Looking for a job or applying for further education can be an intimidating process. To help you present yourself in a positive light, a letter of recommendation can go a long way. But writing one can be quite overwhelming. That’s why we have compiled some easy to use request letter of recommendation templates that can be customized for your specific needs. Whether you are requesting a letter from a professor, colleague, or employer, you can find examples and edit them as needed to suit your particular situation. So save yourself the hassle of writing a letter from scratch, try our templates today!
The Best Structure for Request Letter of Recommendation Template
When requesting a letter of recommendation, you want to make sure you do it right. The structure of your request letter can greatly impact the outcome. Here’s what you should include:
Introduction: Start your letter by introducing yourself to the person you are requesting a recommendation from. Let them know who you are, what you’re applying for, and why you’ve chosen them as someone who can speak to your qualifications.
The Body: In the body of your letter, provide some context about why you need the recommendation and what you hope to achieve with it. Share some details about your experiences with the person. Use specific examples to illustrate your points. This will help the person writing the recommendation to write a more compelling letter on your behalf.
The Ask: Make sure that you make a clear request for the letter of recommendation. Be polite and specific. Let the person know when you need the letter and what format it should be in. Give them all the details they need to write the best recommendation possible.
Closing: Close your request letter by thanking the person for their time and consideration. Let them know that you appreciate their help and that you’re looking forward to hearing back from them.
Overall, it’s important to be polite, professional, and specific when requesting a letter of recommendation. Provide the person with all the information they need to write a great letter, and make sure to follow up if you don’t hear back within a reasonable amount of time.
Request Letter of Recommendation Templates
Sample 1: Request for Scholarship Recommendation
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am writing to request your recommendation for the scholarship to pursue a degree in applied mathematics. Your guidance and support have been instrumental in my academic success, and I believe your recommendation will give me an edge in the selection process.
In the first paragraph, please elaborate on your experiences with my academic achievement and performance in class. In the second paragraph, kindly highlight my potential, personal qualities and how they align with the scholarship’s goals and the field of study.
Thank you for your support, and I appreciate your help in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Request for Employment Recommendation
Dear Mr. Jackson,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to you to request your recommendation as I seek employment opportunities. With your great experience in the industry, I believe your recommendation would set me apart from the other candidates.
In the first paragraph, kindly provide details of the particular employment position I am applying for and how my skills and experience align with the job. In the second paragraph, please describe how I excelled in my previous professional experiences and how I have contributed positively to those organizations.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and thank you again for your continued support over the years.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Request for College Recommendation
Dear Professor Smith,
I am applying for a college degree in business administration, and I am writing this letter to request your recommendation. I believe your recommendation would strengthen my application and give me the edge I need in the selection process.
In the first paragraph, please elaborate on my academic performance and how I performed in your classes. In the second paragraph, kindly highlight my personal qualities and how they align with the values of the college and the business administration field.
Thank you for your unwavering support over the years, and I look forward to receiving your recommendation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Request for Graduate School Recommendation
Dear Dr. Davis,
I am applying for a graduate degree in psychology, and I am writing this letter to request your recommendation. Your guidance during my undergraduate studies was phenomenal, and I believe your recommendation will help me achieve my academic goals.
In the first paragraph, please elaborate on my academic achievements and how I excelled in your classes. In the second paragraph, please describe my potential for success in graduate school and in the field of psychology.
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your assistance in this vital matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Request for Volunteer Recommendation
Dear Ms. Brown,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to request your recommendation as a volunteer. I am applying for various volunteer opportunities, and I believe your recommendation will bolster my application.
In the first paragraph, kindly provide details of the volunteer work I would like to do and how I meet the necessary qualifications for the opportunity. In the second paragraph, please describe my previous volunteer work experience and how I positively contributed to those organizations.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this request. I appreciate your continued support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Request for Promotion Recommendation
Dear Mr. Peterson,
I am writing this letter to request your recommendation for a promotion to a managerial position. I believe your endorsement would help me achieve my career goals and further my professional development.
In the first paragraph, kindly describe my skill set and experience in my current role, and how it aligns with the requirements of the managerial position I am applying for. In the second paragraph, describe my leadership abilities and how they will help me succeed in the new role.
Thank you for your continued support and contributions to my professional growth.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Request for Immigration Recommendation
Dear Dr. Johnson,
I am writing to request your recommendation for my immigration application. Your support and endorsement would make all the difference in my application process.
In the first paragraph, kindly describe the type of immigration application I am pursuing and the purpose behind it. In the second paragraph, describe my academic and professional experiences, character, and other relevant information that can help support my application.
Thank you for your support and taking the time to consider my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips for Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
When it comes to applying for a job, scholarship, or academic program, having a strong letter of recommendation can make all the difference. It’s essential to request a recommendation letter well in advance and approach the potential recommender professionally and respectfully. Below are some tips to consider when requesting a letter of recommendation:
- Choose your recommender wisely. Make sure to select someone who knows you well and will be able to speak to your abilities and qualifications for the position for which you are applying.
- Request the letter in advance. Give your recommender plenty of lead time, as they may have a heavy workload and other commitments. Aim to ask for the recommendation at least three to four weeks before it is needed.
- Provide relevant information. To help your recommender write a strong and detailed letter, provide them with your resume and job description, along with any specific requirements or guidelines for the recommendation.
- Be polite and professional. Ask for the recommendation in person, over the phone, or via email, using polite and professional language. Use a formal tone and be respectful of their time and schedule.
- Follow up on the request. After making the initial request, follow up with a gentle reminder a week or so before the due date. Be sure to thank your recommender for their time and effort in writing the recommendation letter.
In conclusion, requesting a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task, but following these tips can help make the process smoother and more successful. Remember to be professional, respectful, and appreciate the time and effort your recommender puts into writing the recommendation letter.
Request Letter of Recommendation Template FAQs
What is a request letter of recommendation?
A request letter of recommendation is a formal letter an individual writes asking an employer, professor, or other professional for a reference regarding their skills, abilities, and character.
Why do I need a request letter of recommendation template?
A template provides you with a structure for your letter of recommendation request, helping you ensure that you provide all the necessary information and format it appropriately.
What should I include in my request letter?
Your letter should include a polite and formal greeting, an introduction of yourself and your relationship to the individual you’re requesting a recommendation from, a request for the recommendation, and a closing expressing gratitude for their time and willingness to provide the reference.
Can I use a generic template for all my requests?
While you can use a basic template for all your requests, you should still personalize each letter based on the individual you’re requesting the reference from and the type of position you’re applying for.
How do I address the individual I’m requesting a recommendation from?
You should use a formal salutation, such as “Dear Professor Smith,” “Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. Last Name,” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Be sure to use their appropriate title and spell their name correctly.
What if the individual I’m requesting a recommendation from doesn’t respond?
If you don’t hear back from them within a week or two, you can send a follow-up email or letter to politely check in and see if they’ve had a chance to write the recommendation.
Is it okay to include my resume in the request?
It’s generally not necessary to include your resume with the request, but you can if you feel it would be helpful for the individual to have a quick reminder of your accomplishments and experience.
Thanks for Sticking Around!
I hope this request letter of recommendation template has made your life a bit easier. Remember, the key to a successful ask is to be polite, concise, and to the point. Don’t forget to thank your recommender for their time and effort. And if you need more tips and templates, be sure to check back in soon. Until then, best of luck with your letters!