Recommendation Letter Request: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Securing a strong recommendation letter from a previous employer is crucial for career advancement, academic pursuits, or even volunteer opportunities. These letters provide valuable insights into your skills, work ethic, and overall suitability for the desired role. But how do you actually *ask* for one? A well-crafted request is key. This article offers guidance on composing effective requests for recommendation letters, maximizing your chances of receiving a positive and impactful endorsement.

Before reaching out, consider who would be the most appropriate recommender. Ideally, this should be someone who directly supervised your work, witnessed your achievements, and can speak to your specific skills and contributions. Prepare by refreshing their memory of your time working together. Provide them with your resume, a brief description of the opportunity you’re pursuing, and highlight key projects or accomplishments you’d like them to emphasize in their letter. This will greatly assist them in writing a compelling and relevant recommendation.

Finally, be respectful of their time and offer a reasonable deadline. Express your gratitude for their consideration, even if they are unable to fulfill your request. A professional and appreciative approach will strengthen your relationship and leave a positive lasting impression. Remember, a strong recommendation letter can significantly enhance your prospects, so it’s worth the effort to craft a thoughtful and well-prepared request.

9 Sample Request Letters for Recommendations:

Sample 1: General Request

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation in support of my application for [Position/Program Name] at [Organization/Institution Name].

During my time at [Company Name], I reported directly to you and greatly valued your guidance and mentorship. I believe your insights into my [mention specific skills, e.g., project management skills, communication abilities] would be invaluable in strengthening my application.

The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I’ve attached my resume and a brief description of the position/program for your reference. Please let me know if you are able to write a letter for me. I would be happy to provide further information or answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 2: Highlighting Specific Achievements

Dear [Professor’s Name],

I hope this email finds you in good health. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for [Specific job Title] at [Company Name]. As you know, I learned valuable information in your class during [Semester/Year].

Your class was a very important foundation for me. I learned a lot from you and I would appreciate it if you could find the time to write a letter of recommendation for me.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,

[Your Name]

Sample 3: Requesting a Letter for Graduate School

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I trust this email finds you well. I am applying to [Graduate Program Name] at [University Name] and would be honored if you would write a letter of recommendation for my application. The goal of going back to school is to improve my knowledge and my skills.

During my [Number] years at [Company Name], I worked on [Project Name]. I believe your insights into my abilities and contributions would greatly enhance my application. I’m eager to continue improving my skills, and getting a graduate degree is the next step to accomplish that goal.

The deadline for submitting the letter is [Date]. I have attached my resume and a statement of purpose to provide you with further context. Please let me know if you are able to support my application with a letter of recommendation.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 4: Requesting a Letter from a Former Professor

Dear Professor [Professor’s last name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m [Your Name], a student in your [course name] class during the [Semester/Year] semester. I’m applying for [Job title] and the deadline to send a letter of recommendation is [Date].

The skills I learned in your class were very valuable and important for me, and helped prepare me for the working world. I learned that [skills that was learned in class that are very important for your job].

Thank you for your consideration.

Best,

[Your Name]

Sample 5: Requesting a Letter for an Internal Promotion

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the [Promotion title] position within [Department Name].

I believe that my [Number] years of work experience within [Company Name] has prepared me for the next stage of my career. My skills and experiences that I gained will be an asset to [Company Name].

The deadline to submit the recommendation letter is on [Date]. Attached you will find my resume and skills. Please let me know if you are able to help me. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best,

[Your Name]

Sample 6: Requesting a Letter for Internship

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am currently a student at [University Name] and I would like to apply for an internship at [Company Name]. I would like to request a letter of recommendation.

The skills that I learned in my [course name] class will allow me to be an asset to your team. My experience with [software name] and [project name] will be valuable skills that I can contribute to your business.

The deadline to submit a letter of recommendation is [Date]. Please let me know if you are able to help me get an internship. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best,

[Your Name]

Sample 7: Requesting a Letter from a Volunteer Experience

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for [Job Title] at [Company Name] and the deadline to submit a letter of recommendation is [Date].

I would appreciate it if you could write me a letter of recommendation, since I volunteered at [Organization Name] for the last [Number] of years. The skills that I learned there was [Skill].

Please let me know if you are available to help write the recommendation letter for me. I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best,

[Your Name]

Sample 8: Requesting a Letter Remotely

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I would like to request a letter of recommendation for [Job Title] at [Company Name].

Although, we worked remotely for a couple of years, I still learned and grew from your help. I really enjoyed working on [Project Name] and I believe the skills I gained from the project allowed me to grow.

The deadline to submit a letter of recommendation is on [Date]. Please let me know if you are available to help and I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best,

[Your Name]

Sample 9: Requesting a Letter from a Previous Peer

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am applying for a scholarship with [Organization Name] to go back to school for [Area of Study].

I have been interested in [Area of Study] for a while now, and my goal is to get a degree in the area. While we worked together as peers at [Company Name], I learned a lot from you about [Skill that your learned from the peer]. It would be an honor if you could write a letter of recommendation for me.

The deadline to submit a letter of recommendation is on [Date]. Please let me know if you are available to help and I appreciate your time and consideration.

Best,

[Your Name]