How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

If you’re applying to college, a job, or a scholarship, you’ll likely need letters of recommendation. These letters are written by people who know you well and can speak to your character, skills, and abilities. Asking for a letter of recommendation can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these tips to make it easier.

1. Choose the right people to ask. The people you ask for letters of recommendation should be able to speak to your strengths and weaknesses. They should also be able to write clearly and concisely. If you’re applying to college, you should ask teachers, counselors, or other academic professionals who know you well. If you’re applying for a job, you should ask your current or former supervisors, co-workers, or clients. If you’re applying for a scholarship, you should ask teachers, mentors, or community leaders who know you well.

Once you’ve chosen the people you want to ask, it’s time to reach out to them. You can do this in person, over the phone, or by email. Be sure to give them plenty of notice so they have time to write the letter.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Asking for a letter of recommendation can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Follow these tips to make it easier:

• Choose wisely.
• Ask in person.
• Give plenty of notice.
• Provide information.
• Say thank you.
• Follow up.
• Be patient.
• Be professional.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting strong letters of recommendation that will help you achieve your goals.

Choose wisely.

The people you choose to ask for letters of recommendation should be able to speak to your strengths and weaknesses. They should also be able to write clearly and concisely. Consider the following factors when choosing your recommenders:

• Relationship: Choose people who know you well and can speak to your character, skills, and abilities. This could include teachers, professors, supervisors, mentors, or colleagues.
• Expertise: Choose people who are experts in the field you are applying to. For example, if you are applying to medical school, you should ask for letters from doctors or other healthcare professionals.
• Reputation: Choose people who are respected in their field and who have a strong reputation for integrity and professionalism.
• Writing ability: Choose people who are able to write clearly and concisely. They should be able to articulate your strengths and weaknesses in a way that is both persuasive and professional.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your list of potential recommenders. It is a good idea to ask for letters from a variety of people, such as teachers, supervisors, and mentors. This will give admissions officers or employers a well-rounded view of your accomplishments and potential.

It is also important to choose people who are willing to write you a strong letter of recommendation. If you are not sure whether someone is willing to write you a letter, you can ask them directly. Be sure to give them plenty of notice so they have time to write the letter.

Ask in person.

If possible, ask for letters of recommendation in person. This shows that you are serious about your request and that you value the person's opinion. It also gives you an opportunity to explain why you are asking them for a letter and to provide them with any additional information they may need.

• Make an appointment. Don't just drop by someone's office or home unannounced. Instead, call or email them to schedule a time to meet. This shows that you are respectful of their time.
• Be prepared. When you meet with your recommender, be prepared to discuss your qualifications and why you are applying to the program or job. You should also provide them with any materials they may need to write the letter, such as your resume, transcript, and a list of your accomplishments.
• Be professional. Dress appropriately and be on time for your appointment. Be polite and respectful, and avoid interrupting your recommender while they are speaking.
• Be specific. When you ask for a letter of recommendation, be specific about what you need. For example, you might say, "I am applying to medical school and I need three letters of recommendation. Would you be willing to write me a letter that speaks to my academic achievements, my research experience, and my clinical skills?"

By asking for letters of recommendation in person, you can increase your chances of getting strong letters that will help you achieve your goals. Just be sure to be prepared, be professional, and be specific.

Give plenty of notice.

When you ask for a letter of recommendation, be sure to give your recommender plenty of notice. This will give them time to write a thoughtful and well-written letter. It is also a sign of respect for their time and schedule.

• Two weeks is a good rule of thumb. This gives your recommender enough time to gather their thoughts and write a strong letter. However, if you are applying to a program or job with a tight deadline, you may need to ask for the letter sooner.
• Be flexible. Your recommender may have a busy schedule, so be flexible with your deadline. If they need more time to write the letter, be understanding and accommodating.
• Provide a reminder. A few days before the deadline, send your recommender a reminder email or phone call. This will help to ensure that they don't forget to write the letter.
• Be grateful. Once you receive the letter, be sure to thank your recommender for their time and effort. A handwritten thank-you note is a nice way to show your appreciation.

By giving your recommender plenty of notice, you can increase your chances of getting a strong letter of recommendation. Just be sure to be flexible, provide a reminder, and be grateful.

Provide information.

When you ask for a letter of recommendation, be sure to provide your recommender with all of the information they need to write a strong letter. This includes:

• Your resume or CV. This will give your recommender a snapshot of your qualifications and experience.
• Your transcript. If you are applying to a program or job that requires a transcript, be sure to provide your recommender with a copy.
• A list of your accomplishments. This could include awards, honors, publications, or other achievements.
• A statement of purpose or personal statement. This is a document that explains why you are applying to the program or job and what you hope to achieve.

You may also want to provide your recommender with a list of specific qualities or skills that you would like them to highlight in the letter. For example, you might ask them to speak to your leadership skills, your teamwork skills, or your research experience.

Say thank you.

Once you receive a letter of recommendation, be sure to thank your recommender for their time and effort. A handwritten thank-you note is a nice way to show your appreciation. In your note, you can express your gratitude and let your recommender know how their letter helped you.

• Be specific. In your thank-you note, be specific about what you appreciated about the letter. For example, you might say, "I was particularly grateful for the way you highlighted my leadership skills and my ability to work well in a team."
• Be sincere. Your thank-you note should be sincere and heartfelt. Take the time to write a thoughtful and personal message.
• Be prompt. Send your thank-you note as soon as possible after you receive the letter. This shows that you are appreciative of your recommender's time and effort.
• Follow up. If you are accepted to the program or job, be sure to let your recommender know. This is a great way to show your appreciation and to keep the relationship going.

By saying thank you to your recommenders, you can show your appreciation and build strong relationships that may benefit you in the future.

Follow up.

After you submit your application, be sure to follow up with your recommenders. This is a good way to show your appreciation and to ensure that they have submitted their letters. You can follow up by email or by phone.

In your follow-up message, you can simply say something like:

Dear [Recommender's Name], I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on my application to [Program or Job]. I wanted to thank you again for writing me a letter of recommendation. I know that you are very busy, so I appreciate you taking the time to help me. I have submitted my application and I am now waiting to hear back from the admissions committee. I will be sure to let you know if I am accepted. Thank you again for your support. Sincerely, [Your Name]

You can also follow up with your recommenders after you have been accepted to the program or job. This is a great way to show your appreciation and to keep the relationship going.

In your follow-up message, you can say something like:

Dear [Recommender's Name], I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to share some exciting news! I have been accepted to [Program or Job]. I am so grateful for your help in making this possible. I know that you wrote me a strong letter of recommendation, and I am sure that it played a role in my acceptance. Thank you again for your support. I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life. I know that I will be successful, and I am grateful to have you in my corner. Sincerely, [Your Name]

By following up with your recommenders, you can show your appreciation and build strong relationships that may benefit you in the future.

Be patient.

It is important to be patient when asking for letters of recommendation. Your recommenders may be busy, so it may take them some time to write the letters. Be understanding and accommodating, and don't pester them about the letters.

• Give your recommenders plenty of notice. This will give them time to write a thoughtful and well-written letter. If you are applying to a program or job with a tight deadline, you may need to ask for the letter sooner, but be sure to give your recommender as much notice as possible.
• Be flexible. Your recommender may have a busy schedule, so be flexible with your deadline. If they need more time to write the letter, be understanding and accommodating.
• Send a reminder. A few days before the deadline, send your recommender a reminder email or phone call. This will help to ensure that they don't forget to write the letter.
• Don't be afraid to follow up. If you haven't heard from your recommender after the deadline, don't be afraid to follow up. Be polite and respectful, and simply ask if they have had a chance to write the letter.

By being patient and understanding, you can increase your chances of getting strong letters of recommendation. Just remember to be flexible, provide a reminder, and follow up if necessary.

Be professional.

When you ask for a letter of recommendation, it is important to be professional. This means being polite, respectful, and organized. It also means dressing appropriately and being on time for your meeting.

• Be polite and respectful. When you ask for a letter of recommendation, be polite and respectful. Address your recommender by their proper title and use formal language. Avoid being pushy or demanding.
• Be organized. When you meet with your recommender, be organized and prepared. Bring a copy of your resume, transcript, and any other materials that your recommender may need to write the letter. Also, have a clear idea of what you want your recommender to highlight in the letter.
• Dress appropriately. When you meet with your recommender, dress appropriately. This means wearing clean and pressed clothes that are suitable for a professional setting.
• Be on time. When you meet with your recommender, be on time. This shows that you are respectful of their time and that you take the process seriously.

By being professional, you can make a good impression on your recommender and increase your chances of getting a strong letter of recommendation.

FAQ

Do you have questions about how to ask for a letter of recommendation? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:

Question 1: Who should I ask for letters of recommendation?
Answer 1: You should ask people who know you well and can speak to your character, skills, and abilities. This could include teachers, professors, supervisors, mentors, or colleagues.

Question 2: How many letters of recommendation do I need?
Answer 2: The number of letters of recommendation you need will vary depending on the program or job you are applying to. However, most programs and jobs require at least two or three letters.

Question 3: How do I ask for a letter of recommendation?
Answer 3: You can ask for a letter of recommendation in person, over the phone, or by email. Be sure to give your recommender plenty of notice and provide them with all of the information they need to write a strong letter.

Question 4: What should I include in my request?
Answer 4: When you ask for a letter of recommendation, be sure to include the following information:

• Your name and contact information
• The program or job you are applying to
• The deadline for the letters of recommendation
• A list of your accomplishments and qualifications
• A statement of purpose or personal statement

Question 5: What if my recommender doesn't know me well?
Answer 5: If your recommender doesn't know you well, you can provide them with a list of your accomplishments and qualifications. You can also ask them to focus on specific skills or qualities that are relevant to the program or job you are applying to.

Question 6: How can I thank my recommenders?
Answer 6: Once you receive your letters of recommendation, be sure to thank your recommenders for their time and effort. You can do this by sending them a handwritten thank-you note or by giving them a small gift.

Question 7: What should I do if I don't get any letters of recommendation?
Answer 7: If you don't get any letters of recommendation, you can try asking other people who know you well. You can also try contacting the program or job you are applying to and explaining your situation.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ:

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about how to ask for a letter of recommendation. If you have any other questions, be sure to ask your recommender or the program or job you are applying to.

In addition to the information in the FAQ, here are a few tips for asking for letters of recommendation:

Tips

Here are a few tips for asking for letters of recommendation:

Tip 1: Choose your recommenders wisely.
Choose people who know you well and can speak to your character, skills, and abilities. Consider asking teachers, professors, supervisors, mentors, or colleagues.

Tip 2: Ask in person.
If possible, ask for letters of recommendation in person. This shows that you are serious about your request and that you value the person's opinion. It also gives you an opportunity to explain why you are asking them for a letter and to provide them with any additional information they may need.

Tip 3: Give plenty of notice.
When you ask for a letter of recommendation, be sure to give your recommender plenty of notice. This will give them time to write a thoughtful and well-written letter. It is also a sign of respect for their time and schedule.

Tip 4: Provide information.
When you ask for a letter of recommendation, be sure to provide your recommender with all of the information they need to write a strong letter. This includes your resume, transcript, a list of your accomplishments, and a statement of purpose or personal statement.

Tip 5: Say thank you.
Once you receive your letters of recommendation, be sure to thank your recommenders for their time and effort. A handwritten thank-you note is a nice way to show your appreciation.

Closing Paragraph for Tips:

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting strong letters of recommendation that will help you achieve your goals.

Now that you know how to ask for letters of recommendation, it's time to put these tips into practice. Remember to be polite, respectful, and organized. And don't forget to thank your recommenders for their time and effort.

Conclusion

Asking for letters of recommendation can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of getting strong letters that will help you achieve your goals.

Here are the main points to remember:

• Choose your recommenders wisely.
• Ask in person if possible.
• Give your recommenders plenty of notice.
• Provide them with all of the information they need to write a strong letter.
• Say thank you for their time and effort.

Closing Message:

Remember, the key to getting strong letters of recommendation is to be polite, respectful, and organized. And don't forget to thank your recommenders for their help.