Are you looking for a recommendation letter, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We have come up with a sample email to ask for a recommendation letter that you can use as a reference. Our sample email includes all the necessary components that are required for an effective and professional message. From a polite and respectful tone to clear instructions on what is needed, our sample email will help to increase your chances of receiving a strong letter of recommendation. The best part? You can find multiple examples and edit them as needed to suit your specific needs. So what are you waiting for? Check out our sample email and start reaching out to potential recommenders today!
The Ultimate Structure for Asking for a Recommendation Letter via Email
If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to figure out how you can ask your professor, mentor, or supervisor for a recommendation letter without coming across as pushy or demanding. You want to give them all the necessary information they need to write the best letter possible without making them feel like they’re doing a favor for you. So, what should you do? Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing the perfect email to ask for a recommendation letter.
Step 1: Start with a personalized greeting
The first thing that you should do is address the person you’ll be emailing with a polite and personalized greeting. Begin with their name followed by a colon and a space. If you’re unsure of their preferred pronouns, use their full name instead of any gendered salutations.
Step 2: Introduce yourself and explain why you need the recommendation letter
The next step is to introduce yourself and explain your reason for sending the email. Keep your introduction brief, but highlight your key achievements and accomplishments that you feel are relevant to the recommendation letter. You can include any relevant academic or work experience, awards, or projects that you’ve completed.
Step 3: Provide details about the recommendation letter
Now that you’ve introduced yourself and explained why you need the recommendation letter, it’s time to get specific. Let the person know the details of the recommendation letter that you’d like them to write. Be sure to include:
- the purpose of the letter (e.g., graduate school application, job application, etc.)
- the deadline for submitting the letter
- the format in which the letter should be submitted (e.g., online, hard copy, etc.)
- any specific requirements (e.g., length, content, etc.)
Step 4: Provide additional information
If you’d like the person to include specific points in the letter or have any additional instructions, communicate them now. You can use bullet points to make the request explicit and easy to read.
Step 5: Thank them and offer your assistance
Closing your email with a thank-you note and offering your assistance, if necessary, can go a long way in showing that you respect their time and effort. You can say something like:
Thank you in advance for considering my request. If there’s anything I can do to help you during this process, please don’t hesitate to ask. I really appreciate your time and effort.
Don’t forget to sign off with a polite closing like “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” followed by your name.
Final Thoughts
Asking for a recommendation letter can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right structure and approach, you can make it easy for the person you’re asking to write the letter. Keep in mind that they’re doing you a favor and show your gratitude accordingly. If you follow these steps, you’ll be well on your way to securing that recommendation letter you need to pursue your goals and achieve your dreams.
Sample Email Template to Ask for Recommendation Letter
Recommendation Letter for a Job Application
Dear [Name of the Recommender],
I hope this message finds you well. I am currently applying for a job in [field/position], and I was wondering if you would be willing to write a recommendation letter for me. As you know, I worked with you at [company/project] for [amount of time], and during that time, I gained valuable experience and skills that I believe would be beneficial for the position I am applying for.
If you could speak to my [skills/abilities] and overall work ethic, it would mean a lot to me. Please let me know if this is something you would be willing to do, and if so, I can provide you with any additional information necessary.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Graduate School
Dear [Name of the Recommender],
I hope this email finds you well. As you know, I am in the process of applying to graduate school, and I was hoping that you would be willing to write a recommendation letter for me. During my time at [university/college], you were one of my professors, and I found your classes to be not only engaging but also very informative.
If you could speak to my [academic achievements/personal qualities] and how they would make me a strong candidate for [graduate program], it would be greatly appreciated. If you need any further information or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Scholarship
Dear [Name of the Recommender],
I hope this email finds you well. I am currently applying for a scholarship to further my education and was hoping that you would be willing to write a recommendation letter for me. During my time at [university/college], I had the privilege of [participating in your course/work with you in a research project], and I found that experience to be incredibly valuable.
If you could speak to my [academic achievements/personal qualities] and how they make me a strong candidate for this scholarship, it would be greatly appreciated. If you need any additional information or have any questions, please let me know.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Volunteer Position
Dear [Name of the Recommender],
I am currently applying to volunteer with [organization/project], and I was hoping that you would be willing to write a recommendation letter for me. As you know, I have been [involved in the organization for some time/worked with you on a specific project], and I’ve been dedicated to helping [cause/mission of the organization].
If you could speak to my [commitment/dedication/leadership skills] and how they would make me a valuable member of the team, it would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or need any further information, please let me know.
Thank you for your time and support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Post-Baccalaureate Program
Dear [Name of the Recommender],
I am currently applying for a post-baccalaureate program in [field], and I was hoping that you would be willing to write a recommendation letter for me. During my time at [university/college], I had the pleasure of [taking one of your classes/working with you on a project], and I found that experience to be incredibly beneficial to my [career goals/academic pursuits].
If you could speak to my [academic achievements/personal qualities/professional demeanor] and how they would make me a strong candidate for this program, it would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or need any further information, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thank you for your time and support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Promotion
Dear [Name of the Recommender],
I hope this email finds you well. I am currently applying for a promotion at my current job, and I was hoping that you would be willing to write a recommendation letter for me. During my time at [company], I have had the opportunity to [achieve specific goals/take on additional responsibilities], and I believe that these accomplishments qualify me for the position.
If you could speak to my [professional accomplishments/leadership qualities] and how they would contribute to the company, it would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or need any further information, please let me know.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation Letter for Business School
Dear [Name of the Recommender],
I hope this message finds you well. I am in the process of applying to business school, and I was hoping that you would be willing to write a recommendation letter for me. During the time that we worked together at [company/project], I learned a great deal from you regarding [business practices/leadership skills].
If you could speak to my [professional accomplishments/leadership qualities] and how they would make me a strong candidate for [specific business school], it would be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or need any further information, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Requesting a Recommendation Letter Through Email
Recommendation letters are a vital component of your job or college application, and sometimes you require the assistance of your former professors or supervisors. The best way to ask for a recommendation is via email, but how you frame your request can make or break your chances of receiving a positive response. Here are some tips on how to write a potent email to ask for a recommendation letter:
- Give ample time: The process of requesting a letter of recommendation should be paid attention to at an early stage of your job or college application process. You may need to provide some time to the person who will write your recommendation letter to create an excellent letter. Therefore, contacting a referee well in advance is recommended, as a hurried request may lead to a mediocre letter. Give at least two or more weeks of notice before the deadline of any application.
- Personalize your email: Generic emails for a reference that you send to everybody might give an impression that you are not serious about your application. To make your request stand out, customize your email to the person you are addressing it to. Mention their name and remind them about your relationship – how you know them and what you worked on together. This contributes to showing how much their recommendation means to you.
- Be concise and specific: A referral email should be easy to read and to the point. Don’t make the reader research for information; clearly mention any details that you feel are important. Let them know how many letters you need, where you’re applying, and the deadline of the application. If you are requesting the person to write more than one letter of recommendation, provide each letter’s details, as their templates can vary.
- Provide adequate details: Make sure you provide all the necessary information such as your current address, phone number, and email address. This is important in cases where the referee may be contacting you to clarify certain information. Also, remind the person about any progress you’ve made since you were last in touch since your achievements can be in your best interest.
- Express gratitude: Don’t forget to thank the person for their assistance. Consider the amount of work it takes to write an effective recommendation letter, and tell your referee how grateful you are for their help. Show your appreciation and let them know how much you value their assistance. Also, include polite and professional words, as this can help shine a positive attitude towards the person.
Overall, crafting the perfect email to request a letter of recommendation requires precision and attention. With these tips, you can ensure a positive outcome and an excellent letter that gives you an edge in the selection process.
FAQs Related to Sample Email to Ask for Recommendation Letter
What is a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter is a letter written by someone who knows you well and can describe your character, abilities or achievements, and potential to someone else.
Who can I ask for a recommendation letter?
You can ask a professor, supervisor, mentor, or any professional to write a recommendation letter for you.
What should I include in my email when asking for a recommendation letter?
You should include a brief introduction about yourself, why you need the recommendation letter, what type of letter you need, and when you need it by.
How do I address the person I’m asking for a recommendation letter?
You should address them formally with “Dear [Name]” followed by a comma.
How far in advance should I ask for a recommendation letter?
You should ask for a recommendation letter at least 4-6 weeks in advance to give the person enough time to write a thoughtful letter.
What should I do if the person I’m asking for a recommendation letter says no?
Thank them for their honest feedback and ask if there is someone else they can recommend to write a letter for you.
How should I follow up on the recommendation letter?
You should follow up with a polite reminder email after a week or two if you haven’t received any confirmation or status update.
What can I do to make it easier for the person writing the recommendation letter?
You can provide them with your resume or personal statement and a brief list of your accomplishments, skills, and experiences that you would like them to include in their letter.
What should I do after receiving the recommendation letter?
You should thank the person who wrote the letter in person or via email or handwritten thank-you note.
Can I offer to reciprocate the favor and write a recommendation letter for them?
Yes, you can offer your help and ask if there is an opportunity for you to write a recommendation letter for them in the future.
Wrapping it up
And that’s it! You’re now ready to send your email asking for a recommendation letter. Remember to keep your tone friendly and professional, and don’t forget to show your appreciation for their time and effort. And if you need any more tips or advice, don’t hesitate to come back and visit us again. Thanks for reading!