How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation? - When applying for employment, certain companies may want you to provide a letter of recommendation from persons who can attest to your work habits, talents, and abilities. While it may appear frightening or intrusive to request a letter of recommendation, you will discover that many people are eager to oblige. In this post, we'll show you when and how to ask for a letter of recommendation, as well as samples you may use to help you write your own.

How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

Letters of recommendation are commonly required for college applications. When applying to an undergraduate or graduate programme, you will typically require one to three of these reference letters.

Job applications are more likely to demand a list of references than a reference letter, however this requirement may appear on occasion. Even if a job application does not need a reference letter, including one with your cover letter or application may offer you an advantage over other applicants.

How to request a letter of recommendation?

It's very normal to be concerned about asking for a letter of recommendation. While it may be painful at first, it is an expected part of the application process. With a little preparation, you may increase your chances of receiving glowing references.

Choose who will write your letters.

The best suggestion will come from someone who knows you well and can speak to your personality on a personal level. Make a list of many persons you could approach. You'll probably only need three, but it's always a good idea to have extras in case anything falls through.

If you're applying to college, talk to your instructor and high school guidance counsellor. Choose professors from classes that you did well (and had a strong interaction with). Teachers from your junior or senior year will have the most recent recollections of you (and are likely more accustomed to drafting such letters).

Many college applications demand a letter from your guidance counsellor. If you don't know this individual very well, don't be hesitant to schedule an appointment so they can learn more about you.

If you're applying to graduate school, you'll most likely receive letters from one or more of your instructors. Ideally, ask academics from the same field as the programme you're applying to.  If you're a working professional looking to return to school, your possibilities include supervisors and mentors, coworkers, and past instructors with whom you had a positive relationship. 

When searching for a job, former bosses or supervisors are frequently the finest letter writers. The closer the prior employment matches the one you're applying for, the better.  If you opt to question a current or past coworker, look for someone with greater professional expertise than you. They will be able to recommend you with more authority.

Create a resume or brag sheet

One of the most effective strategies to acquire a solid recommendation is to make it simple for the writer to showcase your accomplishments and personal qualities. One simple approach to accomplish this is to send a copy of your academic credentials and résumé to the individual composing your letter.

If you are still in school and do not yet have a résumé, you may create a "brag sheet" instead. This is a succinct description of your credentials and best qualities. Be sure to include:

• The courses you took with this instructor or professor, and the grade you got

• One or two of your top qualities, with instances of how you've displayed them in class or elsewhere.

• Your total GPA, test scores, and key academic achievements

• Extracurricular activities or voluntary work that you've done

• Work experience.

• A brief description of your objectives for the programme or post you're applying for.
  
  

While it may seem odd to boast about yourself, remember that now is the moment to showcase your hard work and enjoy your accomplishments. 

Submit a formal letter of recommendation request.

After you've verified your request in person, send a formal written request to everyone who has agreed to write your recommendation. Feel free to use the template below to help you write. When sending your request, please include:

• Information about the position or function you're applying for.

• Details on how and when the letter should be filed.

• An updated resume or brag sheet.

• A pre-addressed, stamped envelope (for letters that must be sent by mail).

• An example letter (as asked)

Ask in person first.

Before submitting a formal, written request for a letter of reference, meet with each individual in person. Preparing what you'll say ahead of time will help you feel more relaxed and assured. Explain what you are applying for and why you want this individual to endorse you.

You're asking for a favour, but those who know you well are likely to want you to succeed and will gladly do anything they can to assist. Teachers and professors, in particular, are accustomed to drafting these letters; it is often even part of their professional duties.

Follow up before the due date.

Send a friendly reminder a week or two before your letters are due. This is an excellent time to thank them for writing the letter and offer to send any extra information they may want.

Offer a last thank you.

It is normal politeness to write a brief thank you message to each person that sent a letter on your behalf. Send a handwritten message or email to thank them for their assistance. When you've been approved for the position, make sure to notify your recommenders.  

Tips for getting the best letters of recommendation.

1. Ask early to allow enough time.

Teachers and faculty members are frequently bombarded with requests to submit recommendation letters around the time college application deadlines arrive. Asking in advance will allow them to devote some time and attention to your message. Request professional recommendations three weeks in advance.

2. When you leave a job, request a letter of recommendation.

This is especially true if you have a good working connection with your management. Get a letter when your management is still thinking about the effect you made. You'll be ready to present it to potential employers.

3. If you are unsure, get advice from another person.

There are several reasons why someone may feel uncomfortable submitting a letter of recommendation for you. And it may not be related to you or your qualifications. This individual may not feel they know you well enough or be able to speak to the abilities and credentials required for the position you're seeking for.

You want letters of recommendation that speak for you without reservation. If someone hesitates or declines your request, you should ask someone else who can give you a strong endorsement. 

4 Things to Avoid When Requesting a Recommendation Letter.

• Do not request a letter of recommendation with a deadline of tomorrow.

• Do not ask a family member (or a colleague) to compose the letter.

• Don't get angry if the person you asked to write the recommendation letter rejects.

• If you have not previously worked closely with someone, do not ask them to give you a recommendation letter.