Question

Request for a Letter of Recommendation

Find a specific job, internship, or graduate study listing that you would be interested in pursuing. Make sure it requires a letter of recommendation. Your task is to request a letter of recommendation from one of your instructors. Assume that you will write an email making the request.

Answer the questions listed below to help you plan your request. Then write the request.

• Why would your instructor want to write a letter of recommendation for you?
• What would increase your instructor’s willingness and delight in writing a letter for you?
• What tone will you try to project in your email?
• What information about you would your instructor need to write an effective letter of recommendation?
• How can you make it easier for your instructor to write a letter of recommendation?
• How can you show courtesy to your instructor since she/he is using her/his own time to do a favor for you?
• How will you order your message? What will be the subject line?
• Write the email request for a letter of recommendation.
• Note: Write 1 to 2 sentences for each question.  

Answer 1

Why would your instructor want to write a letter of recommendation for you? What would increase your instructor’s willingness and delight in writing a letter for you?

I would be informing him of my loyalty and commitment in all assignments and projects that he has given and I have always completed that within the time and I have always participated in group discussions and worked as a team leader and a team member wherever required taking forward my fellow pupils always which will definitely increase his delight to write a letter of recommendation for me

What tone will you try to project in your email?

The tone will be positive and enthusiastic but respectful at the same time.

What information about you would your instructor need to write an effective letter of recommendation?

Brief description of the internship opportunity available and why have I applied there. I would highlight my academic and personal traits and my strengths in my resume and through the email.

How can you make it easier for your instructor to write a letter of recommendation?

I would kindly request him in the email to take time out for me and also mention that it’s not like so urgent and he can hand it by the end of the week.

How can you show courtesy to your instructor since she/he is using her/his own time to do a favor for you?

I would show my courtesy by mentioning a thank you in the email for his precious time and efforts.

How will you order your message? What will be the subject line?

The subject line could be “Recommendation Request – First Name Last Name” or “Hoping you could provide a Recommendation”.

Write the email request for a letter of recommendation.

To: [email protected]

Subject: Recommendation Request – Michael Covington

Dear Professor,

I hope you are well. I am applying for an internship to work in the Corporate Finance division at Goldman Sachs and would like to request a letter of recommendation letter from you. I was in your Corporate Finance class last semester and I have immensely enjoyed attending your classes. It has greatly benefitted me in developing my interests and I have taken a step forward towards Corporate Finance. This internship will enhance my skills further in the financial activities fundamental to running a business in a really great environment.

I was hoping that you might know me well enough as I always submitted all your class projects within time and I would constantly participate in various group activities and discussions and was fortunate to receive a A+ in Corporate Finance. I was also a member of the Finance club that was headed by you.

I would truly appreciate if you could hand me the recommendation by the end of the week.

I have attached an updated resume and my academic transcripts as well as information on the internship opportunity that I would be pursuing. I would be happy to answer any questions and provide further information which will help you to write the recommendation.

I thank you in advance for considering my request and truly grateful for your time.

Your's Sincerely,

ABC.