Ask for a Recommendation Letter Email: Guide to Politely and Effectively Requesting a Letter

Source prepory.com When applying for a new job, a strong recommendation letter can make all the difference. A well-written letter from a former manager, colleague, or client can attest to your skills, experience, and work ethic. As such, it is important to know how to ask for a recommendation letter in a professional and effective manner.

Best Structure for an Email Request for a Recommendation Letter

Subject: Request for Recommendation Letter

Paragraph:

Hello [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to write me a recommendation letter for my upcoming job application. I’ve been very impressed with your guidance and support during [Project/Task], and I believe you have a strong understanding of my skills and abilities.

List:

Below is some information that may be helpful in writing the letter:

* My target job title and company (if known)
* Start and end dates of my employment/collaboration with you
* Specific projects or tasks I worked on under your supervision
* Key skills and accomplishments that you witnessed

Table:

| Key Skills | Specific Examples |
|—|—|
| Leadership | Led team projects that resulted in increased efficiency by 15% |
| Communication | Effectively conveyed complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders |
| Problem-solving | Identified and resolved critical issues that impacted project delivery |

Paragraph:

I would appreciate it if you could send the letter to [Email Address/Address]. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there’s any additional information you need.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

7 Sample Recommendation Letter Request Emails

For a Job Application

Dear [Recipient Name],

I hope this email finds you well.

I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for my job application to [Company Name]. I’m applying for the position of [Position Name], and I believe your insights into my work ethic, skills, and contributions to our team would be invaluable.

I’ve always admired your leadership, guidance, and mentorship. I’m confident that you can provide a strong recommendation that showcases my abilities and how I can be an asset to [Company Name].

Please let me know if you’re able to assist me with this request. I’d be grateful if you could send the letter directly to [Recipient Email Address].

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Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

For a Promotion

Dear [Recipient Name],

I’m writing to inquire about the possibility of you writing me a letter of recommendation for my promotion to [Position Name].

I’ve been with the company for [Number] years, and I’ve consistently exceeded expectations in my current role. I’ve taken on additional responsibilities, successfully led several projects, and received positive feedback from my colleagues and clients.

I believe that your letter could significantly support my application for the promotion. Your insights into my leadership abilities, problem-solving skills, and dedication to the company would be highly valuable.

Please let me know if you’re able to assist me with this request.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

For a Scholarship

Dear [Recipient Name],

I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for my scholarship application to [Scholarship Name].

I am a highly motivated and academically driven student with a strong academic record. I am passionate about [Area of Study] and plan to pursue a career in this field.

A letter of recommendation from you would be invaluable as it can attest to my academic achievements, research experience, and extracurricular involvement.

Please let me know if you’re able to assist me with this request.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

For a Graduate School Application

Dear [Recipient Name],

I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for my application to the [Graduate Program Name] at [University Name].

I graduated from [Previous University Name] with a degree in [Previous Degree Name]. During my undergraduate studies, I had the privilege of being one of your top students in [Course Name].

In your letter, I would appreciate it if you could highlight my academic abilities, research experience, and any personal qualities that you believe would be relevant to my application.

Please let me know if you’re able to assist me with this request.

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Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

For a Business Partnership

Dear [Recipient Name],

I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for our business partnership proposal with [Company Name].

We’ve worked closely with you for the past [Number] years, and we value your expertise in [Industry Name]. Your letter could provide valuable insights into our team’s capabilities, track record, and ability to deliver results.

We are confident that a strong letter of recommendation from you would significantly enhance our proposal and demonstrate our commitment to a successful partnership.

Please let me know if you’re able to support our request.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

For a Grant Application

Dear [Recipient Name],

I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for our grant application to [Grant Program Name].

Our project, [Project Name], aims to address [Problem Statement]. We believe your expertise in [Field of Expertise] would be invaluable in validating the project’s significance and potential impact.

In your letter, I would appreciate it if you could emphasize the organization’s track record, our team’s qualifications, and the project’s alignment with [Grant Program Goals].

Please let me know if you’re able to assist us with this request.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

For a Retirement Celebration

Dear [Recipient Name],

I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation for [Retiree Name]’s upcoming retirement celebration.

I’ve been fortunate to work closely with [Retiree Name] for the past [Number] years, and I’ve admired his/her dedication, leadership, and contributions to the team.

Your letter could provide valuable insights into [Retiree Name]’s career, impact on the organization, and the well-deserved recognition he/she deserves on this special occasion.

Please let me know if you’re able to support this request.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

How to Politely Ask for a Recommendation Letter

Question: How should I ask a former supervisor for a recommendation letter in a professional email?

Answer:

• Subject: Request for Recommendation Letter from [Your Name]
• Body:
  • Begin with a cordial greeting, such as "Dear [Supervisor’s Name]."
  • Express your gratitude for the opportunity to work with them.
  • Briefly describe your role and responsibilities within the organization.
  • State your reason for requesting the recommendation letter, such as applying for graduate school or a new job.
  • Highlight your key accomplishments and contributions that align with the desired position.
  • Politely request their availability to write a letter emphasizing your specific strengths.
  • Provide a clear deadline for when the letter is needed.
  • Express your willingness to provide additional information or materials as needed.
  • Conclude with a formal closing, such as "Thank you for your time and consideration."

Additional Questions

Question: What should I do if the supervisor I want to ask is no longer with the company?

Answer:

• Reach out to their former colleagues or subordinates who may have knowledge of your work and accomplishments.
• Contact the organization’s alumni association or HR department for assistance in locating the supervisor.
• Explore professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with former coworkers who can provide a referral.

Question: How can I ensure the recommendation letter will be positive?

Answer:

• Maintain a positive and professional relationship with the supervisor during your tenure.
• Consistently demonstrate strong work ethic, skills, and initiative.
• Seek feedback and guidance regularly to improve your performance.
• Provide the supervisor with specific examples of your accomplishments that you would like them to highlight in the letter.

Well, that’s about all I got for you! I hope this guide has been helpful in crafting the perfect email to request a recommendation letter. Remember, the key is to be clear, concise, and appreciative. So, go forth and ask your contacts for those glowing letters of support! Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back for more email writing tips in the future.