Asking for a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can make the process smoother and more effective. This guide will walk you through how to ask for a letter of recommendation via email, along with templates to help you craft your request.
When making your request, be polite and specific about what you’re looking for. You might say something like, “I’m applying for a job that requires a letter of recommendation, and I would be very grateful if you could write one for me.” If the person you’re asking is unable to fulfill your request, they’ll likely let you know right away. Otherwise, they’ll likely be happy to provide you with a positive letter of recommendation.
First, choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your strengths. A professor or former employer would be a good choice. Then, give them plenty of time to write the letter, and be sure to provide them with any relevant information, such as your resume or a list of accomplishments. Finally, express your gratitude for their help and let them know how much you appreciate their time and effort.
How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation via Email
- Choose the Right Person: Select someone who knows you well and can speak positively about your skills, experiences, and character. This might be a professor, employer, or mentor.
- Timing is Key: Reach out well in advance of the deadline. Ideally, give your recommender at least 2-4 weeks to write the letter. This shows respect for their time and allows them to craft a thoughtful response.
- Be Clear and Specific: In your email, explain why you need the recommendation and provide details about the opportunity (e.g., job, graduate school, scholarship). Include information about the skills or experiences you’d like them to highlight.
- Offer Context: Remind them of your relationship and any relevant projects or accomplishments that might help them write a more personalized letter.
- Make it Easy: Provide any necessary details, such as the deadline, submission method (email, online portal, etc.), and any forms they may need to fill out.
- Express Gratitude: Thank them for considering your request and express appreciation for their support.
- Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back a week before your deadline, it’s appropriate to send a polite reminder.
Email Templates for Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
Template 1: General Request
Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. I am applying for [specific opportunity, e.g., graduate school, a job, a scholarship] at [institution or organization name], and I believe your insight into my [skills/experiences] would be invaluable.
During my time at [where you worked together or studied], I [mention specific projects, achievements, or experiences that relate to the opportunity]. I think your perspective on my [mention qualities or skills] would greatly enhance my application.
The deadline for submission is [insert date], and the letter can be submitted [explain how it should be sent, e.g., via email or an online portal]. I would be happy to provide any additional information or materials you might need to assist in writing the letter.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I greatly appreciate your support!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or Website, if applicable]
Template 2: Request for a Job Application
Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I hope you are doing well! I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me as I apply for [job title] at [company name]. I have always valued your opinion and believe that your insights would be incredibly beneficial to my application.
During my time at [where you worked together], I [mention specific achievements or responsibilities that relate to the job you’re applying for]. I am particularly excited about this opportunity because [explain why the job interests you and how it aligns with your career goals].
The deadline for the recommendation is [insert date], and it can be submitted [explain how it should be sent]. I can provide my resume and any other information you may need to help with the letter.
Thank you for considering my request. I truly appreciate your support and guidance!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or Website, if applicable]
Template 3: Request for Graduate School Application
Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request your support in writing a letter of recommendation for my application to [graduate program name] at [university name]. Your guidance during [mention specific course, project, or experience] has had a significant impact on my academic journey.
I am particularly interested in [mention specific aspects of the program or your career goals], and I believe that your insights into my [mention relevant skills or experiences] would provide a strong endorsement of my candidacy.
The deadline for submission is [insert date], and the letter can be submitted [explain how it should be sent]. I would be happy to provide my personal statement, resume, or any additional information that might assist you in writing the letter.
Thank you very much for considering my request. Your support means a lot to me!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or Website, if applicable]
Template 4
Dear [Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to ask if you would be able to write me a letter of recommendation for my graduate school application. I have been a student of yours for the past two years and I have enjoyed your class. I think you know me well enough to speak to my strengths as a student and I would be very grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. If you are unable to write a letter of recommendation, please let me know as soon as possible so I can make other arrangements. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 5
Hello [Name]
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be able to write me a letter of recommendation for my graduate school application. I have been a student of yours for the past two years and I have enjoyed your class. I think you would be a great person to speak to about my academic abilities.
If you are unable to write me a letter of recommendation, I understand. Thank you for your time.
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 6
Dear Professor [Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to provide me with a letter of recommendation. I am applying to graduate school and it would be greatly appreciated. I have attached my resume and application materials for your review.
If you are unable to fulfill this request, please let me know at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 7
Dear Professor [Name],
I am writing to ask if you would be willing to provide me with a letter of recommendation for my graduate school application. I have been a student of yours for the past two years and I have always been impressed by your knowledge and insight.
I would be very grateful if you could provide me with a letter of recommendation that would attest to my character and abilities. If you are unable to provide a letter of recommendation, I understand. Thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Template 8
Dear Professor [Name],
As a recent university student, I am applying to graduate school. As such, I would greatly appreciate a letter of recommendation from you. Attached are my resume and application materials for your review. Please let me know if you can complete this recommendation request.
Thank you in advance,
[Name]
Template 9
I have thoroughly enjoyed your classes over the past year. I have worked very hard on my research and dissertation.
I have now applied for advanced standing and I would greatly appreciate it if you could take the time to write a letter of recommendation for my graduate school application. Please let me know if you can provide a letter of recommendation on my behalf by signing the enclosed form and returning it via email as an attachment.
Thank you for your support,
[Name]
Template 10
Dear [name]
I am writing to request your assistance with a university application. I would appreciate it if you would provide a letter of recommendation, enclosed as per the institute’s specifications. If you are unable to write a recommendation, please reply letting me know as soon as possible.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of my request and your continued support.
Simplestic Snippets| 35 Sentences to Phrase Your Request for a Recommendation
Here are 35 sentences to begin a request for a recommendation:
- I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to ask if you would be willing to provide a recommendation for me.
- I’m hoping you could help me by writing a recommendation for [position, program, opportunity].
- I would greatly appreciate it if you could write a recommendation for me as I pursue [mention opportunity].
- I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out to see if you might be willing to provide a recommendation on my behalf.
- I am seeking your support in writing a recommendation for me as I apply for [mention opportunity].
- I wanted to ask if you would consider writing a recommendation for me for [specific purpose].
- I would be honored if you could provide a recommendation for me as I apply for [mention opportunity].
- I hope you’re doing well. Would you be willing to write a recommendation for me for [position, opportunity]?
- I’m hoping to ask a favor of you. Would you consider writing a recommendation for me as I move forward with [specific goal]?
- I’m reaching out to ask if you would be able to provide a recommendation for me.
- I trust this message finds you well. I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide a recommendation for me.
- I’m hoping you might be willing to write a recommendation for me as I pursue [mention opportunity].
- I hope all is well with you. I would be truly grateful if you could provide a recommendation on my behalf.
- I’m in the process of applying for [mention opportunity], and I would appreciate it if you could write a recommendation for me.
- I’m reaching out to see if you might be able to write a recommendation for me as I apply for [mention program, job].
- I hope everything is going well on your end. I’m wondering if you would be open to writing a recommendation for me.
- I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to provide a recommendation for me as part of my application to [mention opportunity].
- I’m hoping you can help me by writing a recommendation for [specific purpose] as I work towards [mention goal].
- I’m seeking your help in writing a recommendation for me. I would greatly appreciate your support.
- I would be deeply grateful if you could take the time to write a recommendation for me as I pursue [specific opportunity].
- I’m reaching out to see if you would consider supporting me by writing a recommendation for [position, program].
- I hope this message finds you well. Would you be willing to write a recommendation for me?
- I’m in need of a recommendation for [specific opportunity] and would be so grateful if you could help me with this.
- I hope you’re doing well. I’m hoping you might assist me by writing a recommendation for me.
- I’m currently applying for [mention opportunity], and I would greatly appreciate your help in writing a recommendation.
- I’m hoping you can help me by writing a recommendation as part of my application for [mention purpose].
- I hope things are going well for you. I’m reaching out to ask if you could provide a recommendation for me.
- Would you be willing to write a recommendation for me? Your support would mean a lot as I pursue [mention goal].
- I’m reaching out because I’m in need of a recommendation for [mention position/program], and I would be so grateful if you could assist me.
- I would be truly grateful if you would consider providing a recommendation for me as I apply for [mention opportunity].
- I’m hoping you would be willing to write a recommendation for me as I work towards [mention goal].
- Would you mind supporting me with a recommendation as I move forward with [mention opportunity]?
- I’d be honored if you could provide a recommendation for me to support my application to [mention opportunity].
- I’m writing to ask if you could kindly provide a recommendation for me to help with my [specific purpose].
- I hope everything is going well for you. I’m wondering if you could help me by writing a recommendation as I pursue [mention goal].
email title ideas for asking for a letter of recommendation
- Request for Your Support: Recommendation Letter
- Could You Write a Letter of Recommendation for Me?
- Seeking Your Recommendation for [Position/Opportunity]
- Request for a Letter of Recommendation to Support My Application
- Would You Be Willing to Write a Recommendation Letter for Me?
- Your Recommendation Would Mean the World to Me
- Looking for Your Help: Recommendation Letter Request
- Request for a Strong Recommendation Letter
- Would You Kindly Provide a Letter of Recommendation for Me?
- Seeking Your Endorsement: Recommendation Letter Request
Final Tips
- Personalize Your Email: Make sure to customize each email template to fit your relationship with the recipient and the specific opportunity.
- Be Polite and Professional: Always maintain a courteous tone, as this reflects your professionalism.
- Follow Up: After receiving the letter, be sure to thank your recommender with a follow-up email or a handwritten note.
By following these guidelines and using the templates provided, you can effectively ask for a letter of recommendation that will enhance your applications and help you achieve your goals. Good luck!
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