Letters of recommendation may be requested when you apply for a scholarship, a job, or admission to a university. These letters are intended to attest to your qualifications and character; they are usually prepared by managers, professors, or counselors. A compelling recommendation gives the individual evaluating your application a deeper understanding of who you are and what drives you than just your résumé.
What Are Letters Of Recommendation For?
Recommendation letters are often listed as a prerequisite for college applications. One to three of these reference letters are typically required when applying to undergraduate programs and, occasionally, graduate programs. A list of references is more often requested on job applications than a letter of recommendation; however, this need occasionally appears. Including a reference letter with your application or cover letter might help you stand out, even if it is not required for a position.
How To Request a Letter Of Recommendation
1. Choose who you wish to write your letters.
Make a list of possible people to ask. It’s likely that you’ll only need three, but it’s always good to have extras in case something goes wrong. If you are going to college, you might want to talk to a teacher and your high school guidance counselor. Pick teachers from groups where you did well and got along well with them. The teachers you had in junior or senior year are likely to remember you the most and be more used to writing letters like this.
To get into many colleges, you need at least one letter from your advice counselor. Set up a time to meet this person so they can get to know you better if you don’t know them well already. Many of the letters you need for graduate school will likely come from one or more of your teachers. If possible, talk to professors who teach in the same field as the school you want to apply to. People who are working professionals who want to go back to school can get recommendations from bosses and teachers, coworkers, or good old professors.
They are usually the best people to write letters of recommendation for you when you are looking for a job. The better, the more the previous job should be like the one you’re looking for. If you do decide to ask a friend, past or present, try to pick someone with more work experience than you. They will be able to give you a stronger recommendation.
2. Prepare a resume or brag sheet.
There is no better reference than one from someone who really knows you. Make a list of possible people to ask. It’s likely that you’ll only need three, but it’s always good to have extras in case something goes wrong. If you are going to college, you might want to talk to a teacher and your high school guidance counselor. Pick teachers from groups where you did well and got along well with them. The teachers you had in junior or senior year are likely to remember you the most and be more used to writing letters like this.
To get into many colleges, you need at least one letter from your advice counselor. Set up a time to meet this person so they can get to know you better if you don’t know them well already. Many of the letters you need for graduate school will likely come from one or more of your teachers. If possible, talk to professors who teach in the same field as the school you want to apply to. People who are working professionals who want to go back to school can get recommendations from bosses and teachers, coworkers, or good old professors.
They are usually the best people to write letters of recommendation for you when you are looking for a job. The better, the more the previous job should be like the one you’re looking for. If you do decide to ask a friend, past or present, try to pick someone with more work experience than you. They will be able to give you a stronger recommendation.
3. Ask in person first
Talk to each person in person before you send a request for a letter of reference. You can feel more calm and sure of yourself if you plan what you’re going to say ahead of time. You should say what job you’re looking for and why you want this person to recommend you. Friends and family who know you well will likely want you to succeed and will be happy to help with whatever they can. People who work as teachers or professors often have to write these kinds of notes as part of their job.
4. Send a formal letter of recommendation request.
Send a formal email request to each person who decides to write your recommendation after you’ve confirmed your request in person. Use the outline below as a guide for your work. When you send your request, don’t forget to include:
- Details about the job or role you’re looking for
- Information on how to send the letter and when to do it
- A new application or “brag sheet.”
- A pre-addressed, sealed envelope (for letters that need to be sent by mail)
- A sample letter (if asked for)
5. Follow up before the due date.
Remember to follow up with a nice note a week or two before your letters are due. Now is a good time to thank them for the letter and offer to send them any other information they might need.
6. Say a final thank you.
To show your appreciation for the individual who wrote a letter on your behalf, it is traditional to send a small note of gratitude. You can express your gratitude to them for their service by sending them an email or a handwritten note. Remember to let your referrers know the good news when you receive a letter of acceptance for the position. Thank you for your time and consideration.
