The process of asking for letters of recommendation can vary depending on your field, but there are some basic steps you can follow to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Give your recommenders plenty of time to write the letter. Ideally, you should ask for letters of recommendation at least two months in advance. This will give your recommender plenty of time to write a well-thought-out letter that speaks to your strengths.
Provide your recommender with all the information they need. When you ask someone to write a letter of recommendation, be sure to give them all the information they need to write a strong letter. This includes your resume, a list of your accomplishments, and any other relevant information.
Be specific about what you need the letter for. Let your recommender know exactly what you’ll be using the letter for. This will help them focus their letter on the most relevant information.
Ask if the recommender is comfortable writing you a positive letter. If your recommender feels uncomfortable writing a glowing letter of recommendation, it’s better to find someone else who can speak to your strengths. There’s no point in asking someone for a letter if they’re not going to write a positive one.
Thank your recommender in advance. Once your recommender has agreed to write you a letter, be sure to thank them in advance. A simple “thank you” goes a long way and shows that you appreciate their time and effort.
- I'm applying to graduate school and I would really appreciate a letter of recommendation from you.
- Could you write me a letter of recommendation for my job application?
- I need a letter of recommendation for my scholarship application. Can you help me out?
- I'm asking for letters of recommendation from my professors. Would you be able to write one for me?
- Can I count on you for a letter of recommendation?
Email Templates for Letter of Recommendation
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Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation Dear [Professor name], 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 in your [course name] class and I would be very grateful if you could provide a letter of recommendation that speaks to my strengths. I have enclosed my resume and a list of my accomplishments for your review. I will also be happy to provide you with any additional information you may need. If you are unable to write a positive letter of recommendation, I understand and will find another professor who can speak to my strengths. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your name]
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Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation Dear [boss’s name], 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 working as your [position] for the past [time period] and I would be very grateful if you could provide a letter of recommendation that speaks to my strengths. I have enclosed my resume and a list of my accomplishments for your review. I will also be happy to provide you with any additional information you may need. If you are unable to write a positive letter of recommendation, I understand and will find another supervisor who can speak to my strengths. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your name]
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Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation Dear [mentor’s name],
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 working with you as my mentor for the past [time period] and I would be very grateful if you could provide a letter of recommendation that speaks to my strengths. I have enclosed my resume and a list of my accomplishments for your review. I will also be happy to provide you with any additional information you may need. If you are unable to write a positive letter of recommendation, I understand and will find another mentor who can speak to my strengths. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your name]
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Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation Dear [colleague’s name],
I am writing to ask if you would be able to write me a letter of recommendation for my graduate school application. We have worked together closely on many projects over the past [time period] and I would be very grateful if you could provide a letter of recommendation that speaks to my strengths. I have enclosed my resume and a list of my accomplishments for your review. I will also be happy to provide you with any additional information you may need. If you are unable to write a positive letter of recommendation, I understand and will find another colleague who can speak to my strengths. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your name]
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Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation Dear [advisor’s name], I am writing to ask if you would be able to write me a letter of recommendation for my graduate school application. We have worked together closely over the past [time period] and I would be very grateful if you could provide a letter of recommendation that speaks to my strengths. I have enclosed my resume and a list of my accomplishments for your review. I will also be happy to provide you with any additional information you may need. If you are unable to write a positive letter of recommendation, I understand and will find another academic advisor who can speak to my strengths. Thank you very much for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your name]