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How should I go about requesting letters of recommendations?
As a rising senior who's applying for colleges, I feel some anxiety that surrounds letters of recommendations. This is not only limited to college applications, but job wise as well that I would like to improve on especially in future.
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5 answers
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Aman’s Answer
Hi Aiwen,
I totally understand that requesting letters of recommendation can feel a bit overwhelming, especially with college applications on the horizon! The best way to approach this is to start early and thoughtfully choose who to ask. Ideally, you want to select teachers, mentors, or employers who know you well and can speak to your strengths.
When you’re ready to ask, consider requesting in person if you can. This adds a personal touch and allows you to gauge their reaction right away. Prepare for the conversation by reflecting on why you’re choosing this particular person. For instance, if you’re asking your chemistry teacher, you might mention how their class inspired you to pursue a major in environmental science.
In addition, provide them with a cheat sheet about yourself. This could include your grades, extracurricular activities, and your future goals. This helps them write a more detailed and personalized recommendation. If you're still at the stage of building relationships, look for opportunities to engage with your teachers, whether that’s during office hours, in class discussions, or through school events.
Lastly, don't forget to express your appreciation for their help! A simple thank you can go a long way. Sending a follow-up thank-you note once they’ve submitted the letter is a nice touch too. Good luck with everything!
Best
Aman
I totally understand that requesting letters of recommendation can feel a bit overwhelming, especially with college applications on the horizon! The best way to approach this is to start early and thoughtfully choose who to ask. Ideally, you want to select teachers, mentors, or employers who know you well and can speak to your strengths.
When you’re ready to ask, consider requesting in person if you can. This adds a personal touch and allows you to gauge their reaction right away. Prepare for the conversation by reflecting on why you’re choosing this particular person. For instance, if you’re asking your chemistry teacher, you might mention how their class inspired you to pursue a major in environmental science.
In addition, provide them with a cheat sheet about yourself. This could include your grades, extracurricular activities, and your future goals. This helps them write a more detailed and personalized recommendation. If you're still at the stage of building relationships, look for opportunities to engage with your teachers, whether that’s during office hours, in class discussions, or through school events.
Lastly, don't forget to express your appreciation for their help! A simple thank you can go a long way. Sending a follow-up thank-you note once they’ve submitted the letter is a nice touch too. Good luck with everything!
Best
Aman
Updated
Maura’s Answer
Asking for a letter of recommendation can be very nerve-wracking, so you are not alone there! I used to be a high school teacher and I would get asked for a lot of rec letters. Keep in contact with the teachers that you've gotten to know well over your time in high school-- it's often the ones you had in grades 10-11 that write recs, not just the senior year teacher, so be sure to keep the lines of communication open there. Stop by their room and say hi, share updates about what's going on with you and where you are applying. When it comes time to make the ask, do it in person (and offer to follow up in writing). Share WHY you want them in particular to write it and what you enjoyed about your experience and work in their class. Follow up by sending some information about what you are hoping to study, where you are applying, etc. And send a thank you email after! (A handwritten card is a nice touch if you can swing that).
Updated
Tiffanie’s Answer
Aiwen,
Great question. First of all, it's great of you to be thinking about the importance of letters of recommendation. I believe that most individuals are honored to be asked for a letter of recommendation by a student, because that means that you value their opinion of you and you trust them to provide you a good example of the type of person you are. You should not feel anxiety, it should be a compliment to them that you are asking for their help. Also, I would assume they are used to being asked for letters - especially professors, teachers, etc.
If I were going to ask for a letter of recommendation I would do it formally. I would probably use ChatGPT to write me a request for a recommendation, below is an example. Please don't just copy and paste though, make it sound like yourself. AI can sound rather robotic sometimes and you want the person to know that you put time and effort into asking them to provide you with a letter. They are going to spend at least 30 minutes writing your letter and you want to spend time asking for the letter in a thoughtful way. You also want to make sure you thank them afterward.
Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope you're doing well. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. As I [explain the purpose, e.g., apply for a new job, pursue further education, etc.], I believe your insight into my work and abilities would provide a strong and valuable perspective.
During our time working together at [mention the specific project, company, or role], I feel that your guidance and support played a significant role in my growth, and your recommendation would truly highlight my strengths. If you are willing to assist, I would be happy to provide more information or details about the specific points you might want to address in the letter.
Thank you so much for considering my request. I truly appreciate your support and would be grateful for your help.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Great question. First of all, it's great of you to be thinking about the importance of letters of recommendation. I believe that most individuals are honored to be asked for a letter of recommendation by a student, because that means that you value their opinion of you and you trust them to provide you a good example of the type of person you are. You should not feel anxiety, it should be a compliment to them that you are asking for their help. Also, I would assume they are used to being asked for letters - especially professors, teachers, etc.
If I were going to ask for a letter of recommendation I would do it formally. I would probably use ChatGPT to write me a request for a recommendation, below is an example. Please don't just copy and paste though, make it sound like yourself. AI can sound rather robotic sometimes and you want the person to know that you put time and effort into asking them to provide you with a letter. They are going to spend at least 30 minutes writing your letter and you want to spend time asking for the letter in a thoughtful way. You also want to make sure you thank them afterward.
Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope you're doing well. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. As I [explain the purpose, e.g., apply for a new job, pursue further education, etc.], I believe your insight into my work and abilities would provide a strong and valuable perspective.
During our time working together at [mention the specific project, company, or role], I feel that your guidance and support played a significant role in my growth, and your recommendation would truly highlight my strengths. If you are willing to assist, I would be happy to provide more information or details about the specific points you might want to address in the letter.
Thank you so much for considering my request. I truly appreciate your support and would be grateful for your help.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
Updated
Nauman Tahir’s Answer
The best advice that I got when I was in a similar situation was - "Choose Wisely".
Ask people who know you well and can speak specifically to your strengths, character, and potential. For college, this could be teachers in subjects you’ve excelled in, or a coach or club advisor. For jobs, consider supervisors or mentors who can attest to your work ethic and skills. If you are comfortable talking to the person, you will be in a better position to explain why you need the recommendation and what it is that you want highlighted in that recommendation. Provide them with a pre-written summary of your achievements, goals, or relevant projects; this helps them focus on key points. Once you have gotten over the first one, the rest become easy. you'll understand how to make it easier for them.
Writing recommendations takes time. Show appreciation by thanking them personally and following up once the recommendation has been submitted.
Ask people who know you well and can speak specifically to your strengths, character, and potential. For college, this could be teachers in subjects you’ve excelled in, or a coach or club advisor. For jobs, consider supervisors or mentors who can attest to your work ethic and skills. If you are comfortable talking to the person, you will be in a better position to explain why you need the recommendation and what it is that you want highlighted in that recommendation. Provide them with a pre-written summary of your achievements, goals, or relevant projects; this helps them focus on key points. Once you have gotten over the first one, the rest become easy. you'll understand how to make it easier for them.
Nauman Tahir recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michael’s Answer
I concur with the previous suggestion. It would be beneficial for you to connect with individuals who are familiar with your abilities. Present them with a preliminary version of the endorsement you'd like them to make about your skills. Make sure it's tailored to the particular job or university you're applying for. Alternatively, you can keep it broad to ensure it encompasses all potential opportunities.