Securing a strong letter of recommendation is crucial for academic applications, job searches, and various other opportunities. A well-written recommendation can significantly enhance your chances of success by providing valuable insights into your skills, qualities, and accomplishments. However, knowing how to properly approach someone and request a letter can feel daunting. This article provides sample letters and helpful tips to guide you through the process.
Before sending your request, consider who would be the most appropriate person to write on your behalf. Choose someone who knows you well, can speak to your relevant skills and experiences, and is willing to write a positive and detailed letter. Think about professors, supervisors, mentors, or colleagues who have witnessed your work firsthand. Timing is also important; give your recommender ample time to prepare a thoughtful letter, ideally at least a few weeks.
When crafting your request, be polite, professional, and specific. Clearly state the purpose of the letter, provide relevant information about yourself and the opportunity you’re applying for, and offer any supporting materials that might be helpful, such as your resume, transcript, or a personal statement. Make it easy for your recommender to say “yes” by providing all the necessary details upfront.
Follow up with your recommender to ensure they have everything they need and to express your gratitude for their time and effort. A simple thank-you note after they’ve submitted the letter is also a thoughtful gesture. Maintaining a positive relationship with your recommenders can be beneficial throughout your career. Below are several sample request letters you can adapt to your specific needs.
Sample Letter Requesting Letter of Recommendation
Sample 1: Request from a Former Student to a Professor
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you because I’m applying to [Program Name] at [University Name] for the [Semester/Term] intake, focusing on [Area of Study]. I greatly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during [Semester/Year], and I believe your insights into my [Specific Skill/Trait] would be invaluable to my application.
The application deadline is [Date]. If you’re able to write a letter of recommendation, I would be happy to provide you with my resume, transcript, and a draft of my personal statement. Please let me know if this is something you can do.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample 2: Request from an Employee to a Former Manager
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for a [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As you know, I worked under your supervision as a [Your Previous Role] at [Company Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I believe your perspective on my [Specific Skill/Trait] and my contributions to [Project/Team] would be highly beneficial.
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume and the job description for your review. Please let me know if you’re able to support my application with a letter.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number (Optional)]
Sample 3: Request for a Scholarship Application
Dear [Professor/Teacher’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. This scholarship would be incredibly helpful in enabling me to continue my studies in [Major] at [University Name]. You know me well from your [Class Name] class, where I consistently demonstrated [Positive Quality, e.g., a strong work ethic and a passion for learning].
The deadline for the letter is [Date]. I have attached my application materials, including my personal statement and academic transcript. Please let me know if you require any further information.
Thank you for considering my request. I truly appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 4: Request for a Graduate School Application
Dear Dr. [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to graduate programs in [Field of Study], and I would be honored if you would write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. I particularly enjoyed your [Specific Course] class, where I excelled in [Specific Project/Assignment]. Your insights into my potential for research in [Specific Area] would be invaluable to my application.
The application deadlines for the programs I am applying to are between [Start Date] and [End Date]. I have attached my CV, a draft of my personal statement, and a list of the programs I am applying to with links to their respective websites. Please let me know if this is something you are able to do and if you require any further information.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 5: Request from a Volunteer to a Supervisor
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to you today to request a letter of recommendation for a volunteer position at [Organization Name]. As my supervisor during my volunteer work at [Previous Organization Name], you witnessed my dedication to [Relevant Skill/Task] and my ability to [Another Relevant Skill/Task]. I believe your insights would be highly valuable to my application.
The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached the volunteer position description and my resume for your review. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter of recommendation for me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 6: Request for an Internship Application
Dear [Professor/Professional’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for an internship at [Company Name] in the [Department] department and would be grateful if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf. Your guidance in [Specific Project/Course] significantly improved my understanding of [Relevant Skill/Topic]. I believe your assessment of my skills would greatly strengthen my application.
The deadline for submission is [Date]. I have attached my resume, cover letter, and the internship description for your reference. Please let me know if you require any additional information from my end.
Thank you for your support and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 7: Request from a Colleague
Dear [Colleague’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Given our collaboration on [Project Name] and your knowledge of my [Skill], I believe your insights would be highly beneficial to my application.
The deadline for the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume and the job description for your reference. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter on my behalf.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
Sample 8: Request for a Program application
Dear [Professor/Teacher’s 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 [Institution Name]. Having been a student in your [Course Name] class, I believe your insights into my abilities would be highly valuable to my application. You were able to witness my aptitude for [Relevant Skill] and my dedication to [Another Relevant Skill].
The application deadline is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to support my application with a letter of recommendation. I’ve attached all relevant materials for your review, including my resume and a statement of purpose.
Thank you for considering my request. I truly appreciate your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
These sample letters provide a starting point for crafting your own personalized request. Remember to tailor the language and content to fit your specific situation and the relationship you have with your recommender. By following these tips and using these templates, you can increase your chances of receiving a compelling letter of recommendation that will help you achieve your goals. Good luck!
