8+ Sample Request Letter Recommendation Information
When requesting a letter of recommendation, it’s essential to provide the necessary information to ensure a well-written and effective letter. This article provides 8+ sample request letter recommendation information examples to help you understand the key elements and structure of a professional letter.
Embracing Your Next Chapter
As you take the next step in your personal or professional journey, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. You may be excited about the opportunities ahead, but also anxious about the unknown. Remember that you’re not alone, and seeking guidance from trusted individuals can make all the difference.
A well-crafted letter of recommendation can be a powerful tool in your journey. It provides a third-party endorsement of your skills, character, and achievements, giving you a competitive edge in your pursuit of new opportunities.
By requesting a letter of recommendation, you’re taking a proactive step towards showcasing your strengths and accomplishments. This article will guide you through the process of crafting a compelling request letter, complete with examples and expert advice.
From Doubt to Success: A User’s Story
Sarah had always dreamed of pursuing a career in the non-profit sector. After volunteering for several organizations, she realized that she needed a professional reference to stand out in a competitive job market. With some hesitation, Sarah asked her supervisor for a letter of recommendation. To her surprise, the supervisor agreed and wrote a glowing letter that highlighted Sarah’s exceptional skills and dedication.
With the letter in hand, Sarah felt a surge of confidence and applied to several non-profit organizations. She landed an interview at her top choice organization and was eventually offered the job. Sarah credits the letter of recommendation for giving her the edge she needed to succeed.
Key Considerations Before You Write
- Clearly state the purpose of the letter and the specific opportunity you’re applying for.
- Provide all necessary information, including your resume, references, and any relevant documents.
- Give your recommender sufficient time to write and submit the letter.
- Be respectful of your recommender’s time and expertise.
- Proofread your request letter carefully to ensure error-free communication.
Anatomy of a Professional Letter
- Header (Name, Address): Include your name and address in the top-left corner of the page.
- Date: Write the date you’re submitting the request letter.
- Recipient’s Details: Address the recommender by their formal title and last name.
- Opening Paragraph: Introduce yourself and state the purpose of the letter.
- Main Body: Provide necessary information and context for the letter of recommendation.
- Closing Paragraph: Express gratitude and close the letter professionally.
- Signature: Sign your name above your printed name.
Example 1: Request for Academic Recommendation
Emily J. Wilson
123 Main Street, Apt 101
New York, NY 10001
February 10, 2023
Professor James R. Thompson
Department of English
State University
Dear Professor Thompson,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in English Literature at State University. I had the privilege of taking your course on Modern American Literature, and I greatly appreciated your guidance and mentorship.
I would be grateful if you could speak to my academic abilities and potential for success in the program. Please find attached my resume and a copy of my personal statement.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Wilson
Takeaway: This example demonstrates a clear and concise request, providing all necessary information and context for the recommender.
Example 2: Request for Professional Recommendation
Michael T. Lee
456 Oak Street, Apt 202
Chicago, IL 60611
March 15, 2023
Ms. Rachel P. Brown
Human Resources Manager
ABC Corporation
Dear Ms. Brown,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the Marketing Manager position at XYZ Inc. As my former supervisor at ABC Corporation, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my skills and experience in the field.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my achievements in leading cross-functional teams and developing successful marketing campaigns. Please find attached my resume and a copy of the job description.
Thank you for considering my request. I am grateful for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Lee
Takeaway: This example showcases a professional tone and provides specific examples of the requester’s skills and achievements.
Example 3: Request for Personal Recommendation
Samantha R. Davis
789 Elm Street, Apt 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012
April 20, 2023
Reverend John D. Martin
Faith Community Church
Dear Reverend Martin,
I am writing to request a personal letter of recommendation to support my application for the Fulbright Scholarship. As my spiritual leader and mentor, I believe you have a unique perspective on my character and commitment to community service.
I would be grateful if you could speak to my volunteer work at the local soup kitchen and my leadership role in the church’s youth group. Please find attached my resume and a copy of my personal statement.
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your guidance and support.
Sincerely,
Samantha R. Davis
Takeaway: This example demonstrates a respectful and personalized tone, highlighting the requester’s character and community involvement.
Example 4: Request for Academic Recommendation with Additional Information
Kevin C. Patel
321 Cedar Street, Apt 101
Boston, MA 02115
May 1, 2023
Dr. Maria G. Rodriguez
Department of Biology
Harvard University
Dear Dr. Rodriguez,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Ph.D. program in Biology at Harvard University. As my academic advisor and research mentor, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my academic abilities and research potential.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my research experience in your lab, including my contributions to the recent publication on gene expression. Please find attached my resume, a copy of my personal statement, and a summary of my research experience.
Additionally, I would like to request that you speak to my language skills, as I am a non-native English speaker. I am confident that your endorsement will carry significant weight in my application.
Thank you for considering my request. I am grateful for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
Kevin C. Patel
Takeaway: This example provides additional context and information, showcasing the requester’s research experience and language skills.
Example 5: Request for Professional Recommendation with a Deadline
Lauren K. Taylor
901 Maple Street, Apt 202
Denver, CO 80206
June 10, 2023
Mr. David J. Kim
CEO, TechCorp
Dear Mr. Kim,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the Executive MBA program at the University of Denver. As my former CEO at TechCorp, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my leadership skills and business acumen.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my achievements in leading cross-functional teams and developing successful business strategies. Please find attached my resume and a copy of the program’s requirements.
Due to the program’s deadline, I kindly request that you submit the letter by July 1, 2023. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
Thank you for considering my request. I am grateful for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
Lauren K. Taylor
Takeaway: This example includes a deadline for the recommender, ensuring timely submission of the letter.
Example 6: Request for Personal Recommendation with a Personal Story
Christopher M. Brooks
567 Pine Street, Apt 303
Seattle, WA 98101
July 15, 2023
Mrs. Sophia L. Patel
Community Leader, Seattle Community Center
Dear Mrs. Patel,
I am writing to request a personal letter of recommendation to support my application for the Teach For America program. As a community leader and mentor, I believe you have a unique perspective on my character and commitment to education.
I would like to share a personal story that illustrates my dedication to teaching. During my volunteer work at the Seattle Community Center, I had the opportunity to tutor a group of underprivileged students. One student, in particular, struggled with reading comprehension, and I worked closely with them to develop a customized learning plan. With patience and persistence, the student showed significant improvement, and it was a truly rewarding experience.
I would be grateful if you could speak to my passion for education and my ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds. Please find attached my resume and a copy of my personal statement.
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your guidance and support.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Brooks
Takeaway: This example includes a personal story, showcasing the requester’s character and commitment to education.
Example 7: Request for Academic Recommendation with a Research Focus
Julia R. Lee
234 Oak Street, Apt 101
San Francisco, CA 94102
August 20, 2023
Dr. Richard K. Chen
Department of Computer Science
Stanford University
Dear Dr. Chen,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Ph.D. program in Computer Science at Stanford University. As my research advisor and mentor, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my research skills and academic potential.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my research experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning, including my contributions to the recent publication on deep learning algorithms. Please find attached my resume, a copy of my personal statement, and a summary of my research experience.
Additionally, I would like to request that you speak to my ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a research team. I am confident that your endorsement will carry significant weight in my application.
Thank you for considering my request. I am grateful for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
Julia R. Lee
Takeaway: This example provides a research-focused request, highlighting the requester’s research experience and academic potential.
Example 8: Request for Professional Recommendation with a Specific Achievement
Rachel K. Kim
567 Maple Street, Apt 202
New York, NY 10001
September 10, 2023
Mr. James R. Lee
CEO, GlobalTech
Dear Mr. Lee,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application for the Senior Product Manager position at GlobalTech. As my former CEO, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my product management skills and achievements.
I would appreciate it if you could highlight my success in launching a new product line, which resulted in a 25% increase in sales revenue. Please find attached my resume and a copy of the job description.
Additionally, I would like to request that you speak to my ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and drive business results. I am confident that your endorsement will carry significant weight in my application.
Thank you for considering my request. I am grateful for your time and expertise.
Sincerely,
Rachel K. Kim
Takeaway: This example highlights a specific achievement, showcasing the requester’s product management skills and business acumen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, requesting a letter of recommendation requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following the examples and guidelines outlined in this article, you can craft a compelling request letter that showcases your strengths and achievements.
Remember to tailor your request to the specific opportunity and recommender, and don’t hesitate to provide necessary information and context. With a well-written request letter, you can increase your chances of securing a strong letter of recommendation that supports your goals.