In today’s world of hyper-competition, it’s no secret that the right recommendation letter can make or break your chances of getting into that dream school, landing that coveted job, or securing that sought-after scholarship. In fact, it’s often the only thing that sets you apart from the hundreds of other applicants vying for the same opportunity.
So how can you ensure that you get the best recommendation letter possible? Well, dear reader, you’re in luck. Today, we’re going to look at the art of crafting the perfect request for a recommendation letter. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, we’ve got you covered.
To begin with, let’s take a look at a sample email requesting a recommendation letter that you can use as a template. Keep in mind that this is just a starting point, and you’ll want to edit it as needed to fit your specific situation. But with this example as your guide, you’ll be well on your way to securing that invaluable letter of recommendation.
Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am currently in the process of applying for [opportunity] at [institution/company/school], and I was wondering if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me.
As someone who has worked with me extensively and knows my strengths and abilities, I believe that your endorsement would greatly enhance my chances of success. I am confident that your letter would highlight my skills and achievements in a way that would make me a strong candidate for this opportunity.
I understand that you may be busy, so please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help make this process easier for you. I would be happy to provide you with any additional information or materials you may need to write a strong letter of recommendation.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything else I can do to assist you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
There you have it. A simple yet effective email request for a letter of recommendation. With this example as your starting point, you can craft your own request for a recommendation letter that will surely impress potential references and help you stand out from the competition.
Remember, the key to a successful request for a recommendation letter is to be courteous, concise, and clear about what you’re asking for. With these tips in mind, you can be confident that you’re taking the first step towards achieving your goals. So go ahead and give it a try. You’ve got this!
The Best Structure for a Request for a Letter of Recommendation
If you are considering requesting a letter of recommendation, it is important to approach the ask in a professional and well-structured manner. The following structure for a request for a letter of recommendation has proven to be effective:
Introduction
Begin by addressing the individual you are requesting the letter of recommendation from. It is important to be polite and respectful in your approach. Express your gratitude for their time and willingness to write the letter.
Background Information
Provide the individual with background information about yourself, including your educational and professional background, accomplishments, and goals. This information will help the individual to craft a specific and relevant letter of recommendation.
Specific Request
Be clear and specific in your request. Let the individual know what you are requesting, whether it be a general letter of recommendation or a letter specific to a particular opportunity. Provide any necessary information such as deadlines or submission procedures.
Follow-Up Information
Closing the email by thanking the individual for their time and considering to write the letter of recommendation. Also, provide follow-up information such as your contact information or any other details that may be relevant. This shows your professionalism and your commitment to the process of obtaining a recommended letter.
Overall, by following this well-structured approach, you greatly increase the likelihood of obtaining a well-written and compelling letter of recommendation that showcases your strengths and accomplishments.
Sample Email Requesting Recommendation Letters
Request for Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
Dear Professor Green,
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for my application to graduate school in computer science at XYZ University. I had the pleasure of taking your algorithms and data structures course last semester and really enjoyed the class. Your insights and encouragement helped me perform well on assignments and exams, and I believe your letter would be an excellent addition to my application package.
If it’s not too much trouble, could you speak to my software development skills, commitment to learning, and work ethic? Any other information or feedback would be greatly appreciated as well.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you need more information or if you have any questions. Best regards,
Jane Doe
Request for Recommendation Letter for Job Application
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I hope this email finds you doing well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for my job application for the position of marketing specialist at ABC Company. I had the pleasure of working with you on our previous project, and your guidance and mentorship were invaluable to me. I believe your letter would add significant weight to my job application and truly appreciate your assistance.
If possible, could you speak to my marketing skills, creativity, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively? Any other information or feedback would be highly valued as well.
Thank you so much for your help. Please let me know if you need any additional information or if you have any questions. I appreciate your time and consideration. Best regards,
John Smith
Request for Recommendation Letter for Scholarship Application
Dear Professor Davis,
I hope this email finds you doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my scholarship application to attend ABC University next year. I had the privilege of taking your environmental science course last semester and found it fascinating. Your passion for the subject was contagious, and I believe your letter would help me significantly in achieving my academic and career goals.
If it is not too much trouble, could you speak to my dedication to learning and excellence, my passion for environmental issues, and my active participation in environmental clubs and programs? Any other information or feedback would be greatly appreciated as well.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you need any further information or if you have any questions. Best regards,
Jane Doe
Request for Recommendation Letter for Volunteer Work
Dear Ms. Lewis,
I hope this email finds you doing well. I wanted to reach out and request a letter of recommendation for my volunteer work with Hands of Hope. I thank you for the opportunity to volunteer as part of your team, and I truly appreciated the valuable experience I gained during this time. I am grateful for this experience and I believe your letter would add significant weight to my volunteer application.
If it’s possible, could you speak to my abilities to work with others, effectiveness in communication, my overall reliability and any other information or feedback that you believe would be helpful for my application?
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you need any further information or if you have any questions. Best regards,
John Smith
Request for Recommendation Letter for Internship
Dear Professor Lee,
I hope this email finds you doing well. I am writing out to request a letter of recommendation for my application for an internship position at XYZ Inc. I had the privilege of being your student research assistant last semester, and I learned so much from you. Your passion for the field and experience are truly inspiring. I believe your letter would aid me significantly in achieving my academic and career goals.
If possible, could you speak to my research skills, ability to work under pressure, writing and communication skills, and overall reliability and persistence in my pursuit of academic and professional excellence? Your feedback on any other aspect of my work or character would be highly valued as well.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you need any further information or if you have any questions. Best regards,
Jane Doe
Request for Recommendation Letter for Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Dear Professor Mary,
I hope this email finds you doing well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application for a graduate teaching assistantship position at ABC University. I had the pleasure of being your student in Advanced Calculus last semester, and I believe that your letter of recommendation would help me significantly in achieving my academic and career goals.
If possible, I would be grateful if you could speak to my abilities in teaching, advising and mentoring undergraduate students, my proficiency in communication, adaptability, and my strong interpersonal skills. Additionally, any other information or feedback that you could provide in support of my application would also be highly appreciated.
Thank you for your kindness and consideration. Please do let me know if you need any further information or have any concerns. Best regards,
John Smith
Request for Recommendation Letter for Law School Admission
Dear Mr. John,
I hope this email finds you doing well. I am reaching out to you to request a letter of recommendation for my application for law school admission at XYZ School of Law. I had the privilege of working under your supervision during my law internship in your law firm and in turn, gained valuable knowledge and experience in handling legal cases and legal research work. Your insights and encouragement during this period were instrumental in shaping my overall understanding of the field.
If possible, could you speak to my skills in handling complex cases, my ability to think logically and analyze situations critically, my interpersonal skills, and my writing and communication skills? Your feedback on any other aspect of my work or character would be highly valued as well.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you need any further information or if you have any questions. Best regards,
Jane Doe
Tips for Writing a Convincing Email Requesting a Recommendation Letter
Are you in need of a recommendation letter for graduate school, job application, or other opportunities? Asking for one can seem daunting, but with these tips, you can compose a convincing email that will get the job done.
1. Start with a polite introduction. Begin your email with a greeting and a clear statement of what you are requesting. Be sure to include a thank you in advance for the time and effort of the person writing the letter.
2. Provide context and timeline. In the body of the email, give the person an overview of why you need the recommendation letter, including details such as the application deadline and any requirements for the letter. This ensures that they know what they are committing to and can provide you with the best letter possible.
3. Include relevant information. To make it easier for the person writing the letter, provide them with any relevant information that will help them write a strong and personalized letter. This may include information about your goals, accomplishments, and attributes that are relevant to the position or program you are applying for.
4. Provide a template or guidelines. To make it easier for the person to write the letter, provide them with a template or guiding questions that they can use as a starting point. This ensures that the letter is structured and makes a convincing case for why you should be accepted.
5. Follow up and express gratitude. A few weeks after sending the initial request, follow up with the person to see if they need any additional information or if there are any updates. After receiving the letter, be sure to express your gratitude in a timely manner.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you receive a convincing and effective recommendation letter that will help bolster your application.
FAQs for Requesting a Recommendation Letter
What should the subject line of my email be?
Your subject line should be clear and specific. Include the purpose of your email and your name so that the receiver can easily identify who the email is from and what it is about.
How do I address the recipient in my email?
You can address the recipient by using their professional title followed by their last name (e.g. Dr. Smith, Professor Johnson). If you don’t have a formal relationship, you can use their first name with a formal opening such as “Dear” or “Hello.”
What information should I include in my request?
Be specific in your request for the recommendation letter. State the purpose and deadline for the letter, provide an overview of your skills and experience, and attach any relevant materials such as your resume or a description of the program/job you are applying to.
When should I request a recommendation letter?
You should request recommendation letters well in advance of the application deadline. Give your recommender at least a few weeks’ notice to ensure they have ample time to write a quality letter.
How many recommendation letters should I request?
Check the application requirements to determine how many recommendation letters are required. Generally, it is best to request a minimum of two letters and up to four letters, depending on the requirements of the program/job.
Should I follow up if the recipient doesn’t respond to my email?
It is acceptable to follow up with a gentle reminder after a week or two. However, avoid being pushy or demanding. Your recommender may be busy with other commitments, and it is important to be respectful of their time.
What if I am not sure about the recipient’s availability?
Before requesting a recommendation letter, it is important to confirm the recipient’s availability and willingness to write a letter for you. You can send a brief email asking if they have the time to write a positive recommendation, or if they would prefer that you ask someone else.
Is it appropriate to write a thank you note after I receive the recommendation letter?
Yes, it is always a good idea to express your appreciation for the recommendation letter. A thank you note shows that you value the recipient’s time and effort.
Can I request a recommendation letter from someone I haven’t worked with professionally?
Yes, you can request a recommendation letter from someone who knows you personally or academically, as long as they can speak to your strengths and potential in a way that is relevant to the application. However, it is always better to request letters from people you have worked with professionally if possible.
Should I waive my right to access the recommendation letter?
It is generally recommended that you waive your right to access the recommendation letter. This shows that you trust the recommender and that you value their honest assessment of your abilities. It also ensures that the letter will be taken seriously by the recipient.
Final Thoughts
And that’s it! You now know how to write a sample email requesting a recommendation letter. Remember to always be polite and respectful when asking for someone’s time and expertise. Don’t forget to follow up and express your gratitude once you’ve received the letter. We hope you found this article useful and informative. Thanks for reading, and be sure to visit again for more helpful tips and tricks!