Letter of Recommendation
Are you looking to get a letter of recommendation from teachers or counselors through email? If so, Link will give you tips on how to ask for and submit your online letter on time.
A Letter of Recommendation is requested because it allows others to advocate for a student’s mission. Of course this would apply if you’re applying for a scholarship, degree, or a job, when you need to ask for a recommendation from a professor or previous employer. If you need to ask for one by email, the team at Link Educational Institute will give you steps on how to request a letter of recommendation.
Preparing Your Request
Confirm the application requirements- If you're going to get a letter of recommendation, you need to make sure what its needed and where it's going. These letters are kept confidential so the recipient will need to know where to send the letter of recommendation. You DO NOT want to give the recipient incorrect information. Double-check the application instructions and deadlines so you can provide adequate time for someone to write your letter.
Provide the recipient with a pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelope, if a hard-copy of the letter needs to be mailed.
Selecting the correct person- Before you ask a professor or previous employer for a recommendation, you should consider your relationship with them. Choose someone you get along with and have formed a good connection. Categorize professors or employers who recognize your accomplishments and seem interested in supporting in your career. Whether you receive good grades, assisted your development, or received a raise, they should be the first people on your list.
If you want to get a letter of recommendation from someone then you must be clear and upfront. Don't hide the request under the pretense of meeting or a coffee chat. Be understanding and remind them that they can refuse without damaging the relationship.
Select the right time to make the request- Provide more than enough time when making your request. You think they need a month or two? Professors receive many requests around the end of the semester or during the college application process. Make your request long before the application deadline, to give your professor, time to draft your recommendation letter.
Writing the Request
Introduce yourself- Besides mentioning your greeting, you need to mention your name. The first paragraph should remind the recipient of who you are. This method depends on how close you were with the recipient, and the last time you spoke.
If you want to send the request to a professor, outline the time you spent with them throughout a semester. Mention the grade you received and the obstacles you experience. Here's an example: " Dear Professor X, I took your biology class last semester. Even though it was challenging, I always appreciated how available you were and how you helped me understand the mistakes I made.”
When talking to a previous employer, the greeting will focus on projects you've worked on or responsibilities given to you. If you can recall any anecdotes, include them in the recommendation. Here's an example: "Dear Mr. Z, My name is John Doe, and I worked with you on the latest merger at ABC Company. I always appreciated the opportunity to learn about making meaningful change in the corporate world.
Outline the reasons for choosing them- Communicate to the recipient the reasons you're asking them for a recommendation. Explain to them why you value their opinion and respect the qualifications. The objective is to convey to the recipient why they're suited for the recommendation.
Here's an example if the recipient is a professor: “As the department chair, you helped me in my progress throughout my major, and assisted me when the subject got tough. Your position, as well as the close attention you paid to my academic career, make you an ideal person to write a great letter of recommendation for me. “
Here's an example if the recipient is an employer: "As my supervisor, you provided me feedback that helped me along with my professional career. I believe you’re suited to write a great letter of recommendation for me. “
Mention to the recipient you won't be reading the letter
A professor or employer might feel the need to enhance the letter if they know you'll read it. Recipients may simply be uncomfortable when writing the letter. Let the recipient know that they can send the letter of recommendation directly, bypassing you.
Give the recipients a way out
Don't write your request assuming the recipient will agree to write a letter of recommendation. There are reasons why a professor or previous employer might not be able or willing to write the letter. You have to respect this. At the end of the letter, mention that you understand if they can't complete the request for any reason.
Sending The Request
Confirm the receiver's email address- Drafting the request won't mean much if it doesn't end up in the right location. Confirm the recipient's contact information. If the recipient is a former professor, you can find the contact information on the school's website. Otherwise, ask your acquaintances or the recipient directly for their email address.
Be prepared for a back and forth- The recommendation request should be short on purpose. The objective is to convince your professor or employer to agree to write a letter. You don't need to add crucial information in your first contact. Answer any questions or concerns the recipient may have as soon as possible. If you received an email from the recipient and it sits in your mailbox for a long time, you may not get your letter in time.
Send a Thank You Card- Thank your professor or employer if they agree to write a letter of recommendation for you. Your recipient has done this favor that will advance your professional or academic career. Wait a week or two before sending the note, the recipients will be done with the letter and will appreciate this gesture.
What to keep in mind before you Request a Letter
Before requesting a letter, students need to take the following considerations into account. First, students need to know about college application deadlines. You need to know which deadline will work for you as you submit your application. Second, you want to make sure if the college you're applying to will still accept standardized test scores. Follow up with the specified college (s) and admission officers to see if they still need submitted test scores.
