Letter of Recommendation

How to request a Letter of Recommendation

• When you request a letter of recommendation (sometimes also called a letter of reference), be sure to remind potential letter writers how they know you and give them information on why you need the letter (for example, tell them the types of job you will be applying for).

• You might also provide the person with your most up-to-date resume or CV. These details will make it easier for them to write a personalized and targeted reference letter.

• You should also provide all the information the person needs regarding how to submit the letter, what to include (if there are any requirements) and when it is due.

Tips to remember for requesting Letters of Recommendation: 

• Avoid recommendation letters from well-known or influential people who don’t know you well or personally.  

( Having someone write on your behalf just because they are “cool” or impressive doesn’t boost your application; it can actually hurt it. It’s better to have recommendations from people who know you very well and can expand on your academic and extracurricular strengths.) 

• Don’t ask to see the recommendation letter before it’s submitted or ask what a person wrote after its submission. 

(This puts the writer in an awkward position and could potentially hinder their honesty and thoughtfulness. If you are that worried about what a teacher may have to say, you probably shouldn’t be asking that teacher for a recommendation in the first place.)

• If a school advises you not to submit additional letters of recommendation, then don’t. 

(You don’t want to give the admissions officers extra materials that are not requested and they will remember that you didn’t follow explicit instructions.)

• Don’t forget to say “thank you!” 

(After your person of choice has submitted their letters of recommendation, take some time to write out your own letter of gratitude. Let them know you appreciate that they took the time to write a recommendation for you. Remember, they are not required to do this so give appreciation.)