How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter and Why You Need One

Posted: April 18, 2023 | Author: Clare-Estelle Perkins | Read Time: 8 minutes

A letter of recommendation may look like just another little step in your job or college application process, but in reality, it could be the deciding factor for your credibility. Don't look over it and get yours as soon as possible.

Student discussing a letter of recommendation with an SUU faculty member

What is a Letter of Recommendation?

A letter of recommendation is essentially someone's assessment of you and your potential. A writer lists your strengths and weaknesses so a potential employer or college/institution can have an idea of you and whether or not they want to admit you to their team.

Why are Letters of Recommendation Important?

Letters of recommendation are used for all sorts of professional advancement. Whether you are applying to a school, a new job, or a career position, letters of recommendation provide valuable information that may not be obvious from your application alone.

These letters frequently appear as a requirement on college applications--you'll typically need one to three when applying for undergraduate programs, and sometimes for graduate school as well. For job applications, you'll usually be asked to provide a list of references rather than full letters, but there are occasions when a formal letter of recommendation is requested. Even if a job application doesn't specifically require a recommendation letter, including one with your cover letter or application can help set you apart from other candidates and give you a competitive edge.

That is why getting quality letters of recommendation is so important.

Why Ask for a Letter When You Leave a Job?

If you're moving on from a job, it's actually an ideal moment to ask for a letter of recommendation. Your recent achievements are still fresh in your manager's mind, making it easier for them to highlight your contributions in detail. Plus, obtaining a letter while your working relationship is strong ensures the recommendation will be authentic and personalized.

Having this letter on hand means you're better prepared for future opportunities--it's far easier to collect a meaningful reference now than to track someone down months or years later. Whether you're aiming for your next big career step or applying to an educational program, this proactive approach can save you time and stress down the road.

How to Ask for a Recommendation Letter

Requesting a letter of recommendation can be an uncomfortable thing. You are asking a person of authority to write a good review of you. You want to ask someone who you have a positive relationship with, someone who may also be invested in your success. This ensures that you will more likely be painted in a good light. You can request a letter of recommendation from a teacher, a coach, a previous employer, or an ecclesiastical endorser.

Choosing the Right Person

For the strongest recommendation, choose someone who knows you well and can personally vouch for your strengths, character, and work ethic. Make a list of several people you could approach--while you might only need two or three letters, it's smart to have backup options in case someone is unavailable.

Applying to college? Consider teachers from subjects in which you excelled, particularly those you had in your junior or senior year since their memories of you will be freshest. Your high school guidance counselor is also a common choice; if you don't know them well, set up a meeting so they can get to know you better before writing your letter.
Grad school application? Professors in your intended field of study are ideal, as they can speak specifically to your potential in that discipline. If you're returning to school after working, you might also consider asking a supervisor, mentor, or a former professor you kept in touch with.
Job application? Your best bet is a former manager or supervisor, especially if your previous job closely matches the role you're seeking. If you turn to a coworker, pick someone with more professional experience--they can speak to your abilities with greater authority.

Selecting the right recommender not only makes the process smoother but also greatly increases the impact of your letter.

Here are some tips for requesting a letter of recommendation:

Be straightforward. This is not a time to beat around the bush; that may only make it more uncomfortable. Tell them you need a professional letter of recommendation for your application and that you would be grateful if they wrote you one.
Let the person know why you are requesting this recommendation from them. For example, maybe you look up to them or you value their professional opinion.
Provide all the information. Explain the details of the application and be sure to clarify the deadlines to your writer. That being said, make sure to give them a generous amount of time before the deadline. Sometimes professionals are extremely busy so you may have to remind them. It is also a good idea to reach out to more recommenders just in case someone does not respond in time.
Try to include mentionable instances or talking points. Make an example of a work experience/career highlight or one of your positive personality traits to help get the ball rolling. Prepare a brag sheet that you can provide to assist the recommender when writing.
Offer to write a simple letter yourself. This sounds especially strange but happens more often than you'd think. These people of authority in your life are most often very busy. You could suggest that you write the letter, send it to them, and if they agree with what you wrote, they could sign it. If they agree with the things you wrote and decide to sign off on it, send it with your application.

Sample Template for Requesting a Letter of Recommendation

If you're wondering how to actually word your request, here's a sample template you can personalize for your situation. Feel free to adjust it to match your relationship with your recommender.

Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation

Hello [Recommender's Name],

I hope this message finds you well! I am reaching out because I am in the process of applying to [school/program/job], and I would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me.

Having worked with you as your [student/employee/athlete/etc.], I believe you might be able to provide valuable insight into my skills and character--especially in areas such as [relevant skills, contributions, or qualities].

If you're able, I can provide more information about the opportunity, my recent achievements, and anything else that would be helpful. The deadline for the letter is [date], and I'm happy to send along my resume or any supporting details you might need.

Thank you so much for considering my request! I really appreciate your time and support.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your preferred contact info]

Just remember: keeping your request clear, polite, and helpful goes a long way toward ensuring a great recommendation.

A letter of recommendation can really help you in your job search and in your academic applications. Employers and admissions officers know what kind of person they want for their institution and a letter of recommendation sheds light on who you are. The more recommendations you can get, the better!

Make It Easy For Them: Prepare a Brag Sheet

If you don't have a resume yet--especially if you're still in school or just starting out--a brag sheet can be a fantastic tool. Think of it as your personal highlight reel. It's a brief document you create to give your recommender the clearest picture of your accomplishments, strengths, and aspirations. By providing a brag sheet, you're helping the letter-writer focus on what makes you truly shine.

So, what should go on your brag sheet? Here are some essentials to include:

Relevant Courses and Grades: List classes you've taken with the recommender, along with the grades you earned.
Top Qualities and Examples: Mention one or two personality traits or skills you're proud of, paired with specific examples (like leading a group project or mentoring classmates).
Academic Achievements: Add your GPA, test scores, scholarships, or standout academic work.
Extracurricular Activities: Sports, clubs, community service, or any volunteer roles you've held.
Work Experience: Any jobs or internships, even if they're part-time or seasonal.
Your Goals: Share a short statement about why you're applying to this program or job and what you hope to achieve.

While it might feel awkward to list your victories, this is actually a great opportunity to spotlight your best self and give your recommender helpful details to craft a compelling letter. Plus, it saves them time and lets them write a letter that truly reflects who you are.

What If Someone Hesitates to Write Your Recommendation Letter?

Sometimes, even if you respect someone or have a good relationship with them, they might hesitate or decline to write you a recommendation letter. Don't take it personally--there are plenty of reasons why this could happen, and it's often not a reflection on you. They might not feel they know you well enough, or perhaps they aren't comfortable commenting on the specific skills needed for the role or program.

If you sense hesitation or receive a polite "no," don't press the issue. It's actually in your best interest to ask someone else who will gladly vouch for your strengths. A strong, enthusiastic letter will go much further than one written out of obligation. Remember, it's better to have a sincere, confident endorsement from someone who believes in your abilities than a lukewarm reference.

Keep your options open by approaching more than one potential recommender. That way, if someone isn't able to help, you'll have others to turn to without scrambling at the last minute.

Showing Your Appreciation

Once someone has taken the time to write you a letter of recommendation, it's both polite and important to acknowledge their effort. A simple thank you goes a long way! Consider writing a brief, heartfelt note--handwritten if you can--or sending a thoughtful email expressing your gratitude. Let them know how much you appreciate their support and time.

If their letter helps you land the job, internship, or university spot you hoped for, don't forget to share the good news. A quick update not only thanks them again but also closes the loop, letting them see the result of their assistance. This little gesture can mean a lot, and it helps maintain positive relationships for the future.

Learn more about recommendation letters, writing your resume, and other professional resources from the SUU Career and Professional Development Center.

Tags: Student CurStu Career Center