Learning how to write and request a letter of recommendation is essential for students, professionals, and mentors.
This guide will help you confidently navigate the process by providing key tips, templates, and best practices to ensure your requests and letters make a strong impact.
The Power of a Strong Letter of Recommendation
A well-written letter of recommendation can significantly impact your application, helping you stand out among other candidates. It offers a trusted endorsement of your skills, character, and potential. But it’s not just about having a letter — understanding how to write and request a letter of recommendation properly can make all the difference in securing a positive and effective endorsement.
Letters of recommendation are often required for graduate programs, internships, fellowships, scholarships, and job applications. They allow decision-makers to hear from someone who knows you well and can speak authentically about your strengths.
How to Request a Letter of Recommendation
Requesting a letter might feel intimidating, but following the right steps will make the process smoother:
- Choose the right person: Pick someone who knows your work and character well. This might be a professor, supervisor, or mentor who can provide specific examples of your abilities.
- Ask early: Give your recommender plenty of time — ideally 4 to 6 weeks before your deadline. This shows respect for their schedule and increases the chance of a thoughtful letter.
- Provide helpful materials: Supply your resume, personal statement, and information about the opportunity to help tailor the letter. The more context you provide, the stronger and more relevant the letter will be.
- Be polite and clear: Politely ask if they are willing to write the letter, and explain why you chose them. Always respect their decision if they decline.
- Follow up and say thanks: Send gentle reminders if the deadline is approaching, and always express your gratitude once the letter is submitted.
Understanding how to write and request a letter of recommendation effectively ensures you get the support you need.
Get tips on asking for recommendations from UMBC’s Letters of Recommendation guide.
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation
If you’re the one writing the letter, here’s how to make it impactful:
- Introduce yourself and your relationship: Start by stating who you are, your role, and how you know the candidate (including how long).
- Highlight key strengths: Use specific examples to demonstrate skills like leadership, problem-solving, communication, or reliability.
- Link strengths to the opportunity: Explain why the candidate’s qualities make them an excellent fit for the program or job.
- End with a strong endorsement: Clearly support their application and invite the reader to contact you for more information.
Writing a letter with these steps helps your recommendation stand out and gives the candidate the best chance for success.
Find writing tips and samples at the UMBC Career Center.
Tips for Maintaining a Strong Relationship with Your Recommender
Building and maintaining a good relationship with your recommenders can make the process of how to write and request a letter of recommendation much easier and more effective. Here are some tips to help you nurture these important connections:
- Stay in touch regularly: Don’t just reach out when you need a letter. Keep your recommenders updated on your progress and achievements throughout the year. This helps them write more personalized and current letters.
- Be clear about deadlines and requirements: When requesting a letter, clearly communicate the submission deadline, format, and any specific points you’d like them to highlight.
- Respect their time and workload: Understand that recommenders often have busy schedules. Always ask politely and offer to provide any materials that can make their job easier.
- Express appreciation: After they’ve submitted your letter, send a heartfelt thank-you note. Consider updating them on your outcomes — whether you got the job, internship, or admission — so they see the impact of their support.
- Offer to reciprocate: If appropriate, offer your help or support in return, whether it’s assisting with a project or providing a recommendation for them in the future.
Maintaining a strong, respectful relationship ensures that when you need to know how to write and request a letter of recommendation, you’ll have willing and enthusiastic recommenders ready to support you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Whether requesting or writing a letter, be mindful of these mistakes:
- Asking last minute, which pressures the recommender
- Choosing someone who doesn’t know you well enough
- Providing vague or generic letters that lack specific examples
- Forgetting to say thank you — gratitude matters!
To avoid common mistakes by checking out UMBC’s Resume Preparation and Cover Letter Writing video.
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to write and request a letter of recommendation is a valuable skill that opens doors to academic and professional opportunities. Taking the time to prepare thoughtfully will benefit both the requester and the writer, ensuring letters that truly reflect your strengths.
For additional support and resources, be sure to explore UMBC Professional Programs and visit the UMBC Career Center for personalized guidance and additional resources to help you succeed.