Checking In About Recommendation Letter Email: A Polite and Professional Approach


Source prepory.com

Recommendation letters are vital for job applications, providing insights into the applicant’s skills, work ethic, and personality. To ensure timely submission, candidates often need to follow up with referees to check on the status of recommendation letters. These emails serve as polite inquiries, expressing gratitude for the referee’s support and requesting an update on the progress of the letter.

Structure for Checking In About Recommendation Letter Email

When checking in about a recommendation letter, it’s important to follow a clear and professional structure to ensure that your request is handled smoothly and efficiently. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you craft an effective email:

Opening Paragraph

  • Start with a friendly and courteous greeting, addressing the recipient by their name.
  • Briefly introduce yourself and state your purpose for writing the email, indicating that you’re following up on a previous request for a recommendation letter.

Body Paragraph

  • Remind the recipient of your previous conversation or meeting where you discussed the recommendation letter. If applicable, provide specific details or clarify any points that may have been raised during that interaction.
  • Express your gratitude for their willingness to provide the recommendation. Let them know that you appreciate their valuable time and insights.
  • Inquire about their availability to write the letter. Suggest a potential timeline and ask if they have any specific preferences or requirements.
  • Provide any necessary materials or information that they may need to complete the letter, such as a resume or job description.

Closing Paragraph

Wrap up the email with a polite and respectful tone:

  • Thank the recipient again for their consideration.
  • Reiterate your request for the recommendation letter and ask for their confirmation.
  • Let them know that you’ll follow up with them soon if you don’t receive a response within a specific timeframe.

Additional Considerations

Format and Structure:

  • Use a clear and professional font.
  • Organize your email into distinct paragraphs and use bullet points or numbering for clarity.
  • Proofread carefully for any errors in grammar or spelling.

Tone of Voice:

  • Maintain a professional yet friendly and respectful tone throughout the email.
  • Be polite and show appreciation for the recipient’s time and effort.
  • Avoid using overly formal or informal language.

Email Subject Line:

  • Keep the subject line concise and informative, indicating that you’re following up on a recommendation letter request.
  • Table for Reference:

    Section Content
    Opening Paragraph Introduce yourself, state your purpose, and express gratitude
    Body Paragraph Remind the recipient of the request, inquire about availability, and provide necessary information
    Closing Paragraph Thank the recipient, ask for confirmation, and indicate your next steps
    Additional Considerations Format, tone of voice, and email subject line

    Checking in About Recommendation Letter Email Examples

    Requesting a Recommendation Letter for a Job Application

    Dear [Recipient Name],

    I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you today to ask a favor. I’m currently applying for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name], and I’m writing to request a letter of recommendation from you.

    I’ve had the pleasure of working under your supervision for the past [Number] years at [Company Name], and I believe that you’re well-positioned to provide a strong recommendation for me.

    I’ve attached my resume for your reference. I would be grateful if you could let me know if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. If so, please let me know what information you need from me.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    Checking in on a Recommendation Letter Request

    Dear [Recipient Name],

    I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you today to check in on my request for a letter of recommendation.

    I sent you an email on [Date] asking if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for my job application.

    I understand that you may be busy, but I would be grateful if you could let me know if you have had a chance to write the letter.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    Thanking for Writing a Recommendation Letter

    Dear [Recipient Name],

    I am writing to you today to express my sincere gratitude for writing me a letter of recommendation.

    I am very grateful for your willingness to take the time to write a letter on my behalf. I know that your recommendation will be invaluable in my job search.

    I have attached a copy of the letter for your records.

    Thank you again for your support.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    Requesting an Update on a Recommendation Letter

    Dear [Recipient Name],

    I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you today to request an update on the letter of recommendation that I requested from you on [Date].

    I know that you may be busy, but I would be grateful if you could let me know if you have had a chance to write the letter.

    If you need any additional information from me, please let me know.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    Following Up on a Recommendation Letter Request

    Dear [Recipient Name],

    I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you today to follow up on my request for a letter of recommendation.

    I sent you an email on [Date] asking if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for my job application.

    I understand that you may be busy, but I would be grateful if you could let me know if you have had a chance to write the letter.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    Inquiring About a Recommendation Letter for a Scholarship Application

    Dear [Recipient Name],

    I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you today to inquire about the possibility of you writing me a letter of recommendation for my scholarship application.

    I am currently a student at [School Name], and I am applying for the [Scholarship Name] scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential.

    I believe that I am a strong candidate for the scholarship, and I believe that a letter of recommendation from you would be very helpful in my application.

    If you are willing to write me a letter of recommendation, please let me know. I would be happy to provide you with any additional information that you may need.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    Requesting a Recommendation Letter for a Promotion

    Dear [Recipient Name],

    I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you today to ask if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for my promotion to [Position Name].

    I have been with [Company Name] for the past [Number] years, and I have consistently exceeded expectations in my current role.

    I am confident that I have the skills and experience necessary to be successful in the [Position Name] role. I am a highly motivated and results-oriented individual with a strong work ethic.

    I believe that a letter of recommendation from you would be very helpful in my application for the promotion.

    If you are willing to write me a letter of recommendation, please let me know. I would be happy to provide you with any additional information that you may need.

    Thank you for your time and consideration.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    How to Check In About a Recommendation Letter

    When following up about a recommendation letter, it’s important to be polite and professional. Here are a few tips:

    • Subject: Be clear and concise in your subject line. For example, you could write "Follow-up on Letter of Recommendation Request." This will help the recipient to quickly identify the purpose of your email.
    • Body: In the body of your email, you should start by thanking the recipient for their time and consideration. Then, you can briefly remind them of your request for a letter of recommendation. Be sure to include the deadline for the letter, if applicable.
    • Closing: End your email with a polite closing, such as "Thank you again for your time and consideration." You can also include a call to action, such as asking the recipient to let you know if they have any questions.

    How often should you check in about a recommendation letter?

    There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, as a general rule, it’s a good idea to check in once every week or two after you submit your request. This will help to keep your request fresh in the recipient’s mind.

    How can I tell if the person hasn’t written the letter?

    There are a few signs that may indicate that the person hasn’t written the letter. For example, they may not respond to your emails or phone calls. They may also be vague or noncommittal when you ask them about the letter.

    What should I do if the person doesn’t write the letter?

    If the person doesn’t write the letter, you can try reaching out to them again. However, you should be respectful of their time and decision. If they are unable or unwilling to write the letter, you may need to ask someone else.

    Hey there, that’s all I’ve got for you on checking in about recommendation letters. I really hope this helps you in your letter writing adventures. If you have any other questions, don’t be afraid to hit me up again. I’ll always be here, ready to help you navigate the world of academic writing. Thanks for reading, folks! Catch ya later for more writing tips and tricks.

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