Letters of recommendation are an essential component to applications for jobs, graduate/professional schools, internships, volunteer experiences, and more. Strong letters of recommendation can boost your chances and help your application materials stand out. Experiential Learning and Career Success has found that the more prepared you are when asking for recommendation letters, the easier it is for a letter writer to endorse you.
Process for Requesting Letters
Who to Request a Letter of Recommendation From
- Request letters from individuals who know you well enough to speak to your work and character (e.g. faculty, supervisors, advisors).
- Confirm someone is willing to write a letter for you before you put them down as a reference on an application.
How to Request a Letter of Recommendation
- Request letters at least 1-month in advance, when possible.
- Complete this Letter of Recommendation Worksheet to provide letter writers with as much information as possible!
Send Reminders
- As deadlines approach, send a gentle reminder to your letter writers reminding them of due date(s) and asking if they need more information.
Say Thank You
- Once your letter writer completes the letter, say thank you in-person (preferably) or over the phone. If this is not possible, send a thank you letter via email or post mail.
When requesting a letter of recommendation, please provide each of your writers with a tailored and complete Letter of Recommendation Worksheet. By following its guidelines, you will demonstrate professionalism and preparedness, and your writer will have a strong outline to follow to complete your letter.