{"id":1208,"date":"2022-09-07T17:01:19","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T17:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=1208"},"modified":"2024-04-16T11:05:56","modified_gmt":"2024-04-16T15:05:56","slug":"ask-letter-of-recommendation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/basics\/ask-letter-of-recommendation","title":{"rendered":"How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If your post-college or career plans include graduate school or research, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll need a few recommendation letters from your professors. But recommendation letters for graduate school or fellowship programs are different from the ones a high school teacher writes for your college applications. So, the way you ask for a letter of recommendation is a bit different, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll explain how to ask for a letter of recommendation from a professor as professionally as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Letter of Recommendation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A letter of recommendation is exactly what it sounds like. It\u2019s a letter someone writes on your behalf specifically recommending you for something. That \u201csomething\u201d could be graduate school, a research fellowship, an internship<\/a>, or even a job. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes recommendation letters unique is that they speak to the specifics about you and your abilities as they relate to the position or program. So, for example, if you\u2019re applying to an MBA program, the recommendation letter will discuss your academic achievements and why you\u2019ll be an excellent addition to the program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But letters of recommendation are also confidential. They\u2019re usually written and delivered directly to the admissions or hiring committee as part of the candidate review process, so you\u2019ll probably never know what the letter writer said about you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Reference Letter?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A reference letter is similar to a recommendation letter but with a few differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, though a reference letter also talks about your skills and abilities, it’s more general. The letter writer may talk about your achievements and accomplishments, but they won\u2019t necessarily explain, for example, how you\u2019ll contribute to that particular school or company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, reference letters (and references in general) are usually provided after<\/em> you\u2019ve applied for a job, not before. Most companies don\u2019t ask for them unless they\u2019ve made you a verbal offer. And, because they come after the offer, reference letters are almost never a part of a school application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you decide who to ask for a letter of recommendation, consider what you need the letter for. Are you applying to an MBA or MFA program? Medical or law school? Will you use the letter for an internship, research opportunity, or a job? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE:<\/strong> Not sure what path is right for you? Take our quiz to find out what you should do with your life<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA student would be well-advised to consult with a career counselor and\/or advisor to brainstorm and discuss who<\/em> they should ask to write on their behalf,\u201d says Mark Peltz, department head of the center for careers, life, and service at Grinnell College. In general, the person writing the letter should know you well and have direct experience with your performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA professor with whom you\u2019ve had multiple classes or worked closely with on a research or creative project are likely those in the best position to speak to your strengths<\/a> and qualifications,\u201d says Peltz. \u201cSimilarly, others who have observed or supervised your work can make good reference writers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>RELATED: <\/strong>How to Get an Internship Without Work Experience<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Many People Should I Ask?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Though you\u2019ll likely need more than one recommendation letter, asking everyone you know to write a letter of recommendation probably won\u2019t work in your favor. For starters, the letter writer should be familiar with your academic track record. And whoever writes your letter needs to be able to give it the time and attention it deserves. \u201cWriting an impactful letter of recommendation takes time, so be thoughtful about who you ask and be courteous of their time,\u201d says Peltz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you need two recommendation letters, identify the top two people you\u2019d like to ask. Then select two to three alternates in case your top two choices aren\u2019t available. But don\u2019t ask your entire list to write letters for you \u201cjust in case.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tInterview prep, social identity, growth mindset, self-awarness\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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If nothing else, part of asking for a letter of recommendation means you keep track of who\u2019s submitted them. And no matter how good your tracking system is, more letter writers means more for you to track \u2014 and possibly lose track of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Is the Best Time to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can request a letter of recommendation any time. However, with school or internship application deadlines<\/a> looming, fall is the most popular time to ask for one. Peltz advises students to plan ahead and ask their top choices at least six to eight weeks ahead of the due date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cProfessors are commonly writing multiple letters of recommendation for current and former students.\u201d Giving the professor and yourself that long gives you a large enough buffer to follow up with reminders if you need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation From a Professor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve identified a list of two to four professors you\u2019d like to approach, here\u2019s how to ask for a recommendation letter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schedule a Meeting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Peltz advises students to request a meeting via email. \u201cThis provides both parties the opportunity to have a conversation about the student\u2019s goals, where they are submitting applications, and other relevant matters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If an in-person meeting is impossible, then a phone call will do. But Peltz says you should try for some kind of face-to-face interaction whenever possible. \u201cIt gives the student an opportunity to pick up on any nonverbal cues. If the professor hedges and doesn\u2019t respond favorably to the request, this is useful information and you may want to consider identifying an alternate reference.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE:<\/strong> How to End an Email Professionally (With Examples)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explain Why You\u2019re Asking Them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A crucial component of your ask is explaining why you’re selecting this individual to write a recommendation letter for you. It may be obvious to you why you\u2019re asking this person but you can\u2019t assume the professor has the same understanding. Even if the reason is evident to both parties, as Peltz notes, a detailed explanation makes it clear that you\u2019ve \u201cgiven this some serious thought and there is substantive reason and motivation behind the request.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, be precise about why you\u2019re asking this<\/em> individual, so it\u2019s clear you aren\u2019t asking anyone and everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give Them an Out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not every professor may have the time to write a letter of recommendation for you. And sometimes, professors have reasons for not writing recommendation letters. To avoid any awkward situations and keep your relationship intact, give the professor the space to decline your request gracefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make Things Easy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Once someone agrees to write a letter of recommendation for you, make their task easier. Provide the letter writer with your current resume<\/a> or curriculum vitae<\/a> or put together a highlight sheet with the hard and soft skills<\/a> you\u2019d like them to mention, along with your short and long-term career goals<\/a>. Having something to reference while the professor writes your recommendation letter will help them create a document that\u2019s specific to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if there are specific criteria that must be included in the letter, pass that information along. \u201cFailing to do so can have a major impact on the overall quality of your application,\u201d warns Peltz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tResume writing, crafting a professional summary, professional branding, using keywords\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Asking for a Letter of Recommendation via Email (Sample)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Below are two sample emails you can send asking for a letter of recommendation. No matter which email you send, start with a clear subject line (Request for Letter of Recommendation<\/em> is a good choice). Introduce yourself or refresh their mind \u2014 especially if you haven\u2019t been in their class recently. Then briefly but clearly explain what you\u2019re asking for, why you selected them, and give the professor a way to gracefully decline your request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what that looks like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Requesting an in-person meeting:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Dear Professor [Name]:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My name is [Your Name]. I took your [name of class and when you took it]. I\u2019m applying to [name of school and program], and I\u2019d like to ask you to write a letter of recommendation for me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m asking you because [reason why you are asking this person] and think your letter would be a strong addition to my application. I\u2019m happy to meet with you at your convenience to discuss the details and can give you a copy of [my current resume\/CV\/highlight sheet] and anything else you need.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, of course, if you can\u2019t write a recommendation letter for me, I completely understand. Please do not feel obligated to say yes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Your Name]<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

When an in-person meeting is not an option:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Dear Professor [Name]:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

My name is [Your Name]. I took your [name of class and when you took it]. I\u2019m applying to [name of school and program], and I\u2019d like to ask you to write a letter of recommendation for me.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m asking you because [reason why you are asking this person] and think your letter would be a strong addition to my application. I can provide my [current resume\/CV\/highlight sheet] to help refresh your memory and am available to speak on the phone if you’d like.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can write the letter, it\u2019s due by [date]. Once completed, you can [include information on how they submit the letter]. I will also need [include any important requirements].<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, of course, if you can\u2019t write a recommendation letter for me, I completely understand. Please do not feel obligated to say yes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks so much,<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

[Your Name]<\/em><\/p>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Right Approach for the Right Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Asking for a letter of recommendation with this approach can help ease your anxiety and increase the odds your professor says “yes.” And with that yes, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your professional goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not sure what comes next for you? Enroll in a free Forage job simulation and explore careers and jobs at top companies while building the real-world skills you’ll need to land your next job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View the Catalog<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can I ask for a letter of recommendation via email?<\/strong>

Yes. While it’s better to have an in-person interaction, that’s not always possible. If email is the best or only way to ask, it’s OK!<\/p> <\/div>

Can I ask for a letter of recommendation from a professor I don’t know well?<\/strong>

Absolutely. Just make sure that person is familiar with your academic abilities and personalize your request. If they agree, make sure to give them a “brag sheet” to help them draft the letter.<\/p> <\/div>

What should I avoid when asking for a letter of recommendation?<\/strong>

Don’t ask at the last minute! Try to ask at least six to eight weeks in advance. And don’t wait to give them your brag sheet or the relevant information they’ll need to write the letter. Also, don’t make it sound like you’re asking all your professors or that you’ll be disappointed if they say no.<\/p> <\/div>

Is it awkward to ask for a letter of recommendation?<\/strong>

It shouldn’t be, but it’s normal to feel that way. Professors are asked for rec letters all the time, even from students they don’t know that well or haven’t taught in a while. As long as you’re polite and explain why you’re asking them to write the letter, you should feel confident and comfortable asking.<\/p> <\/div>

Should I follow up with a reminder before the due date?<\/strong>

Most recommendation letter writers will submit their letter on time. And if yours are for, say, graduate school, the application system likely has a status indicator to let you know if the letters are submitted. But, if you need them soon and either aren’t sure if they’ve been submitted or know they haven’t been finished, it’s OK to reach out with a gentle reminder two to three weeks before the due date.<\/p> <\/div>

How should I thank the professor for writing a letter of recommendation?<\/strong>

Once the letter of recommendation is submitted, drop the professor a quick email or speak to them in person and thank them again for writing the letter. Then, once you know your status, follow up again with the professor and let them know the outcome. Thank them one more time for writing your recommendation.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Image credit: BeeBright \/ Depositphotos.com<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If your post-college or career plans include graduate school or research, there\u2019s a good chance you\u2019ll need a few recommendation letters from your professors. But recommendation letters for graduate school or fellowship programs are different from the ones a high school teacher writes for your college applications. So, the way you ask for a letter …<\/p>\n

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation<\/span> Read More »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1209,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"forage_sticky_bar_enabled":true,"forage_sticky_bar_content":"Hundreds of free programs to help you find a career you love.","forage_sticky_bar_button_text":"Sign up","forage_sticky_bar_button_url":"https:\/\/www.theforage.com\/signup","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"forage_editor_id":17,"forage_reviewer_id":0,"forage_authors":[],"veps":[2532,2622,4057,5364],"forage_sidebar":0,"forage_related_disabled":false,"forage_toc_enabled":true,"forage_toc_level":0,"modified":"2024-04-16T11:00:00","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation - Forage<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering how to ask for a letter of recommendation? 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