Are you in need of a letter of recommendation from your former professor but not sure how to approach them? Well, fret no more because we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll provide you with an email old professor for letter of recommendation template that you can easily use as a guide. You may find that reaching out to a professor years after graduation can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that they want to help you succeed. With our sample template, you can be sure that you’re making a good impression from the very beginning. Additionally, we’ve also included examples that you can edit and personalize to fit your needs. So, let’s get started on securing that letter of recommendation that will help propel you forward in your career!
The Best Structure for Emailing Your Old Professor for a Letter of Recommendation
Hey there,
So, you’re applying for that dream job or grad school program and you need a letter of recommendation from your old professor. You know you need to ask them, but you’re not quite sure how to structure the email. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s the best structure for emailing your old professor for a letter of recommendation:
1. Start with a friendly greeting. Your old professor is a human being after all, so treat them like one. Make sure to address them by name and express your appreciation for their time.
Hey Professor Smith,
2. Remind them who you are and when you took their class. This is important because your old professor may have taught hundreds of students over the years and might not remember you right away. Reminding them who you are and when you took their class will help jog their memory.
I’m John Smith, and I took your Introduction to Biology class during the Fall 2019 semester.
3. Explain why you need the letter of recommendation and what it’s for. This will help your old professor understand the importance of the letter and what kind of information they need to include in it. Make sure to be specific about what the letter is for (job, grad school, etc.) and any deadlines you need to meet.
I’m applying to grad school and I need a letter of recommendation to accompany my application. The deadline for the application is February 1st.
4. Ask if they would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for you. Make sure to be polite and respectful of their time. You can also offer to provide them with any materials they might need to write the letter (resume, personal statement, etc.).
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me? I understand if you’re too busy or if you don’t feel comfortable writing a letter, but I wanted to ask just in case. I’d be happy to provide you with my resume and personal statement if that would be helpful.
5. Thank them for their time and offer to follow up if needed. Let your old professor know that you appreciate their help and that you understand if they’re unable to write a letter for you. You can also offer to follow up with them if needed (just don’t be too pushy).
Thank you for considering my request. I really appreciate your time and help. If you need any additional information from me, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks again!
And that’s it! Keep in mind that your old professor may have their own preferred way of writing letters of recommendation, so be open to feedback and suggestions. Good luck with your application!
Letter of Recommendation Template
Recommendation for Graduate School Admission
Dear Professor [Name],
I am writing to request your assistance in writing a letter of recommendation for my graduate school admission. I have thoroughly enjoyed your [course name] class and learned so much from you. Your expertise and guidance have inspired me to pursue further education in this field.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could highlight my strengths and suitability for graduate studies in your letter. Specifically, my research experience and analytical skills, as well as my ability to work independently and collaboratively, would be valuable assets in graduate school. Your reference will undoubtedly be a significant factor in my admission process and future career prospects.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Job Application
Dear Professor [Name],
I am writing to request your support in providing a letter of recommendation for my job application. It would be an honor if you could attest to my qualities as a [position] and speak to my skills and achievements during my time as your student.
In particular, I hope that you can highlight my [specific skill] and [specific trait] as well as my ability to learn quickly and contribute meaningfully to any professional setting. I believe that your reference will serve as a powerful endorsement of my candidacy for the [company name] job position.
Thank you very much for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Scholarship Application
Dear Professor [Name],
I am writing to request your assistance in providing a letter of recommendation for my scholarship application. It would be my pleasure if you could speak to my academic prowess and potential as well as my extracurricular achievements and community involvement.
I hope that you can highlight my [specific academic achievement or project] and [specific extracurricular activity or leadership position] and explain how they exhibit my maturity, dedication, and passion in pursuing higher education. Your recommendation will play a crucial role in determining my eligibility for the scholarship and further motivating me to pursue my academic goals.
Thank you for your time and support.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Internship Application
Dear Professor [Name],
I am writing to request your assistance in providing a letter of recommendation for my internship application at [company name]. I have admired your expertise and enthusiasm in teaching [field] and would be honored if you could endorse me as an ideal candidate for the position.
I hope that you can highlight my [specific related coursework or project] and [specific skill or experience] and attest to my reliability, adaptability, and willingness to learn. Your reference will strengthen my application and demonstrate my suitability for the internship role.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Volunteer Opportunity
Dear Professor [Name],
I am writing to request your support in providing a letter of recommendation for my volunteer application at [organization name]. I have been inspired by your passion for promoting social justice and equality and would appreciate if you could speak to my dedication, initiative, and empathy.
I hope that you can highlight my [specific related coursework or project] and [specific experience or quality] and explain how they relate to my desire to contribute to the noble cause of the organization. Your endorsement will be invaluable in helping me gain the trust and confidence of the volunteer coordinators and making a positive impact.
Thank you for your time and kindness.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Study Abroad Scholarship
Dear Professor [Name],
I am writing to request your assistance in providing a letter of recommendation for my study abroad scholarship application. Your mentorship and guidance have broadened my horizons and instilled in me a thirst for knowledge and cultural exchange.
I hope that you can highlight my [specific academic achievement or passion] and [specific international experience or language skills] and attest to my maturity, adaptability, and openness to new experiences. Your reference will enhance my application and enable me to discover new perspectives, values, and opportunities.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
Recommendation for Leadership Program
Dear Professor [Name],
I am writing to request your support in providing a letter of recommendation for my application to the [program name] leadership program. Your mentorship and example as a [specific leadership role] have inspired me to develop my own leadership skills and pursue opportunities to serve others.
I hope that you can highlight my [specific leadership experience or qualities] and explain how they reflect my commitment, vision, and impact in both academic and extracurricular settings. Your reference will help me demonstrate my potential and enhance my chances of being selected for the program.
Thank you for your time and encouragement.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Emailing an Old Professor for a Letter of Recommendation Template
Asking a former professor for a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task, especially if you haven’t kept in touch. However, the process can be made easier with these tips:
Refresh their memory: Professors are often asked to write letters of recommendation for many students, so they may not remember you very well. Start your email by reminding them of who you are, what class you took with them, and any notable achievements or awards you received while in their class.
Be specific: Give your professor a clear idea of what the letter will be used for and what you hope to achieve by having them write it. Provide them with any necessary details such as formatting requirements, deadlines, and addresses to send the letter to.
Provide your current contact information: Make sure to include your current phone number and email address in your email so that your professor can easily contact you if they have any questions or concerns.
Give them time: Professors have busy schedules and may have other letters of recommendation to write, so give them plenty of notice. It’s recommended to ask at least a month in advance of when the letter will be needed.
Offer to provide additional materials: If your professor agrees to write the letter, offer to provide any additional materials they may need such as your resume, transcripts, or a list of your accomplishments and goals. This will make it easier for them to write a strong and personalized letter for you.
Overall, when emailing an old professor for a letter of recommendation template, be respectful, grateful, and appreciative of their time and effort. Remember that they are doing you a favor and that a simple thank you can go a long way.
FAQs for Emailing an Old Professor for Letter of Recommendation Template
What should I include in my email to request a letter of recommendation from my old professor?
When emailing your old professor to request a letter of recommendation, be sure to introduce yourself, remind them of who you are and any classes you took with them, explain why you need the letter, and give them a timeline for when you need it by.
How long should I wait before following up with my professor after sending the initial request?
You should give your professor at least two weeks to respond to your initial request. If you haven’t heard back by then, it’s appropriate to send a polite follow-up email, asking if they’ve had a chance to consider writing the letter.
What should I do if my professor declines my request for a letter of recommendation?
If your old professor declines your request for a letter of recommendation, don’t take it personally. They may be too busy to write the letter or feel uncomfortable writing the letter for various reasons. In either case, respect their decision and try to find another person who can write a letter for you.
Is it appropriate to send a thank you note to my professor after they’ve written the letter?
Yes, it is a good idea to send a follow-up thank you note to your professor after they’ve written the letter. It shows that you appreciate their time, effort, and support and can strengthen your relationship with them.
Can I use the same letter of recommendation for multiple applications?
Yes, you can use the same letter of recommendation for multiple applications. However, it’s a good idea to give your professor a list of all the schools/programs you’re applying to and the deadlines, so they can keep track of them.
What should I do if my professor asks me to write the letter of recommendation and they’ll just sign it?
If your old professor asks you to write the letter of recommendation, it’s okay to do so, but keep in mind that it should be written from their perspective and in their voice. Ask them to provide you with guidelines, such as what to include, what to emphasize, and who to address the letter to.
Do I need to provide my professor with stamps or envelopes for the letter of recommendation?
No, you don’t need to provide your professor with stamps or envelopes for the letter of recommendation. Generally, the professor will either submit the letter electronically or send it directly to the recipient, such as the school/program you’re applying to.
Thanks for checking out our article about emailing an old professor for a letter of recommendation template!
We hope you found the information helpful and that it brings you one step closer to securing the recommendation you need for your academic or professional pursuits. Remember, writing a polite and concise email can go a long way in showing your professionalism and respect for your former professor’s time. Don’t forget to thank them for their consideration and provide any necessary information they may need to write a strong letter. And as always, visit us again for more helpful tips and advice. Best of luck in your endeavors!