Ask for a Letter of Recommendation via Email With These 7 Tips
Asking for a letter of recommendation for your desired job role can be intimidating, especially if you’re doing it via email. However, you can make the process smooth and successful with the right mindset.
Whether you’re applying for your first job or looking to make a career change, the following tips will set you on the right path to securing the job recommendations you need to succeed.
1. Choose the Right Person to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
While choosing the right person, you should consider the person’s relationship with you. Ideally, you should ask someone who knows you well and can speak for your skills, abilities, and personal characteristics in a meaningful way. This might include a supervisor, coworker, or teacher.
Additionally, you should consider the person’s credibility and expertise in the field you are seeking a job. A letter from someone with relevant knowledge and experience in your field can be more valuable than someone less familiar with the job or industry.
Finally, you should consider the person’s willingness and ability to write a strong letter of recommendation. It’s important to ask someone willing to take the time to write a thoughtful and thorough letter, and who has the writing skills to do so effectively.
2. Write a Clear and Specific Subject Line for Your Email
Once you’ve chosen your recipient, it’s time to start writing the email, which starts with a subject line.Writing powerful subject lineshelps you get your message across effectively, lets the recipient understand the purpose of your email, and decide how to prioritize it.
A subject line that is vague or misleading may cause the recipient to overlook or delete your email, especially if they are busy or receive a high volume of emails. Writing a concise subject line can also help them respond more quickly and get you the letter of recommendation you seek.
For example, including the name of the company or position you are applying for in the subject line can help the recipient tailor their letter of recommendation to your specific needs. Here are a few examples of subject lines you can refer to:
3. Begin Your Email With a Formal Greeting
Beginning your email with a formal greeting can help set the tone for the rest of your email. It’s important to use a greeting appropriate for the recipient and the context of your email.
For example, if you ask for a letter of recommendation from someone senior or a mentor, “Dear” or “Hello” may be more appropriate. If you ask for a letter of recommendation from a colleague or peer, “Hi” may be more appropriate.
4. Explain the Reason for the Letter of Recommendation
Next, explain the reason you require a recommendation. It helps the recipient understand the context of your request and customize their letter to your specific needs. By providing some background information on the position or company you are applying for, the recipient can better understand your goals and qualifications and write a letter highlighting your relevant skills and experiences.
Additionally, mentioning the requirements and expectations of that position can help the recipient understand further and address them in their letter.
5. Highlight Your Skills and Achievements
Further, mentioning your skills and achievements when asking for a letter of recommendation can help the recipient better understand your qualifications and what makes you a good candidate for the position. By providing specific examples of your skills and achievements, you can give the recipient concrete evidence of your capabilities and help them write a more detailed and persuasive letter of recommendation.
For example, you might mention specific projects or assignments you completed or describe particular skills or abilities you have that are relevant to the job you are seeking. You might also attach any certificates of recognition received or describe any leadership and teamwork experiences you have had.
6. Attach All the Necessary Information
As you progress in the email, ensure to attach all the necessary information that strengthens your request and acts as proof. You can include your resume, cover letter, or writing samples, give them more information about your skills, experiences, and qualifications, and help them tailor their letter to your specific needs.
Additionally, by providing them with everything they need upfront, you may save them the time and effort of having to request additional information or materials.
7. End Your Email by Thanking the Person
Finally, end your email by thanking the person for their time and assistance. Ensure to use a tone appropriate for your relationship with the person and the context of the email. While a more formal tone may be appropriate if you are thanking a colleague, a casual tone could be appropriate if you are thanking a friend.
Editing and proofreading are some of thesimple tips for writing better emails. To ensure accuracy and professionalism, take a moment to review your email before sending it off.
Email Templates for Asking for a Letter of Recommendation
Here is a template you can use as a starting point while writing to a senior colleague, supervisor, or mentor.
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me.
I am currently applying for a [Job Title] position at [Company], and I would greatly appreciate your support. The deadline for the application is [Date], and the requirements for a letter of recommendation are [List Requirements].
I have always appreciated the opportunity to work with you and have learned a lot from your expertise and guidance. Your perspective as my [senior/supervisor/mentor] would prove significant to my application, and I would be grateful if you could highlight my [specific skills and achievements] in the recommendation letter.
I have attached my resume and certificates of recognition for your reference, and I am happy to provide any additional information or support you may need.
Thank you in advance for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
You may use the following email template if you’re writing to a friend or colleague you can relate to.
Hi [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to ask for a favor. I am currently in the process of applying for a new job and would be highly grateful if you could provide me with a recommendation letter.
I believe that your experience as my [friend/colleague] would be a valuable addition to my application. Additionally, it would be great if you could highlight my [mention specific skills and achievements] in the recommendation letter.
I have attached my resume and certificates of recognition for your reference. If you are able to write me a recommendation letter, please let me know a convenient time for us to discuss the specifics.
Thank you so much for considering my request.
Best Regards,
Achieve a Job Recommendation With a Confident and Professional Email
Requesting a letter of recommendation via email can be a bit intimidating, but with a little preparation and the right approach, it can be a smooth and successful process.
By following the above-mentioned tips, you can confidently reach out to your colleagues and supervisors for the recommendation you need to succeed.
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