How to ask for a strong letter of recommendation
A strong letter of recommendation comes from the right person, asked well in advance, and supplied with clear, relevant materials. Follow a respectful, organized process that makes it easy for the writer to say yes.
Quick checklist
- Choose the right recommender: someone who knows your work, achievements, and character in a context relevant to the application.
- Ask early: give at least 3–6 weeks when possible.
- Provide clear materials: deadline, recipient details, purpose, CV, transcript or grade list, draft personal statement, bullet points of accomplishments, and any forms or submission links.
- Explain why you chose them: what they can uniquely speak to.
- Offer a polite deadline buffer: ask for the letter a week before the actual deadline.
- Follow up and thank them: a reminder and a sincere thank-you after submission.
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Who to ask and how to prioritize
- Primary options: professors, supervisors, internship mentors, or managers who directly oversaw your work.
- Secondary options: course coordinators, project leads, or advisors who can speak to distinct strengths if a primary option is unavailable.
- Avoid: people who only know you superficially or those who are unlikely to write a positive, detailed letter.
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What to include when you ask
Provide a single, well-organized packet or message that contains:
- Deadline and submission method (link, email, portal) and the final review deadline you’d like from them.
- Program/job name and a 1–2 sentence summary of why you’re applying.
- Your CV or résumé.
- A short personal statement or cover letter draft.
- Specific examples to remind them: 3–5 bullet points of projects, grades, responsibilities, outcomes, or interactions they witnessed.
- Any forms or guidelines the recommender must follow (word limits, questions to answer).
- Contact info for follow-up and a polite offer to meet or provide more details.
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Exact email template to ask for a strong letter
Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation for [Program/Job name] — Deadline [date]
Dear Professor/Dr./Mr./Ms. [Last name],
I hope you are well. I am applying to [program/job name] and would be honored if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. I worked with you on [course/project/role and semester or year], where I [one short achievement or contribution]. I believe you can speak to my [specific qualities or skills they observed].
The application deadline is [date], and the letter should be submitted via [method]. To make this easier, I have attached my CV, draft personal statement, and a 1‑page summary of accomplishments and examples you might use. If you prefer, I can meet or send additional details.
Would you feel comfortable writing a strong recommendation for me? If yes, would it be possible to have the letter by [date one week before the deadline]?
Thank you for considering this request. I appreciate your time and support.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Program applying to / current role]
Phone number] | [Email][.
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Follow-up and gratitude
- Send a polite reminder if you haven’t received confirmation one week after your request.
- If they agree, send a brief confirmation email with attachments and the submission steps.
- After submission, send a sincere thank-you note and, later, an update on the outcome of your application. Consider a handwritten note for extra warmth.
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Small tips that make letters stronger
- Suggest specific themes you’d like emphasized (leadership on X, research ability in Y, resilience in Z).
- Offer short, concrete examples they can quote (project titles, results, metrics).
- Respect their choice to decline; a recommender who hesitates may not produce the strong, specific letter you need.
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