When you need to provide a letter of recommendation for the first time, knowing where to start and who to ask can be challenging. A letter of recommendation might be requested if you’re looking for work, applying to colleges or universities, trying to immigrate, or applying for a visa. Usually, the prospective employer or other party who is asking for the recommendation wants to learn more about your qualifications, experience, character, and reliability.
The process of asking for a letter of recommendation doesn’t have to be stressful or intimidating. Here are six tips in a step-by-step guide on how to ask for a letter of recommendation.
1. Understand the Requirements
Whether you are applying for a job, an education program, or something else, there will almost certainly be specific requirements for the recommendation letter. If you are applying to a graduate program, for instance, the admissions board might only accept recommendation letters from professors at your previous college. On the flip side, if you are applying for a new job, the employer might ask for a reference from a prior supervisor.
Some organizations may ask you to provide multiple references from different areas of your life. One reference from your place of employment and one from your college or other educational institution could be asked. This allows the employer or admissions team to understand how you operate in different environments.
Once you have considered the requirements, it’s time to think of who to ask for a letter of recommendation.
2. Decide Who to Ask
Once you understand what is expected, you can create a short list of who you might ask for a letter. It is important to consider your relationships when making this list. You hardly ever interact with professors in lectures of 300 students, so it’s unlikely that they would feel comfortable recommending you for anything. Instead, try to aim for someone who knows you personally, maybe a professor from a smaller class whom you’ve had interesting discussions with.
If you think you have the perfect person to ask, you should always have a few backup options in mind just in case your top choice is too busy or says no. Even if someone really wants to help, they might be unable to do so due to prior obligations or lack of time.
3. Ask Your Reference
This step can be intimidating, but it should be easy if you choose a person with whom you have a good working relationship.
Prepare what you want to say ahead of time, explain to your reference why you selected them, and describe the position that you’re applying for. Asking in person is the best way to allow them to ask questions and have an honest conversation.
If you are unable to ask in person, consider contacting them by phone or email.
If you choose to contact someone via email, here is a general template for what you might say.
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a letter of recommendation from you for [specific purpose]. I believe that your insight into my [skills/qualities/experience] would provide a valuable perspective to support my application.
I would be happy to provide you with any additional information or materials you may need to compose the letter. The deadline for submission is [insert deadline], and I would greatly appreciate it if you could submit the letter directly to [contact information or platform].
Thank you very much for considering my request. Your support and guidance throughout [mention any relevant experiences] have been instrumental in my personal and professional development.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
4. Provide Necessary Information
Once you have received a “yes” from your reference, you should send them a formal follow-up email. This email should outline all the information they will need to write your letter. The email also should include details on the position you are applying for, your resume, mailing instructions, and deadlines.
Maribel Franco, Director of the SDSU Global Campus Success Center, suggests that students include a Personal Statement with their letter of recommendation request.
“This practice aids in crafting a more effective and personalized letter tailored to your specific requirements,” Franco said. “Additionally, highlighting any particular initiatives you wish to emphasize enables them to pinpoint these aspects more easily.”
The sooner you can get this information to your reference, the better. It’s likely that they are already very busy and are making extra efforts to help you. You should ensure they have adequate information and time to write this letter out of respect for them.
5. Follow Up
Ideally, you are already in regular contact with the person who will be writing your letter of recommendation. If not, you should contact them as the submission deadline approaches to ensure your letter is received on time.
6. Express Gratitude
The final step in the process of asking for a letter of recommendation is to say thank you! Expressing your gratitude goes a long way and it lets that person know you value them.
Finally, keep them updated on the status of your application. The person who helps you out wants you to succeed and will be proud to know they helped you get there.
