Effective Letter of Recommendation Request: Samples & Tips

Crafting a Winning Letter of Recommendation Request

Securing a strong letter of recommendation is crucial for academic admissions, job applications, and scholarship opportunities. A well-crafted request demonstrates your professionalism, makes it easier for the recommender to write a compelling letter, and significantly increases your chances of a positive outcome. Remember to always approach potential recommenders with ample time and be respectful of their busy schedules.

The key to a successful request lies in providing context, reminding the recommender of your past interactions and achievements, and clearly stating your purpose. Highlight specific qualities you’d like them to emphasize and offer supporting materials like your resume or personal statement. This helps them write a focused and impactful recommendation. Don’t forget to express your gratitude for their time and consideration.

10 Sample Requests for Letter of Recommendation

1. Sample 1: Formal Email Request (Academic)

   Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name] – [Application/Program Name]

   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 [Program Name] program at [University Name]. I thoroughly enjoyed your [Course Name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester, and I believe my performance in that course demonstrated my strong interest in [Relevant Subject Area].

   I have attached my resume and personal statement for your review. The deadline for submitting the recommendation is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. Thank you for your time and consideration.

   Sincerely,

   [Your Name]

2. Sample 2: Informal Email Request (Professional)

   Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Recommender’s Name],

   I hope you’re doing well. I’m applying for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name], and I was hoping you might be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. I really valued your mentorship during my time at [Company/Organization], especially when I worked on the [Project Name] project.

   I’ve attached my resume and the job description for your reference. The deadline for submission is [Date]. Please let me know if you’re able to help. Thanks so much!

   Best,

   [Your Name]

3. Sample 3: Request after a Previous Internship

   Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Recommender’s Name],

   I hope you’re doing well. I am writing you today to request a letter of recommendation. As you know I had the pleasure to intern at your company [Company Name] last summer.

   The deadline is [Date], I have attached my resume and the job description for your reference. Please let me know if you’re able to help. Thanks so much!

   Best,

   [Your Name]

4. Sample 4: Request for University Applications

   Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Recommender’s Name],

   I hope you’re doing well. As you know I am planning to apply to [University Name] next year.
   I am writing you today to request a letter of recommendation.

   The deadline is [Date], I have attached my resume, transcript and personal statement. Please let me know if you’re able to help. Thanks so much!

   Best,

   [Your Name]

5. Sample 5: Request after Course

   Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Recommender’s Name],

   I hope you’re doing well. I am writing you today to request a letter of recommendation.
   I really enjoyed [Course name] during my semester.

   The deadline is [Date], I have attached my resume, and personal statement. Please let me know if you’re able to help. Thanks so much!

   Best,

   [Your Name]

6. Sample 6: Request from a Volunteer Coordinator

   Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Recommender’s Name],

   I hope you’re doing well. As you know I volunteered for [Volunteer Company] last year.
   I am writing you today to request a letter of recommendation.

   The deadline is [Date], I have attached my resume, and reference from work. Please let me know if you’re able to help. Thanks so much!

   Best,

   [Your Name]

7. Sample 7: Request from a Mentor

   Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Recommender’s Name],

   I hope you’re doing well. I am writing you today to request a letter of recommendation.
   As you know you where my mentor during last semester.

   The deadline is [Date], I have attached my resume, and the job description. Please let me know if you’re able to help. Thanks so much!

   Best,

   [Your Name]

8. Sample 8: Request for Scholarship Application

   Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Recommender’s Name],

   I hope you’re doing well. I am writing you today to request a letter of recommendation.
   I am applying for the [Scholarship Name].

   The deadline is [Date], I have attached my resume, transcript, and the scholarship description. Please let me know if you’re able to help. Thanks so much!

   Best,

   [Your Name]

9. Sample 9: Request for Job Application

   Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

   Dear [Recommender’s Name],

   I hope you’re doing well. I am writing you today to request a letter of recommendation. I am applying for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name].

   The deadline is [Date], I have attached my resume, the job description, and any relevant projects I worked on under your supervision. Please let me know if you’re able to help. Thanks so much!

   Best,

   [Your Name]

10. Sample 10: Request after a Leadership Role

    Subject: Letter of Recommendation Request – [Your Name]

    Dear [Recommender’s Name],

    I hope you’re doing well. I am writing you today to request a letter of recommendation.
    As you may remember I took on a leadership role at your company.

    The deadline is [Date], I have attached my resume, description. Please let me know if you’re able to help. Thanks so much!

    Best,

    [Your Name]