8+ Sample Request Letter Recommendation Criteria
When it comes to requesting a letter of recommendation, having a clear understanding of the criteria is crucial. A well-crafted request letter can make all the difference in securing a strong recommendation that showcases your strengths and achievements. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of a request letter recommendation criteria and provide you with 8+ sample letters to inspire you.
Embracing Your Next Chapter
As you embark on your next journey, remember that a letter of recommendation can be a powerful tool in opening doors to new opportunities. It’s essential to approach the request with confidence and clarity, showcasing your unique strengths and qualities. By doing so, you’ll be able to secure a recommendation that truly reflects your abilities and helps you stand out in a competitive landscape.
Take a deep breath, and let’s get started on crafting a request letter that will help you achieve your goals.
Remember, a well-written request letter is not only a reflection of your professionalism but also a testament to your ability to communicate effectively.
Anatomy of a Professional Letter
- Header (Name, Address)
- Date
- Recipient’s Details
- Opening Paragraph
- Main Body
- Closing Paragraph
- Signature
From Doubt to Success: A User’s Story
Samantha had always dreamed of pursuing a career in medicine, but she was struggling to secure a strong letter of recommendation from her professor. She knew she needed a well-crafted request letter to showcase her skills and achievements, but she wasn’t sure where to start. With the help of our sample letters, Samantha was able to craft a compelling request that impressed her professor and secured a glowing recommendation.
Today, Samantha is a successful doctor, and she credits her request letter with helping her achieve her goals.
Key Considerations Before You Write
- Clearly state the purpose of the letter and the specific opportunity you’re applying for.
- Provide specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the opportunity.
- Show appreciation for the recommender’s time and expertise.
- Proofread your letter multiple times to ensure error-free writing.
- Be respectful of the recommender’s time and deadlines.
Sample 1: Request for Academic Recommendation
Emily Johnson
123 Main Street
New York, NY 10001
February 10, 2023
Professor James Smith
Department of Biology
Harvard University
Dear Professor Smith,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Harvard Medical School. As my academic advisor, I believe you are uniquely positioned to speak to my strengths and abilities.
I would be grateful if you could highlight my research experience and academic achievements in your letter. Your recommendation would carry significant weight in my application, and I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
Takeaway: This example showcases a clear and concise request, highlighting the student’s research experience and academic achievements.
Sample 2: Request for Professional Recommendation
David Lee
456 Oak Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
March 15, 2023
Sarah Taylor
CEO, TechCorp
Dear Sarah,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the CEO position at StartUp Inc. As my former supervisor, I believe you have a unique understanding of my leadership skills and abilities.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my achievements in leading cross-functional teams and driving business growth in your letter. Your recommendation would be invaluable in my application.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
David Lee
Takeaway: This example demonstrates a request for a professional recommendation, highlighting the candidate’s leadership skills and achievements.
Sample 3: Request for Character Reference
Rachel Brown
789 Elm Street
Chicago, IL 60611
April 20, 2023
Pastor John Doe
First Baptist Church
Dear Pastor Doe,
I am writing to request a character reference letter to support my application for the volunteer program at the local hospital. As my spiritual leader, I believe you have a unique understanding of my values and character.
I would be grateful if you could speak to my compassion, empathy, and commitment to serving others in your letter. Your recommendation would mean a great deal to me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Rachel Brown
Takeaway: This example showcases a request for a character reference, highlighting the individual’s values and character.
Sample 4: Request for Academic Recommendation with Specific Examples
Michael Davis
321 Pine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90001
May 10, 2023
Professor Jane Wilson
Department of Engineering
UCLA
Dear Professor Wilson,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Ph.D. program in Engineering at Stanford University. As my research advisor, I believe you are uniquely positioned to speak to my strengths and abilities.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my research experience in robotics and artificial intelligence, as well as my publication in the Journal of Engineering Research. Your recommendation would carry significant weight in my application.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Michael Davis
Takeaway: This example demonstrates a request for an academic recommendation with specific examples of research experience and publication.
Sample 5: Request for Professional Recommendation with Achievements
Olivia Martin
901 Cedar Street
Austin, TX 78705
June 1, 2023
Karen Thompson
CEO, Marketing Firm
Dear Karen,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the Marketing Manager position at Google. As my former supervisor, I believe you have a unique understanding of my skills and achievements.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my achievements in leading marketing campaigns and driving business growth in your letter. Your recommendation would be invaluable in my application.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Olivia Martin
Takeaway: This example demonstrates a request for a professional recommendation with achievements in leading marketing campaigns and driving business growth.
Sample 6: Request for Academic Recommendation with Research Experience
Julia Kim
234 Oak Street
Seattle, WA 98101
July 15, 2023
Professor David Kim
Department of Computer Science
University of Washington
Dear Professor Kim,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Ph.D. program in Computer Science at MIT. As my research advisor, I believe you are uniquely positioned to speak to my strengths and abilities.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my research experience in machine learning and natural language processing, as well as my presentation at the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence. Your recommendation would carry significant weight in my application.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Julia Kim
Takeaway: This example demonstrates a request for an academic recommendation with research experience in machine learning and natural language processing.
Sample 7: Request for Professional Recommendation with Leadership Skills
Alexander Brown
567 Maple Street
Toronto, ON M4B 1B3
August 20, 2023
Sarah Lee
CEO, Financial Institution
Dear Sarah,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the CFO position at a leading financial institution. As my former supervisor, I believe you have a unique understanding of my leadership skills and abilities.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my achievements in leading cross-functional teams and driving business growth in your letter. Your recommendation would be invaluable in my application.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Alexander Brown
Takeaway: This example demonstrates a request for a professional recommendation with leadership skills, highlighting achievements in leading cross-functional teams and driving business growth.
Sample 8: Request for Academic Recommendation with Community Service
Elizabeth Rodriguez
890 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021
September 10, 2023
Professor Maria Rodriguez
Department of Sociology
New York University
Dear Professor Rodriguez,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Ph.D. program in Sociology at Harvard University. As my academic advisor, I believe you are uniquely positioned to speak to my strengths and abilities.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my community service experience working with at-risk youth and my research on social inequality. Your recommendation would carry significant weight in my application.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Rodriguez
Takeaway: This example demonstrates a request for an academic recommendation with community service experience, highlighting research on social inequality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a well-crafted request letter recommendation criteria is essential for securing a strong letter of recommendation. By following the samples provided in this article, you’ll be able to craft a compelling request that showcases your strengths and achievements. Remember to tailor your request to the specific opportunity and recommender, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.