Whether you’re pursuing college admission, a scholarship, or a job, a letter of recommendation can be a key aspect of your application. These letters help provide perspective on your personality, skills, and achievements from someone who knows you. A strong letter of recommendation starts with knowing how to ask for one.
Remitly is committed to supporting you as you move through your academic and professional careers. In this article, you’ll learn why letters of recommendation are important and how to ask for one.
When to ask for a letter of recommendation
You might need your first letters of recommendation when you apply for college. These can be required documents for the US college admissions process, depending on the institution. For most job applications, employers ask for references instead, though a letter of recommendation might be needed for certain roles.
When a letter of recommendation is required, try to request it about 4-6 weeks before the deadline or submission date. You might consider asking for it even earlier if you’re asking someone who is very busy or is a popular teacher or mentor who will have requests other than yours.
Try to respect school calendars and busy periods. For example, if you’re asking for a letter of recommendation from a teacher, avoid asking right before finals. If you’re asking a coach, don’t ask right before the playoff season. If you’re asking a business professional, asking right before major deadlines might not be the most convenient time.
Who to ask
When you’re thinking about who to ask for a letter of recommendation, consider people who have insight into your character, work ethic, or growth, and who can speak about your qualifications for the specific opportunity. These might be teachers, coaches, mentors, advisors, or employers.
You’ll want to ask someone whose experience is related to your goals. For example, if your letter of recommendation is for business school, you might consider asking your statistics teacher if they’ve seen you demonstrate your skills.
Choose someone who knows you well and can speak positively about you. It’s best practice to choose someone who has known you for two years or more and can provide specific, meaningful examples of interactions or experiences with you over time.
Step-by-step instructions for requesting a letter of recommendation
When you’re ready to request a letter of recommendation, follow these steps for a smooth, respectful, and professional process.
1. Ask in person (if possible)
If possible, try to ask for a letter of recommendation in person. It’s best to make this request in a calm and unrushed environment. For example, don’t just ask in passing. If necessary, attend office hours or try to schedule an appointment to request the letter of recommendation.
You might say something like:
“Hi [teacher’s name]. I really enjoyed your class and the feedback you’ve given me. I was wondering if you’d be willing to write me a strong letter of recommendation to support my application to [college/job/scholarship]?”
2. Send an email
If you’re unable to request a letter of recommendation in person, reach out by email. Be respectful and provide all of the necessary details. Here’s a sample email:
SUBJECT: [Your name] – Letter of recommendation request
Dear [teacher’s name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m applying to [program/school/job/scholarship] and I was wondering if you’d be willing to write me a letter of recommendation. I really valued your class, and I think you could speak to my skills and experience.
The deadline to submit the letter is [date], and I’ve included my resume and an overview of the program below for your reference. Please let me know if you have any questions. If you’re unable to write the letter, I completely understand
Thank you so much.
Best,
[Your name]
Even if you’ve already requested the letter of recommendation in person, it’s a great idea to send an email to follow up on your conversation.
3. Provide helpful information
To help your recommender prepare the letter, you can send them a copy of your current resume, activities list, or a short “brag sheet” that outlines any of your achievements or accomplishments.
You’ll also want to include any details about the scholarship, job opportunity, or application that they might need to know. If, for some reason, your recommender has never written a letter of recommendation before, it could be helpful to provide them with an example.
If the recommender has to submit the letter of recommendation themselves, provide clear instructions on how they can do so. Be sure to include any important submission deadlines.
Following up
If your recommender hasn’t confirmed submission of their letter of recommendation or provided you with a copy of the letter for you to submit, follow up with a polite reminder 1-2 weeks before the deadline. A short email asking whether they need any additional information from you will be the gentle nudge they need to finish your letter by the deadline.
For example:
“Hi, [name], I just wanted to check in as the recommendation letter deadline is coming up on [date]. Please let me know if there’s anything you need. Thanks again for your support!
Best,
[Your name]
Send a thank you
Recommendations are provided as a kindness. As such, don’t forget to thank your recommender.
- After submission: Send an initial thank you when you receive your letter of recommendation or when the application is submitted. An email would work, but it’s always a thoughtful bonus to send a handwritten thank-you note.
- After results: Thank your recommender a second time when you hear the results of your application. Even if it wasn’t successful, your recommender will appreciate the update—and if it was, they’ll want to congratulate you!
Make it count
Overall, asking for a letter of recommendation is all about respect, preparation, and follow-through. A good letter of recommendation can make a big impact on your application, so make sure you’re giving your recommender the time and tools they need to help you shine. Start early, ask kindly, and don’t forget to thank your recommender—your future self will thank you, too!
FAQs
Can I ask more than one person for a letter?
Yes. Many applications will require more than one letter of recommendation. Follow the application instructions, specifically if there is guidance on who the letters should come from. Otherwise, choose different people who know you in different contexts and can highlight different strengths.
What if someone says no?
That’s okay. There are plenty of reasons why someone might have to decline writing a letter of recommendation. Don’t take it personally. It’s always better to have a recommender that enthusiastically says “yes” than one who feels pressured. Thank them and then ask someone else who knows you well.
Should I include a draft of key points?
Yes. It’s always a good idea to provide a list of key points you’d like included in your letter, a current resume, or an activities/accomplishments list. However, avoid writing the letter yourself—letters should come from the recommender’s own voice and perspective.
Is it okay to ask a recommender again in the future?
Yes. If someone was excited to write you a letter in the past and your relationship with them has grown, they would be a good person to ask again in the future.
Can I ask a family member or friend?
Normally no. Recommendations are expected to come from objective sources, such as teachers or mentors. Letters from friends or family members are usually seen as biased and may even be rejected.