Etiquette for Asking for a Reference Letter Email Professor
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Crafting a Polite Request for a Reference Letter from a Professor
Personalize:
- Begin with a warm greeting and express your gratitude for the professor’s time.
- Remind them of the course you took with them and mention your performance, if applicable.
State Your Request Clearly:
Explicitly state your request for a reference letter and provide any necessary details about the opportunity you’re applying for.
Provide Context:
- Explain your reasons for choosing them as a reference.
- Mention your career goals and how their insights could benefit the potential employer.
Specify the Purpose and Deadline:
| Purpose | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Recommendation for scholarship application | March 15th |
| Reference for internship interview | April 1st |
Offer Supporting Materials:
- Attach your resume if it would help the professor assess your qualifications.
- Provide a draft of the letter, if you have preferences for its content or structure.
Be Flexible:
Understand that professors may have busy schedules and be unable to accommodate your request. Offer alternatives, such as a phone call or a meeting, if their schedule doesn’t allow for a formal letter.
Express Your Appreciation:
End the email with a sincere expression of gratitude, regardless of their response. Respect their decision if they decline your request.
Professional Reference Letter Request Emails for Professors
Sample 1: Recent Graduate Seeking Employment
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I was a student in your [Course Name] class during the [Semester] semester of [Year]. I am writing to request a letter of reference for my job search.
During my time in your class, I was consistently impressed by your knowledge and expertise in [Subject]. Your insights into [Specific Topic] were particularly helpful, and I believe that your perspective would be invaluable to potential employers.
I am currently seeking employment in [Industry] and I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to succeed. I am a hard worker, a team player, and I am always eager to learn new things.
I would be grateful if you would consider writing me a letter of reference. I have attached my resume for your review, and I am available to meet with you at your convenience to discuss my qualifications further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Applying for a Graduate Program
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of reference for my application to the [Graduate Program Name] program at [University Name]. I am a recent graduate of [Your University Name] with a major in [Your Major].
I took several courses with you during my undergraduate studies, including [Course Name 1], [Course Name 2], and [Course Name 3]. I was always impressed by your knowledge and expertise in [Subject], and I enjoyed the way you challenged us to think critically about the material.
In your courses, I developed strong research and analytical skills. I am also a skilled writer and communicator. I believe that these skills would make me a valuable asset to your graduate program.
I am particularly interested in your research on [Research Topic]. I believe that my interests and skills would be a good fit for your program.
I would be grateful if you would consider writing me a letter of reference. I have attached my resume and a copy of my transcript for your review. I am available to meet with you at your convenience to discuss my qualifications further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Requesting a Reference for a Scholarship
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of reference for my application to the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. I am a [Your Year] year student at [Your University Name] majoring in [Your Major].
I have been a student in your [Course Name] class for the past [Number] semesters, and I have consistently earned top grades in your courses. I am particularly interested in [Specific Topic], and I have conducted independent research on [Specific Topic].
The [Scholarship Name] scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to [Scholarship’s Focus]. I believe that I meet these criteria, and I am confident that I would be a worthy recipient of this scholarship.
I would be grateful if you would consider writing me a letter of reference. I have attached my resume and a copy of my transcript for your review. I am available to meet with you at your convenience to discuss my qualifications further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Requesting a Reference for a Fellowship
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of reference for my application to the [Fellowship Name] fellowship. I am a [Your Year] year PhD student at [Your University Name] in the [Your Department] department.
I have been a student in your [Course Name] class for the past [Number] semesters, and I have consistently earned top grades in your courses. I am particularly interested in [Specific Topic], and I have conducted extensive research on [Specific Topic].
The [Fellowship Name] fellowship is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a commitment to [Fellowship’s Focus]. I believe that I meet these criteria, and I am confident that I would be a worthy recipient of this fellowship.
I would be grateful if you would consider writing me a letter of reference. I have attached my resume and a copy of my transcript for your review. I am available to meet with you at your convenience to discuss my qualifications further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Requesting a Reference for a Conference Presentation
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of reference for my application to present at the [Conference Name] conference. I am a [Your Year] year [Degree] student at [Your University Name].
I have been a student in your [Course Name] class for the past [Number] semesters, and I have consistently earned top grades in your courses. I am particularly interested in [Specific Topic], and I have conducted independent research on [Specific Topic].
I am submitting a proposal to present my research at the [Conference Name] conference. I believe that my research is of high quality and would be of interest to the conference attendees.
I would be grateful if you would consider writing me a letter of reference. I have attached my resume, a copy of my transcript, and a copy of my research proposal for your review. I am available to meet with you at your convenience to discuss my qualifications further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6: Requesting a Reference for a Job Promotion
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of reference for my application for a promotion to [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I have been employed at [Company Name] for the past [Number] years as a [Current Position Name].
I have consistently exceeded expectations in my current role, and I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be successful in the [Position Name] role.
During my time at [Company Name], I have successfully completed several projects that have had a positive impact on the company. I have also received consistently positive performance reviews.
I believe that my strong work ethic, dedication to my work, and ability to work independently and as part of a team make me an ideal candidate for the [Position Name] role. I am eager to take on new challenges and responsibilities, and I am confident that I can make a significant contribution to [Company Name] in this new role.
I would be grateful if you would consider writing me a letter of reference. I have attached my resume and a copy of my performance reviews for your review. I am available to meet with you at your convenience to discuss my qualifications further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7: Requesting a Reference for a Career Change
Dear Professor [Professor’s Name],
I am writing to request a letter of reference for my application for a position in [New Career Field]. I am a [Your Year] year graduate of [Your University Name] with a degree in [Your Major].
I have been working in [Current Career Field] for the past [Number] years, but I have always had a passion for [New Career Field]. I believe that my skills and experience in [Current Career Field] are transferable to [New Career Field], and I am confident that I can be successful in this new field.
I have been actively networking with professionals in [New Career Field] and I have taken several online courses to learn more about the field. I am also a member of [Professional Organization Name], which is a professional organization for people in [New Career Field].
I believe that my strong work ethic, dedication to my work, and ability to learn quickly make me an ideal candidate for a career in [New Career Field]. I am eager to take on new challenges and respon
How to Request a Reference Letter from a Professor
Emailing a Professor to Ask for a Reference Letter
How to write an email to a professor to ask for a reference letter?
Answer:
Subject: Request for Reference Letter
Dear Professor [Professor’s name],
I hope this email finds you well.
My name is [Your name] and I was a student in your [Course name] class [Year]. I am writing to request a reference letter for my application to [Graduate school/Job/Scholarship].
I believe that you are the best person to provide a reference for me because [Reason]. I have always admired your expertise and teaching style in [Specific area]. I am confident that you can attest to my academic abilities and work ethic.
I have attached my resume and transcript for your reference. I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with a letter that highlights my [Skills/Experience].
Please let me know if you are able to write the letter. I understand that you are busy, so I would be happy to meet with you at your convenience to discuss my application further.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Other Questions and Answers:
How to Ask for a Reference Letter from a Professor You Haven’t Had in a While?
Answer:
Subject: Reference Letter Request from a Former Student
Dear Professor [Professor’s name],
I hope you are doing well. My name is [Your name] and I was a student in your [Course name] class in [Year].
I am writing to request a reference letter for my application to [Graduate school/Job/Scholarship]. I understand that it has been some time since I was in your class, but I believe that you can still provide a strong reference for me.
During my time in your class, I was particularly impressed by your [Specific area of expertise]. I applied the skills that I learned in your class to my [Subsequent work/Studies]. I am confident that I can continue to use these skills to [Future goals].
I have attached my resume and transcript for your reference. I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with a letter that highlights my [Skills/Experience].
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
How to Ask for a Reference Letter from a Professor Who Doesn’t Know You Well?
Answer:
Subject: Request for Reference Letter
Dear Professor [Professor’s name],
I hope you are having a wonderful day. My name is [Your name] and I am a student in your [Course name] class.
I am writing to request a reference letter for my application to [Graduate school/Job/Scholarship]. I know that I haven’t had the opportunity to interact with you as much as some of your other students, but I believe that you can still provide a valuable reference for me.
I have been an active participant in your class and have always been impressed by your [Specific area of expertise]. I have also taken the initiative to [Additional projects/Activities] that demonstrate my [Skills/Interest].
I have attached my resume and transcript for your reference. I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with a letter that highlights my [Skills/Experience].
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be happy to meet with you at your convenience to discuss my application further.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
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