Are you applying for a job, a program, or further education and need a recommendation letter? It can be daunting to ask someone to write a letter on your behalf. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
In this article, you’ll find sample email requests for recommendation letters that you can use and edit as needed. Whether you’re asking a professor, coworker, or supervisor, there’s a template for you.
Asking for a recommendation letter is a crucial step in your career or academic journey. It can make a significant difference in the outcome of your applications, so it’s important to take it seriously.
But sending an email request doesn’t have to be stressful. With these templates and tips, you’ll be able to ask for a recommendation letter with confidence and ease.
So, let’s get started. Choose the sample email that best fits your situation, make the necessary changes, and send it off to your potential recommenders. Trust me; they’ll be happy to help you.
The Best Structure for a Sample Email Requesting a Recommendation Letter: A Tim Ferris-Style Guide
Requesting a recommendation letter is an essential step towards advancing in your career or academic pursuits. Yet, crafting a compelling and professional email request can be challenging, leaving many people unsure about the best approach. Luckily, there are some proven strategies you can use to request a recommendation letter that is effective, persuasive and represents you in the best possible light.
Begin with a Strong Introduction
The first paragraph of your email should be an introduction that informs the reader why you are writing, who you are, and why you are asking them specifically for a letter of recommendation. This should be a concise and focused paragraph that lets the receiver know that you respect their opinion and value their professional relationship with you. You can use this paragraph to briefly describe your achievements and qualifications, so they have a clear idea of your strengths and talents.
Provide Relevant Information
The next paragraphs should provide the necessary information a recommender would need to write an excellent letter. In this section, you can let them know what specific qualities or experiences you would like them to highlight in the letter and include any additional details, such as application deadlines or submission guidelines. Make sure to personalize this section by addressing any specific concerns or questions they may have, such as the type of letter you need (academic, employment or personal) and who should receive it.
Make it Easy for the Recommender
The more straightforward and organized you make the process for the recommender, the more likely they will be willing to write a high-quality letter. Therefore, it’s essential to provide them with clear instructions on how they should write, format and submit the recommendation. Include a deadline for when you need the letter, contact information for the institution or person receiving the letter, and any additional information that can help the process go smoothly.
Express Gratitude and Follow Up
In the final paragraph of your email, express your gratitude for their willingness to write a recommendation letter. Thank them for their time and consideration, and let them know how appreciative you are of their support. You can also use this opportunity to follow up with them regarding your progress in your job search or application review process.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps and using a structure similar to what Tim Ferris might use, you can prepare a professional email request that encourages your recommender to write a glowing recommendation letter on your behalf. Remember to make the process as simple as possible for the recommender, be respectful of their time, and show gratitude for their assistance. With these tips in mind, you will be on your way to securing an outstanding recommendation letter that will help you take the next step in your career or academic pursuits.
Seven Sample Request Letters for Recommendation
Request for Recommendation Letter for Graduate School Application
Dear Professor/Teacher,
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for my graduate school application. I have been impressed by your enthusiasm and dedication to your work and would be honored to have your support as I embark on this new journey.
During your course, I was impressed by your ability to challenge students to think critically and your unwavering dedication to helping us understand complex concepts. I believe that these experiences have prepared me well for success in graduate school, and I would be very grateful if you could speak to these attributes in your letter of recommendation.
Thank you so much for considering my request. Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me, and I will make sure to get it to you as soon as possible. I appreciate your time and dedication.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Recommendation Letter for Job Application
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you because I am currently applying for a job that I believe would be a great fit for my skills and experience. I would be so grateful if you could provide me with a letter of recommendation to support my application.
Over the past few years, I have had the privilege of working with some wonderful people in different roles and capacities. However, no one has taught me more or challenged me more than you. Your leadership, wisdom, and experience have been invaluable throughout the time we worked together.
I would be honored if you could speak to these attributes and skills in your letter of recommendation, as I believe that they would be relevant to the position I am applying for now. Of course, I completely understand if you are unable to do so at this time, and I appreciate your consideration.
Thank you so much for everything you have done for me in the past. I hope to continue to learn from you and to work together soon. Please let me know if there is anything you need from me, and I will make sure to get it to you promptly.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Recommendation Letter for Scholarship Application
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. As I am applying for a scholarship to help fund my studies, I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation from you. Your recommendation would help strengthen my application and increase my chances of receiving the scholarship.
I had the pleasure of taking your course a few semesters ago, and I was inspired by your passion for teaching. I believe that your endorsement would be invaluable, as it would give the committee a sense of my academic abilities and potential.
I deeply appreciate the time and effort that you put into your courses, and I was particularly impressed with your dedication to helping students build strong research and writing skills. These skills have been invaluable to me as I navigate my studies, and I hope to put them to good use in the future as well.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. If there is anything else that you need from me, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Recommendation Letter for Internship Application
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation from you for an internship that I am applying to soon. Your support would be of tremendous value to me and would enhance my chances of being selected for the internship.
As my supervisor during my last internship, working with you was a great learning experience. During my time with your organization, I learned so many new skills and was exposed to real-life projects and work scenarios.
Your leadership and managerial skills were evident in the way you handled our team and ensured that we met the deadlines. I believe that your endorsement would be significant in my career path, and I would be so grateful if you could speak to the attributes and skills that you observed in your letter of recommendation.
Thank you so much for being a significant influence on my professional journey. Please let me know if there is anything else you need from me, and I will be sure to provide it promptly.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Recommendation Letter for College Application
Dear Professor/Teacher,
I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation for my college application process. I would appreciate it so much if you could assist me in getting to the next stage.
During the years that I have spent in your classes, I have been impressed by your teaching style and dedication. You have always been accessible to us for questions or help, no matter where you were.
Your lesson plans were always well prepared, and your ability to blend textbook material with real-world scenarios has made me love your classes even more.
Thank you so much for considering my request, and for believing in me. I look forward to continuing my academic journey, and I appreciate all the help and support provided in my application process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Request for Recommendation Letter for Volunteer Program Application
Dear [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. As I am applying for a volunteer program, I am requesting a letter of recommendation from you. Your support will be of significant value to me and will enhance my chances of getting selected for the program.
I had the opportunity to work with you during the charity event last month, and it was amazing how you handle the entire event. Your leadership and team management skills were evident throughout the day, and I believe that your endorsement will be invaluable.
I would be so grateful if you could speak to the attributes and skills that you observed during the event in your letter of recommendation. Your recommendation will not only encourage me but also be a vital component of my success in the volunteer program.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you need anything else from me, and I will provide it quickly.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Request for Recommendation Letter for Graduate Job Application
Dear [Name],
I am applying for a job that I believe is an ideal fit for my skills and knowledge. With that said, I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation from you to help me secure the position.
It has been an opportunity to work under your supervision during my graduate studies, and I learned so much during those days. Your leadership and knowledge have been invaluable, and I believe that your endorsement would help highlight my competencies and strengths.
I would be honored if you could speak about the attributes and skills that you have observed in your letter of recommendation. I am confident that your support will be of great help towards my job application success.
Thank you so much for considering my request. I appreciate the trust and support that you have continuously shown to me, and I look forward to working with you soon.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Tips for Requesting a Recommendation Letter
Whether you’re applying to a job, school, or program, a strong recommendation letter can give you a competitive edge. However, asking someone to write a letter on your behalf can be daunting. Here are some tips to help you craft a polite and professional email requesting a recommendation letter:
- Begin with a friendly greeting. Address the person by their formal title (e.g., Dr., Professor) and use their last name.
- Introduce yourself and explain why you’re asking for a recommendation. Be specific about the job, school, or program you’re applying to and why you think the person is a good fit to write a letter on your behalf.
- Provide context and any necessary details. If there are specific requirements or guidelines for the recommendation letter (e.g., length, format, content), include them in your email to make the process as easy as possible for the person you’re requesting the letter from.
- Ask politely and give them an out. Remember that the person you’re asking is doing you a favor, so don’t demand or pressure them. Instead, express your gratitude for their time and offer them an easy out if they’re unable to write the letter.
- Include a deadline and follow-up instructions. Give the person a clear deadline for submitting the letter and include any follow-up instructions (e.g., who they should send the letter to, how they should submit it).
- End with a thank you. Whether they’re able to write the letter or not, express your gratitude for their consideration and time.
Remember to keep your email professional and concise. Be mindful of the other person’s time and the level of formality appropriate for your relationship. And always follow up with a polite thank you note or email after the letter has been submitted. With these tips, you can confidently request a recommendation letter and increase your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Requesting a Recommendation Letter
What is a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter is a document written by someone who knows you well and can attest to your skills, abilities, and character. It is typically requested by employers, academic institutions, or other organizations as part of a job application or admission process.
Why do I need a recommendation letter?
A recommendation letter can help you stand out from other applicants when you’re applying for a job or for admission to a school or program. It provides additional information about you and your qualifications that may not be obvious from your resume, transcript, or other application materials.
Who should I ask for a recommendation letter?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths, accomplishments, and character. This could be a current or former employer, a professor, a mentor, a coach, or any other professional or personal contact who can provide a thorough and positive evaluation of you.
How do I ask someone for a recommendation letter?
You should write an email or letter requesting the recommendation, explaining why you need it, and providing the relevant details about the position or program you’re applying for. Be sure to give the person enough time to write the recommendation and offer to provide any additional information or materials they may need.
What should I include in my request for a recommendation letter?
You should include a clear and concise explanation of why you’re asking for the recommendation, what the recommendation should focus on, and any deadlines or other requirements you need the person to meet. You should also provide the person with your resume, transcript, or other application materials that will help them write an effective recommendation.
How long should a recommendation letter be?
There is no set length for a recommendation letter, but most are one to two pages long. The letter should be detailed enough to provide a comprehensive picture of your qualifications, but concise enough to be easily digestible.
When should I send a reminder about a recommendation letter?
If you haven’t received a recommendation letter by the agreed-upon deadline, you should send a gentle reminder to the person who agreed to write the recommendation. Be sure to thank them for their time and effort, and offer to provide any additional information or assistance they may need to complete the letter.
Do I need to write a thank-you note after receiving a recommendation letter?
Yes! It’s always a good idea to thank the person who wrote a recommendation letter for you. A simple email or handwritten note expressing your gratitude and appreciation can go a long way in strengthening your relationship with that person.
What if I’m not happy with the recommendation letter?
If you’re not satisfied with the recommendation letter you receive, you have a few options. You can talk to the person who wrote the letter and explain your concerns, offer additional information or context that might help them revise the letter, or ask someone else to write a new letter for you. Ultimately, you should be honest with yourself about whether the letter accurately reflects your qualifications and whether you are comfortable submitting it with your application.
Thanks for stopping by!
I hope this article helped you in crafting your own sample email requesting recommendation letter. Remember to always be polite and considerate when asking for a recommendation. And don’t forget to return the favor when your colleague needs one too! Feel free to come back and browse through our website for more helpful tips and tricks. Have a great day!