Are you in search of an ideal sample email to ask for a recommendation letter? Look no further because here’s a comprehensive guide that will provide you with several examples and allow you to edit them as per your requirements.
Asking for a recommendation letter can be intimidating, but with a well-crafted email, you can make this task much easier. Whether you need a recommendation for a job, scholarship, or graduate school application, this guide will help you create an email that will impress your potential recommenders and motivate them to write you a great letter.
The secret to a successful email lies in being respectful, clear, and concise. It’s important to remember that your potential recommender is doing you a favor by writing this letter, so show your appreciation by making the process as smooth as possible.
In this guide, you’ll find several sample emails that you can use as a template to create your own. Each email includes an explanation of what to include in each section and how to make sure your email stands out from the rest. With these tools, you’ll be able to craft a compelling email that will get you the recommendation letter you need to take the next step in your career.
The Best Structure for Requesting a Recommendation Letter
Asking for a recommendation letter is a delicate process, and it is crucial to get it right. A well-written recommendation letter can make all the difference in landing your dream job, getting accepted into your dream school, or securing a grant for your research project. Therefore, it is important to know the best structure for sample email to ask for a recommendation letter. In this article, I will break down the process and guide you through crafting a compelling email request, in the style of legendary author and entrepreneur, Tim Ferris.
Opening Paragraph
The opening sentence is the most critical part of your email. It sets the tone for the rest of the email and establishes a connection with the recipient. Begin by addressing the recipient by their title and last name, followed by a friendly greeting. Express gratitude for the recipient’s time and effort, and clarify your purpose for writing. Keep this paragraph short and to the point. Here is an example:
“Dear Professor Johnson,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my graduate school application. I am grateful for your time in considering my request, and I understand that you have many obligations. Your insight and experience would be invaluable in helping me achieve my academic goals.”
Second Paragraph
In the second paragraph, outline your connection with the recipient, including how you met, what courses you took with them, and how they impacted your academic or professional career. This step is essential in reminding the recipient of your relationship and providing context for their letter. Keep in mind that the recipient may be writing letters for multiple students, so jog their memory about you by mentioning specific details such as paper topics, projects, or class discussions. Here is an example:
“I had the pleasure of taking your advanced literature course during my junior year, and it was a transformative experience. Your guidance and feedback helped me hone my critical thinking skills, and I credit my success in subsequent courses to your teaching. Since then, I have pursued independent research projects in the same field and believe that the graduate program at XYZ University would be the perfect next step for me.”
Third Paragraph
In the third paragraph, provide the recipient with the necessary details to complete the letter. This includes the deadline, the purpose of the letter, and any specific requirements such as length or format. Be concise and specific, but also polite in your tone. Give the recipient ample time to complete the letter, and offer to provide any additional information if needed. Here is an example:
“The deadline for the application is February 1st, 2022, and I would appreciate it if the letter could be completed by January 15th, 2022, giving you sufficient time to complete the letter. The letter should focus on my academic and research abilities, as well as my potential for success in graduate school. The letter should be one page in length and submitted directly to the graduate program via email.”
Closing Paragraph
In the final paragraph, express your appreciation for the recipient’s consideration and offer to keep them informed of your application progress. Sign off with a respectful closing such as ‘sincerely’ or ‘respectfully.’ Be humble and gracious in your tone, and reiterate your gratitude for their support. Here is an example:
“Thank you again for your time and consideration in writing this letter. I will keep you updated on my application status and am happy to provide any additional information that may be helpful. Again, thank you for being such an important mentor in my academic career.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]”
By following this structure, you can craft a thoughtful and persuasive email request for a recommendation letter that will help you stand out from the crowd. Remember to keep your tone polite, friendly, and respectful, and give the recipient enough time to complete the letter. Good luck with your applications and thank you for reading!
Sample Email for Scholarship Recommendation
Request for Scholarship Recommendation
Dear [Professor/Teacher/Mentor],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request your assistance with a recommendation letter for a scholarship I am applying for. The scholarship requires at least three recommendation letters, and I believe your letter would be a valuable addition to my application.
I have been fortunate enough to have you as a professor for the past two semesters, and your guidance and support have helped me significantly during my academic journey. I believe your letter will showcase my academic capabilities and highlight how deserving I am for the scholarship.
If possible, I would appreciate it if you could address some specific points such as my academic achievements, leadership skills, and extracurricular activities during your class or any other areas you find relevant to my application.
Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you need any additional information or if there is anything I could assist you with.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Email for Job Recommendation
Request for Job Recommendation
Dear [Former Boss/Manager],
I hope this email finds you in good health. I am reaching out to you because I am applying for a new job opportunity, and I would like to request a letter of recommendation from you based on our previous working relationship.
I believe the skills and experiences I gained while working under your supervision have molded me into the professional I am today. I am confident that your letter will strengthen my job application and increase my chances of securing the position.
Regarding the job description, the position requires a set of skills in which I believe we share common grounds, such as excellent communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills. I would be grateful if you could emphasize on these skills and provide specific examples.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. If you need any further information or details, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am grateful for your continuous support and guidance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Email for Graduate School Recommendation
Request for Graduate School Recommendation
Dear [Professor/Teacher/Mentor],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to ask for your help in writing a graduate school recommendation letter for me. I am applying for a master’s program, and I believe your letter will strengthen my application.
I had the privilege of attending your course and working with you on my research project, and I believe you can attest to my academic abilities and scholarly potential. Also, I have taken some of the most challenging classes under your supervision, which has prepared me to excel in graduate school.
The program application requires a specific set of skills such as research interests, academic achievements, and leadership qualities. I would appreciate it if you could highlight these areas and provide specific examples that showcase my capabilities.
Thank you for considering my request. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to reach out to me. I am immensely grateful for your support and help.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Email for Internship Recommendation
Request for Internship Recommendation
Dear [Professor/Teacher/Mentor],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request your assistance in writing a recommendation letter for an internship I am applying for. I believe that with your help, I will be a more competitive candidate for the internship.
I have learned a lot from you during your class about [specific subject/professional practice], and I have always admired your ability to [specific skills]. I believe that your letter will highlight my skills, experience, and knowledge of [specific field], which will be a significant asset to my application.
The internship application requires the applicant to possess a particular set of qualities, such as the ability to work in a team, advanced problem-solving skills, and adaptability. I would appreciate it if you could emphasize these qualities in your letter and provide a few examples that demonstrate my proficiency.
Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you require additional information or if there is anything I can assist you with.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Email for Volunteer Recommendation
Request for Volunteer Recommendation
Dear [Community Leader/Supervisor],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for a volunteer project/work I am interested in.
I have always been passionate about contributing to the community, and I believe my skills and experience make me a suitable candidate for this volunteering opportunity. I enjoyed working alongside you during our previous projects and learned a lot from your leadership and guidance.
The volunteer opportunity requires individuals with specific qualities such as high levels of empathy, good communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with others. I believe you can attest to these qualities and add some valuable insight that showcases my dedication and enthusiasm for community service.
Thank you for considering my request. Let me know if you need further information or any clarification on any of the details. I am grateful for your time and help.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Email for PhD Recommendation
Request for PhD Recommendation
Dear [Professor/Teacher/Mentor],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for the PhD program I am applying to. I believe that with your help, my application will be more competitive and stand out in the selection process.
As my former professor, I am confident that you can attest to my academic abilities, creativity, and research potential. I believe your recommendation letter will showcase these qualities and emphasize on my scholarly achievements, research interests, and publications.
The PhD program requires the applicant to have a specific set of skills and qualities. I would appreciate it if you could highlight these areas and provide specific examples that demonstrate my proficiency. My research interests are [specific research interests], and I believe your experiences and insights will add valuable insights.
Thank you for considering my request. If you require any further information, please let me know, and I will be happy to provide. I am grateful for your continuous guidance and support during my academic journey.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Email for Award Recommendation
Request for Award Recommendation
Dear [Mentor/Professor],
I hope this email finds you in good health. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for an award that I am applying for.
As you well know, I have been working hard towards achieving my professional and academic goals. I believe that I have met the criteria for this award, and your letter of support will help me tremendously during the selection process.
The award criteria focuses on specific qualities and skills such as leadership, innovation, and academic performance. I believe that your letter can attest to my skills and qualities, provide specific examples that highlight my achievements and particularly demonstrate my potential for continued success in my field.
Thank you for considering my request. I am grateful for your continuous support and guidance throughout my academic and professional career.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
5 Tips for Writing an Effective Email to Ask for a Recommendation Letter
Requesting a recommendation letter from someone can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. However, it’s a necessary tool for seeking new opportunities, such as jobs, scholarships or higher education programs. An effective email requesting a recommendation letter can make a significant difference in someone’s willingness to vouch for you. Here are five tips to consider when writing your email:
- Start with a respectful and polite greeting: Address the person by their proper title and name. Use “Dear” before the name, followed by a comma. For instance, “Dear Professor Smith,”
- State your objective upfront: Be upfront in your email and explain the purpose of the message right away. Indicate that you are looking for their recommendation letter, and provide context about the program, school, or job that you are applying for. This will help the person understand your situation and provide relevant information in their letter.
- Provide specific details: To write an impactful recommendation letter, the person should have a clear idea of your accomplishments, strengths, and skills. Provide specific details about your achievements, projects, and extracurricular activities. Also, mention the period you have worked or studied with them, and describe how your experiences have contributed to your growth and development.
- Give them enough time: Requesting a recommendation letter takes time, effort, and thought. Ensure you give the person enough time to write a thoughtful letter by requesting it at least three to four weeks in advance. Remind them of the deadline, and make sure you provide all the necessary materials, such as instructions, forms, or links to apply.
- Show gratitude: Recognize and show gratitude for the person’s time and effort. End your email by thanking them for their consideration and assistance, and indicate that you are eager to hear positive news on your application. Also, follow up with a thank-you note or email after you have been accepted or rejected to let them know the outcome.
In conclusion, requesting a recommendation letter is an essential part of your career or academic journey. Crafting an effective email can increase your chances of getting a positive response. Use the above tips to write a respectful, detailed, and gracious email that motivates the person to write an excellent recommendation letter in your favor.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sample Email for Requesting a Recommendation Letter
What should I include in my email asking for a recommendation letter?
In your email, be sure to introduce yourself and explain why you are requesting the recommendation letter. Also, provide specifics about the position or opportunity you are seeking and include any relevant deadlines.
Who should I ask for a recommendation letter?
You should ask someone who is familiar with your work and can speak positively about your skills and abilities. Ideally, this person should be a professional reference who can vouch for you in a work or academic setting.
How far in advance should I request a recommendation letter?
You should give your recommender at least two to three weeks’ notice, if possible. This will give them plenty of time to write a thoughtful letter that reflects positively on you.
Is it okay to follow up with my recommender if I haven’t heard back?
Yes, it is okay to follow up politely if you haven’t heard back after a week or two. Just be sure to thank them for their time and consideration, and ask if there is anything else you can provide to help with the recommendation process.
What if my recommender declines to write me a letter?
If your recommender declines, it’s important to be respectful of their decision. You can ask if they have any feedback or suggestions for alternative references who may be able to provide a strong recommendation.
Can I send a reminder email if the deadline is approaching?
Yes, it’s a good idea to send a reminder email a few days before the deadline, in case your recommender needs a gentle nudge to turn in the letter on time.
Should I send a thank-you note after receiving the recommendation letter?
Yes, it’s always a nice gesture to send a thank-you note or email to your recommender for taking the time to write the letter and support your application or opportunity.
Sending those Emails with Confidence!
So there you have it! A simple and casual email approach to ask for a recommendation letter. Don’t be shy; remember, the worst that they can say is “no,” and that’s not the end of the world. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article, and I hope you found it helpful. Don’t forget to check back in again for more tips and tricks to help you on your journey. Best of luck with your recommendation letter and all of your endeavors!