Have you ever found it difficult to ask for a letter of recommendation from a lecturer? While it's often not easy, requesting a letter of recommendation is a common, and generally mandatory, step taken by those of you who wish to apply for a postgraduate education program, join an internship program, or apply for a job at a company. Do not worry. In fact, most professors won't mind making recommendations if you ask them ahead of time. However, ideally, the request should be submitted in writing, either through regular mail or electronic mail, which generally will be easier in today's digital era.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Writing an Email
Step 1. Include his name and title in the greeting of the email
Open the email the same way you would write a regular letter. Don't forget to use a professional greeting, such as “Dear. (Dear)” followed by the name of your lecturer.
- You could write, “Dear. Dr. Hamilton."
- To find out his calling preferences, try checking his course syllabus or on his personal website.
Step 2. Introduce yourself and remind the lecturer of your identity
Write one to two sentences that can refresh his memory of your name and the class you took. Also share various personal experiences that you have had with him.
You could write, "Meeting, my name is Katie Williams, and I took a fiction writing class that you taught in the middle and final semesters."
Tips:
Convey the information briefly and concisely. You can include a longer description of the background and various achievements that you have achieved in the attachment of the email.
Step 3. Describe your goal
First, let him know that you need a letter of recommendation from him. Then, provide detailed information regarding the education program, internship, or job you are applying for.
For example, you could write, "I want to apply for a postgraduate program and hope that you can provide a letter of recommendation as one of the main requirements that I must attach."
Step 4. Explain why you chose him as the party to write the letter of recommendation in the next paragraph
Describe his impact on your life, the things you managed to learn from him, and/or the reasons why you think his letter will appear more meaningful. Remember, this is the perfect way to flatter him right from the start!
For example, you might write, “Your class has really helped me grow as a startup writer. In particular, thanks to your help, the story I wrote has been accepted by the publisher. I am truly grateful for your presence as a reliable and imaginative mentor.”
Step 5. State your expectations in the next paragraph
Explain that you have also attached information regarding recent achievements, as well as any relevant resumes or curriculum vitae. Also convey the type of information you have included, such as a list of classes you attended, projects you worked on, awards you won, work you completed, and activities you have participated in.
You might write, “I am attaching a copy of my resume and a list of recent accomplishments below. If you want to discuss it directly, I am happy to do so.”
Step 6. Include a link or instructions on how to submit a letter of recommendation
Don't forget to provide information regarding the deadline for submitting a letter of recommendation along with the correct physical or digital address. If the letter must be sent digitally, include the relevant email address or link.
For example, "For information, the deadline for submitting a letter of recommendation is January 15, 2019. If you wish, you can send the recommendation letter to [email protected]."
Step 7. Thank the teacher for considering your wishes in the last paragraph
Emphasize that you really appreciate the time he has taken to read the request, as well as for the time he will take to write the requested letter of recommendation. In addition, thank you also for the guidance and teachings that have been given so far as a lecturer.
For example, “Thank you for everything you have taught, and thank you for reading this letter of request. I really appreciate the time and energy you have taken to guide me and look forward to your willingness to write a letter of recommendation to complete my application.”
Step 8. End the letter by writing a closing greeting followed by your name
Choose a closing greeting that has a professional tone, such as “Sincerely,” “Greetings,” or “Greetings.” After that, skip a blank line and write down your full name.
You could write, “Sincerely, Katie Williams.”
Method 2 of 3: Determining the Right Time to Send an Email
Step 1. Start the process at least 2 months in advance, if possible
It's best to give lecturers as much time as possible to write letters of recommendation, especially since most lecturers have very busy schedules. In addition, you also need time to review application materials and draft a letter of request, right? Also take as much time as possible so that if the request is rejected by the first lecturer, you still have time to find another lecturer.
Notes:
Make the request to only one lecturer, unless you need more than one letter of recommendation. Don't waste your teacher's time if you don't really need a letter of recommendation from him.
Step 2. Choose a lecturer who can give you positive recommendations
To strengthen the content of a letter of recommendation, ask a lecturer who really knows you to write it. In addition, make sure the selected lecturer also has a positive opinion about your performance and characteristics. Answer the following questions to choose the right lecturer:
- Does he know my name?
- Does he really understand my performance?
- Have I ever attended more than one class taught by him?
- Is my academic performance in the class good enough?
- Has he ever worked with me outside of class?
- Has he seen my progress as a student?
- Am I being ethical and professional in the classroom?
Step 3. Check the deadline for submitting letters of recommendation
Because information regarding the deadline for submitting a letter of recommendation must be included in the email, don't forget to check it in advance. Remember, what must be checked is the deadline for submitting a letter of recommendation, not the deadline for submitting the application as a whole.
- In some cases, both deadlines will fall at the same time.
- If letters of recommendation must be uploaded at the same time as your application, try setting a deadline for completion of letters of recommendation early to ensure no paperwork is missed when the application submission deadline arrives. Communicate the desire to the lecturer!
Step 4. Allow at least 5-6 weeks for lecturers to prepare letters of recommendation, if possible
Remember, most of his time is spent teaching, grading assignments, and accommodating various requests made by his students. That's why your chances of getting a positive response will increase if your request is submitted well in advance of the deadline.
Because letters of recommendation should be made by lecturers who really know you, you should choose someone who taught you in the previous semester
Tips:
The best time to ask a lecturer for help is towards the end of the semester.
Step 5. Re-read the application details to find out how to submit the requested letter of recommendation
Supposedly, the authorities will provide information on how to send your letter of recommendation, such as by post or the internet. Some letters can be emailed to the person in charge of the program, but others must be uploaded at the same time as your application. Understand the information ahead of time so you can pass it on to the lecturer.
Generally, lecturers will directly send a letter to the authorities without asking you to read it first. If you're the one who has to send the letter, make that information clear in the email. Most likely, the lecturer will provide a letter of recommendation in an envelope that has been sealed and has a signature on the seal. As such, you may not be able to open and/or modify its contents
Method 3 of 3: Sending an Email
Step 1. Use a clear, clear, and professional-sounding email subject
From the outset, clearly state your wishes to the lecturer, by including an explicit e-mail subject. This way, the lecturer will recognize the seriousness of your request and know the outline of the email before even reading the content.
For example, include the subject of an email that says, “Request letter of recommendation to apply for a graduate program.”
Step 2. Include a written request in the body of the email
Thus, lecturers can be easier to read and understand. Never send a request in the form of an attachment that must be opened or downloaded first by the lecturer to read it.
Step 3. Attach a list of your past accomplishments, along with your resume or curriculum vitae
No matter how good the relationship between the two of you, chances are he won't remember everything about you, right? Therefore, help him to create a better letter of recommendation by attaching a detailed list of your achievements, work history, and educational background. Thus, he is able to review it at the same time as your request.
If necessary, you can also attach a portfolio and a draft essay that has been made. Both can help lecturers develop letters of recommendation that better suit your program goals or preferences
Tips:
Include all the information in bullet point format to make it easier for lecturers to read and understand.
Step 4. Provide information regarding the deadline for submitting the letter of recommendation along with the delivery address
Remember, lecturers will find it easier to send letters of recommendation if they know the deadline and address for submitting letters. Therefore, do not forget to include this information in your request letter.
Notes:
If the program you want to join has a format for writing a letter of recommendation that you must follow, attach the rules as well. Make sure the process is as easy as possible for your lecturer!
Tips
- Attach a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae to the email. Then, explain that the attachment can be used as a reference by him.
- If you want to remind your lecturer about the deadline for submitting a letter of recommendation, try sending an email containing thanks as well as information about the deadline for submitting a letter of recommendation, at least one to two weeks in advance.
- If you want to request a letter of recommendation in a relatively short time, you should meet the lecturer directly. If you absolutely have to do it via email, make it clear that you don't mind if they can't provide the recommendation letter.
- If possible, meet the lecturer in person to ask for a letter of recommendation from him. This method will actually be considered more polite and personal by most lecturers.
Warning
- Remember, lecturers are not obligated to write letters of recommendation for their students. Most lecturers are even willing to provide letters of recommendation to students they already know well.
- Don't ask your professor to send you a letter of recommendation so you can read it before sending it. Such actions would be considered disrespectful by him!
- Some lecturers may prefer to be met in person instead of being invited to communicate via email. Therefore, don't forget to consider your lecturer's communication preferences.
