] course. I was particularly interested in [Specific Topic] and your insights significantly shaped my interest in [Related Field]. I am confident that my background in [Relevant Skill/Area] makes me a strong candidate for this program.

I have attached my resume, transcript, personal statement, and information about the program I am applying to. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me and if you require any additional materials. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample Letter 4: Request from a Former Employee

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Recommender’s Company]
[Recommender’s Address]

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation as I am currently applying for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Given your experience supervising me at [Previous Company Name], I believe you can offer valuable insights into my qualifications.

During my time at [Previous Company Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date], I served as a [Your Role] under your guidance. I consistently exceeded expectations in [Specific task or responsibility]. I am particularly proud of [Mention a specific achievement that showcases your skills].

I’ve attached my resume and the job description for your review. Please let me know if you’re able to provide a letter of recommendation and if there’s any other information I can provide to help you write it. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample Letter 5: For Scholarship Application

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Recommender’s Institution/Company]
[Recommender’s Address]

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I am writing to respectfully request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. The deadline for submitting the application is [Date].

I had the pleasure of being a student in your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester. Your teaching methods were particularly impactful, and I found myself truly engaged with [Specific topic or concept]. I am eager to pursue further studies in [Field of Study] with the support of this scholarship.

I have included my resume, transcript, and a brief personal statement outlining my academic and extracurricular achievements, as well as my reasons for seeking this scholarship. Please let me know if you require any further documentation. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample Letter 6: Request from a Volunteer Supervisor

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Organization Name]
[Organization’s Address]

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Opportunity – e.g., internship, volunteer position] at [Organization Name]. I am applying because [ Briefly state why you are applying, related to the experience]. The deadline is [Date].

I greatly enjoyed volunteering with [Organization Name] under your supervision from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I learned a great deal about [Skill or area of knowledge gained]. I specifically remember [Mention a specific task or project where you excelled].

I have attached my resume and a description of the [Opportunity]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation and if you need any further information from me. Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample Letter 7: For a Leadership Program

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

[Date]

[Recommender’s Name]
[Recommender’s Title]
[Recommender’s Institution/Organization]
[Recommender’s Address]

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Leadership Program Name]. The deadline for applications is [Date].

I am applying to this program because [ Briefly state why you are applying, and how it relates to your leadership potential]. Having observed your leadership style and guidance during my involvement in [Activity/Organization where you worked with the recommender], I believe your insights would be invaluable to my application.

I’ve attached my resume, a statement of interest for the program, and a program description for your review. Please let me know if you are able to provide a letter and what information you need from me to make your letter as effective as possible. Thank you very much for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]