Securing a recommendation letter is a crucial step for many opportunities, whether it’s for academic admissions, job applications, or other professional engagements. A recommendation letter can significantly impact your application by providing a third-party perspective on your qualifications, skills, and contributions.
Crafting a request for a recommendation letter, however, requires a nuanced approach. The request not only needs to be polite and respectful but also should make it easy for the recommender to understand why you’re approaching them and how they can help you.
The key to drafting an effective request lies in personalization and clarity. It’s important to tailor each request to the individual, reflecting your relationship and interactions with them.
Additionally, providing context about the opportunity you’re seeking and why you believe their endorsement would be valuable is crucial. This not only shows respect for their time but also helps them craft a more personalized and impactful letter.
Sample Letters of Request for Recommendation Letter
Below are 15 sample letters of request for a recommendation letter, designed to address various scenarios and relationships. These samples aim to provide you with inspiration and a framework for crafting your own requests, ensuring you communicate your needs effectively while maintaining professionalism and courtesy.
Sample 1: Request to a Former Supervisor
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to request a favor. Having worked under your guidance at [Company Name] for [Time Period], I greatly valued the learning experience and mentorship you provided. As I seek new challenges and aim to advance my career, I am currently applying for [Position Name] at [Company/Institution Name].
I believe a recommendation from you, highlighting my contributions and skills developed during my tenure at [Company Name], would greatly enhance my application. Your perspective on my work ethic, professional achievements, and ability to overcome challenges would be invaluable.
Would you be willing to provide a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be happy to provide any additional information or materials that might help. Thank you very much for considering my request.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Sample 2: Request to a College Professor
Dear Professor [Last Name],
I hope this note finds you in good spirits. As I reflect on my time at [University Name], your [Course Name] class stands out as both a challenging and profoundly enriching experience. With your guidance, I’ve gained insights and skills that have been pivotal in shaping my academic journey.
As I am currently preparing my application for [Graduate Program Name] at [University/College Name], I am writing to kindly request a letter of recommendation from you. Given the impact of your class on my academic development, a recommendation from you would provide a meaningful testament to my readiness for this next step.
Your support in this process would mean a great deal to me. I am more than willing to provide any additional information or documents you might need to assist in writing the letter. Thank you very much for considering my request.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample 3: Request to a Mentor
Dear [Mentor’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. As I navigate through significant milestones in my career, I often reflect on the invaluable guidance and support you have provided me over the years. Your mentorship has been a cornerstone of my professional growth.
I am reaching out to ask for your support once again. I am in the process of applying for [Opportunity Name], which I believe aligns closely with my career goals and the discussions we’ve had about my future direction. A recommendation letter from you, discussing my potential and how I’ve grown under your mentorship, would be incredibly impactful.
Would you be available to discuss this further? I am happy to provide any additional details or documents you might need. Thank you for considering my request and for everything you’ve done to support me.
Warm regards, [Your Name]
Sample 4: Request to a Colleague
Dear [Colleague’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. As we’ve worked closely together on various projects at [Company Name], I’ve always admired your professionalism and dedication. Your insight into my work ethic and contributions would be invaluable as I seek new opportunities.
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you as I apply for [Position Name] at [Company/Institution Name]. Your perspective on our collaborative efforts and my skills in [Specific Skill/Area] would greatly enhance my application.
Would you be willing to provide such a letter? I am more than willing to discuss this further and provide any additional information you may require. Thank you very much for considering my request.
Best, [Your Name]
Sample 5: Request for a Volunteer Position
Dear [Organization Leader’s Name],
I hope all is well with you. Volunteering at [Organization Name] has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, offering me invaluable opportunities to contribute and grow. As I look to apply for [Scholarship/Program Name], which focuses on community service and leadership, a recommendation letter from you would significantly bolster my application.
Your insights into my dedication, skills, and the impact of my volunteer work would offer a unique and powerful perspective to the selection committee. Would you be willing to support my application through a letter of recommendation?
I am happy to provide any additional information or meet at your convenience to discuss this further. Thank you for considering my request and for your continued guidance and support.
Kind regards, [Your Name]
Sample 6: Request to a Client
Dear [Client’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. It has been a pleasure collaborating with you on [Project Name] at [Your Company Name]. Your feedback and engagement have been instrumental in the project’s success and my professional growth.
As I explore new opportunities, I am applying for [Position/Program Name] and believe a recommendation letter from you, as a client, would offer a unique and valuable perspective on my skills and work ethic.
Would you be willing to provide a letter of recommendation for me? I would greatly appreciate your support and am happy to provide any additional information you might need to assist in this process.
Thank you for considering my request and for the productive partnership we’ve shared.
Best wishes, [Your Name]
Sample 7: Request to a Coach
Dear Coach [Last Name],
I hope this note finds you well. Reflecting on my time as part of [Team Name], I am grateful for your mentorship and the discipline you instilled in us both on and off the field. These lessons have been integral to my personal and professional development.
As I apply for [Program/Opportunity Name], I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation from you. Your insights into my leadership, teamwork, and resilience would greatly enhance my application, providing a unique perspective on my character and capabilities.
Would you be willing to support my application in this way? I am happy to provide any further information or meet to discuss this request in more detail. Thank you for considering my request and for your continued guidance.
With appreciation, [Your Name]
Sample 8: Request to a Non-Profit Organization Leader
Dear [Leader’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. My time volunteering with [Organization Name] has been incredibly rewarding, offering me the chance to make a meaningful impact and develop new skills. As I seek to further my career in [Field/Industry], I am applying for [Position/Program Name], which aligns with my passion and experience in social impact.
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you. Your insights into my commitment, skills, and contributions during my time with the organization would provide a powerful testament to my application.
Would you be willing to assist me with this request? I am more than willing to provide any additional information or discuss this further at your convenience. Thank you for considering my request and for the opportunity to be a part of your team.
Warmest regards, [Your Name]
Sample 9: Request to a High School Teacher
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
I hope you are doing well. As I prepare to apply for [College/University Name], I have been reflecting on my high school journey and the teachers who have had a significant impact on my growth. Your [Subject] class not only deepened my interest in [Subject] but also challenged me to improve my critical thinking and analytical skills.
With this in mind, I am reaching out to kindly request a letter of recommendation from you for my college application. Your insights into my academic abilities and personal growth would greatly strengthen my application.
Would you be available to discuss this request further? I am happy to provide any additional information or materials that might assist you in writing the letter. Thank you very much for considering my request.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample 10: Request to an Internship Supervisor
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. My internship at [Company Name] under your supervision was an incredibly valuable part of my professional development. The skills and insights I gained have been fundamental to my growth in the field of [Field/Industry].
As I apply for [Position/Program Name], I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation from you. Your perspective on my performance and growth during the internship would provide a compelling testament to my abilities and readiness for this next step.
Would you be willing to support my application with a letter of recommendation? I am happy to provide any further information or meet to discuss this in more detail. Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Sample 11: Request to a Community Leader
Dear [Leader’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. Your leadership in our community has been an inspiration to me, and I have greatly benefited from the initiatives and programs you have spearheaded. As I seek to further my education in [Field/Program], a recommendation from you, reflecting on my involvement and contributions to our community, would be invaluable.
Would you consider providing a letter of recommendation for me? I believe your insights would greatly enhance my application and help me in achieving my educational and professional goals.
I am more than willing to provide any additional information or meet at your convenience to discuss this request. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Warm regards, [Your Name]
Sample 12: Request to a Research Advisor
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
I hope this message finds you well. Working under your guidance on [Research Project Name] at [University/Institute Name] has been one of the highlights of my academic journey. The skills and knowledge I gained through this experience have been instrumental in my development as a researcher.
As I apply for [Program/Opportunity Name], I am reaching out to kindly request a letter of recommendation from you. Your insights into my research abilities and contributions to our project would provide a strong endorsement of my capabilities.
Would you be willing to provide such a letter? I am happy to provide any additional information or documentation you may need. Thank you for considering my request and for your invaluable mentorship.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Sample 13: Request to a Professional Association Member
Dear [Member’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. As a fellow member of [Association Name], I have always appreciated the opportunity to connect with professionals who share my passion for [Field/Industry]. Your contributions to the association and the field have been particularly inspiring to me.
As I seek to advance my career, I am applying for [Position/Program Name] and would greatly value a letter of recommendation from you. Your insights into my professional achievements and contributions within [Association Name] would provide a unique and impactful perspective to my application.
Would you consider supporting my application in this way? I am happy to provide any additional information or discuss this request further at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards, [Your Name]
Sample 14: Request to a Freelance Client
Dear [Client’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Working with you on [Project Name] was a highlight of my freelance career, and I am grateful for the trust you placed in my skills and professionalism. As I seek to expand my opportunities, I am applying for [Program/Position Name] that aligns with our project’s scope and my career aspirations.
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you, reflecting on our collaboration and the outcomes of [Project Name]. Your perspective as a client would offer a valuable testament to my skills and work ethic.
Would you be willing to assist me with this request? I am more than happy to provide any additional information or meet at your convenience to discuss. Thank you for considering my request and for the successful collaboration we shared.
Kind regards, [Your Name]
Sample 15: Request to a Peer in a Professional Setting
Dear [Peer’s Name],
I hope you’re having a good day. Working alongside you at [Company Name] has been a truly collaborative and enriching experience. Our mutual projects and the professional camaraderie we’ve shared have significantly contributed to my growth and understanding of [Field/Industry].
As I pursue [Opportunity Name], I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation from you. Your firsthand insights into my professional demeanor, work ethic, and contributions to our team would greatly enhance my application.
Would you be open to providing such a letter? I would greatly appreciate your support and am available to discuss this further or provide any additional information required. Thank you very much for considering my request.
Best, [Your Name]
Crafting a request for a recommendation letter is a delicate task that requires thoughtfulness and a personal touch. These samples offer a diverse range of scenarios and relationships, providing a starting point for creating your own requests. Remember, the key to a successful request lies in personalizing your approach, clearly stating your needs, and expressing gratitude for the recommender’s time and consideration.