How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation for School or Work

Letters of recommendation serve as a reference letter for those submitting a college application for an undergraduate or graduate program. During the search for a new job, hiring managers might also ask for a letter of recommendation as part of the reference process.

If you need a letter of recommendation as part of an interview process, request a letter of recommendation from a current or former manager, or senior co-worker who can vouch for your professional skills and character. Potential employers want to learn whether an applicant can do the job for which they are applying and how well they’ll fit in at the company.

If you need a letter of recommendation for your college admissions office, turn to a teacher or a faculty member who knows your coursework and can provide the details required to create a strong letter of recommendation.

When applying to undergrad, graduate school, or a new job, assemble all the application materials in advance of the application deadline—this will provide plenty of time to send the recommendation request and receive a response. When making a reference letter request, you may need to provide the letter writers with the following information:

1. 1. Résumé: Give the letter writer a copy of your résumé, including all relevant experience.
2. 2. Statement: Provide a clear statement of purpose outlining your desired career path or plans for graduate school.
3. 3. Test scores: If applying to undergrad or grad school, add a copy or summary of your relevant test scores.
4. 4. Coursework summary: If you’re a student, include a description of your work and performance in a professor’s relevant class.
5. 5. Contact information: Add your own contact information if the letter writer will be delivering the letter to you to forward, or the institution’s contact information if the letter writer will be responsible for delivering the letter.
6. 6. Deadline: Include the application deadline so the letter writer can deliver the letter in a timely manner.

Don’t wait until the last minute to ask—leave enough time to send all the materials needed on or before the due date. High schoolers should ask a school counselor during their junior year to explain the college application process so they can send teachers requests throughout their senior year. College students should consider sending an email to the recommender or scheduling a time to meet face to face during a professor’s office hours to request a letter of recommendation.

Recommendation letters typically describe the applicant and their positive qualities. Here are four elements of every strong letter of recommendation:

1. 1. Introduction: The introduction should explain how the letter writer knows you, as well as your work, academic experience, or coursework.
2. 2. Applicant description: This part should detail your performance and accomplishments in either the professional or academic setting. It should cite specific examples or awards, along with test scores if applicable.
3. 3. Personal character assessment: The personal character assessment should break down your traits and predict what that means for potential growth or job performance, such as work habits or general work ethic. In addition, it should explain how you work with others, or how your strengths will contribute to the organization or university.
4. 4. Summary: A letter of recommendation should provide a quick recap of your strengths and additional information that supports your candidacy, and specifically states that they strongly recommend you for the role or school.

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