Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel daunting, but it’s a crucial step in advancing your career, academic pursuits, or other personal goals. A well-crafted request significantly increases your chances of receiving a strong and supportive letter. This article provides several sample letters tailored to different scenarios, offering a starting point to personalize your own requests. Remember to always be respectful of the recipient’s time and provide them with all the necessary information to write a compelling recommendation.
The key to a successful request lies in providing context. Remind the recommender of your relationship, highlight specific achievements or experiences that make you a suitable candidate, and clearly state the purpose of the recommendation. Supply them with your resume, transcript, or any other relevant materials to aid their writing process. A thoughtful and well-prepared request demonstrates your professionalism and respect for the recommender’s time and expertise.
Sample Letters Asking for a Letter of Recommendation
Here are 14 sample letters, each formatted for various situations. Feel free to adapt them to your specific needs.
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Sample Letter 1: From a Student to a Professor
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to the [Name of Program] at [Name of University]. I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year], and I believe the skills I developed there, particularly [Specific Skill], are directly relevant to my application.
I have attached my resume and a personal statement outlining my qualifications. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 2: From an Employee to a Former Manager
Dear [Manager’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to you because I am applying for a [Position Name] at [Company Name]. Given your leadership during my time at [Previous Company Name] as a [Your Role], I am hoping you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me.
During my time working under you, I particularly excelled in [Specific Skill/Achievement] contributing to [Company Achievement]. I have attached my resume and a brief description of the position. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to assist me. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 3: For Graduate School Admission
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying to the [Program Name] program at [University Name] to further my studies in [Field of Study]. I was a student in your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester, and I believe your insights on my academic abilities would be valuable to my application. I am especially interested in [Specific Area of Study].
I have included my resume, transcript, and a draft of my personal statement for your review. The deadline for the letter is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to provide a recommendation. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 4: For Scholarship Application
Dear Mr./Ms. [Recommender’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. As my [Your Relationship – e.g., mentor, teacher] you have witnessed my [Positive Qualities, e.g., dedication to academics, community involvement].
The scholarship seeks students who [Scholarship Criteria, e.g., demonstrate leadership, financial need]. I believe my involvement in [Specific Activity] highlights my commitment to [Related Goal]. I have attached my application materials including my resume and personal statement. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 5: For Internship Application
Dear [Recommender’s Last Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I’m applying for an internship with [Company Name] in the [Department] department. Considering your experience and my time working on [Project Name] under your guidance during [Time Period], I thought you would be a great person to ask for a letter of recommendation.
This internship would allow me to further develop my skills in [Specific Skills] and gain valuable experience in the [Industry] industry. I have attached my resume and the internship description. The deadline to submit the letter is [Date]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 6: Requesting a Reference from a Volunteer Coordinator
Dear [Coordinator’s Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me. As you know, I volunteered with [Organization Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I learned a lot about [Skill Learned] and [Another Skill Learned] during my time there.
I am currently applying for [Opportunity Name] and believe your insights on my work ethic and dedication to community service would be valuable. The deadline for submission is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume for your reference. Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 7: Asking a Colleague
Dear [Colleague’s Name],
I hope you’re having a good week. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you. I’m applying for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. We worked closely together on [Project Name] at [Company Name], so you have a good understanding of my skills and work ethic in a professional setting.
The job description emphasizes [Key Skills Required], which I believe align well with my experience on [Project Name]. I have included my resume and the job description for your reference. The deadline is [Date]. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 8: Requesting a Reference for a Job Promotion
Dear [Manager’s Last Name],
I hope you’re well. I am writing to formally request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for the [Promotion Title] position within [Department]. During my time as a [Current Position] I have consistently exceeded expectations in [Area of Responsibility 1] and [Area of Responsibility 2].
I am confident that I possess the skills and experience necessary to excel in the [Promotion Title] role and contribute significantly to the team’s success. I can provide you with my performance reviews and other relevant documentation if helpful. The deadline is [Date]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 9: Follow-Up Request
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my previous request for a letter of recommendation for [Opportunity]. The deadline is approaching on [Date].
I understand you are busy, but this letter would be a great help to me. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 10: After Receiving a Recommendation
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for writing a letter of recommendation on my behalf for [Opportunity]. I truly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to support my application.
Your insights were invaluable, and I am very grateful for your support. Thank you once again for your help.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 11: Requesting a Letter for a Board Position
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application to serve on the board of directors for [Organization Name]. Having observed my leadership and contributions during [Specific situation or event], I believe your insights would be invaluable to my application.
My experience in [Relevant field] and passion for [Organization’s mission] make me a strong candidate for this position. I have attached my resume and a brief statement of interest. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to provide a recommendation. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 12: For a Fellowship Application
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for the [Fellowship Name] Fellowship, which would provide funding for my research on [Research Topic]. I believe your perspective on my research skills and potential would greatly strengthen my application, particularly given your expertise in [Professor’s Area of Expertise].
I have attached my research proposal, resume, and transcript for your review. The deadline for the recommendation letter is [Date]. Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 13: Requesting a Character Reference
Dear [Recommender’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I am writing to request a character reference for [Purpose – e.g., housing application, personal matter]. Having known me for [Number] years as my [Relationship – e.g., neighbor, friend], you are well-acquainted with my character and integrity.
The reference will be used to demonstrate my [Positive Qualities – e.g., trustworthiness, responsibility]. Please let me know if you are able to provide this reference. I can provide you with more details if needed. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
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Sample Letter 14: Requesting a Letter From a Client (for Consultants/Freelancers)
Dear [Client’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation regarding my services as a [Your Profession] for your project, [Project Name]. Your insights into my [Specific skills and qualities that were valuable to the project, e.g., problem-solving abilities, communication skills] would be extremely beneficial to my portfolio.
A letter from you would greatly enhance my ability to attract new clients and showcase the value I bring to my projects. I can provide you with talking points and details of the project if needed. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Requesting a letter of recommendation requires planning, respect, and clear communication. By personalizing these sample letters and providing sufficient information, you increase your chances of securing a strong recommendation that supports your goals. Remember to express gratitude for the recommender’s time and effort, regardless of their decision.