How To Ask A Professor for A Letter Of Recommendation (With Examples)

As a student, securing a letter of recommendation from a professor can significantly enhance your job or graduate school applications. Knowing how to effectively ask for this letter is crucial. It’s important to select the right professor and provide them with specific details about your needs and deadlines.

In this guide, we will outline the steps to ask a professor for a letter of recommendation, share sample request emails, and highlight common mistakes to avoid.

Key Takeaways:

• When initially approaching your professor, ensure they feel capable of providing a strong recommendation. It’s courteous to allow them the option to decline if they feel they cannot write a supportive letter.

• Prepare a summary document detailing the courses you’ve taken with them, application specifics, and clearly articulate your request for the letter.

• Be patient while awaiting their response. Professors often have busy schedules and many students to assist.

Which Professor Should You Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?

Select a professor who knows your academic work well and with whom you’ve interacted personally. Ideally, this should be someone who can articulate your skills and provide personal anecdotes that highlight your strengths, such as teamwork or dedication to your field of study.

It’s advisable to choose a professor familiar with your work ethic rather than one whose class you excelled in but didn’t engage with. Professors from smaller class settings, like seminars, are often better suited for this role. If you’ve attended their office hours regularly, even if you didn’t achieve top grades, they may still provide a compelling recommendation.

How to Ask a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to request a letter of recommendation:

1. Prepare a Summary Document. This document should include the courses you’ve completed under the professor, notable projects, grades, and any achievements you’re proud of.

2. Provide Your Application Materials. Share your updated resume to summarize your accomplishments and relevant work experience. Including a cover letter can also help highlight your skills pertinent to the opportunity.

3. Request a Meeting. If possible, schedule a face-to-face meeting during office hours, or opt for a video chat if you’re working remotely. This personal touch can help convey your intentions more clearly than email.

4. Give Plenty of Notice. Approach your professor well in advance of the deadline, ideally as soon as you know you will need a letter. Professors can be overwhelmed with requests, especially near semester’s end.

5. Make a Clear Request. Be specific about what you would like the professor to highlight in their letter. Confirm their willingness to serve as a reference if needed.

6. Provide a Pre-addressed Envelope with Postage. If applicable, make it convenient for your professor by offering a pre-addressed and stamped envelope.

7. Follow Up. If you haven’t heard back in a reasonable timeframe, it’s okay to check in. Afterward, remember to send a thank-you note to express your gratitude for their help.

Example Emails for Requesting a Letter of Recommendation

Below are two examples of how to ask a professor for a letter of recommendation:

1. Sample Request Email to Professor

   Dear Professor Anderson,
   I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation from you. Your courses have greatly influenced my academic journey over the past three years, and I believe you understand my capabilities well.
   I am applying for marketing positions in the software industry, as detailed in the attached cover letter. I aim to showcase my technical skills and passion for marketing through this opportunity.
   Enclosed is a summary of my key accomplishments and my resume for your reference. Please let me know if you are comfortable writing this letter and if you need any additional information. I appreciate your consideration and am happy to meet in person to discuss this further.
   Thank you for your time.
   Sincerely,
   Martha Wall

2. Another Sample Request Email

   Dear Mrs. Hamilton,
   I hope you are doing well. My name is Martha Wall, and I am currently in your business marketing class. I also took your Intro to Marketing class last year. I am in the process of applying for internships that require a letter of recommendation, and I would be grateful if you could provide one for me.
   Your classes have been instrumental in shaping my career aspirations in social media marketing. I have attached my resume and a summary of my goals and achievements for your reference.
   The recommendation letter is due on January 9th, and you can send it directly to my email at marthawall@school.edu. Thank you for considering my request, and I hope to hear from you soon!
   Sincerely,
   Martha Wall

How to Ask a Professor You Don’t Know Well

If you don’t have a close relationship with the professor, provide them with ample information to assist them in writing the letter. Include feedback from their class and relevant documents like your transcript.

Sharing a personal anecdote about your engagement in their class can help. For example:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Asking a Professor for a Letter of Recommendation

Here are some pitfalls to avoid when requesting a letter of recommendation:

• Assuming the Professor Owes You a Letter. Professors are not obligated to provide recommendations. Always approach your request with respect and an understanding that they may decline.

• Simply Asking. Go beyond just asking for a letter. Provide necessary information that simplifies the process for them, including your resume, transcript, and career goals.

• Being Impatient. Once a professor agrees to write your letter, refrain from sending multiple follow-up emails. Trust their professional judgment and wait for them to respond.

FAQs About Professor Letters of Recommendation

1. Can I ask a professor for a letter of recommendation over email?

   Yes, you can ask a professor for a letter of recommendation over email. While in-person requests are encouraged, many professors appreciate the convenience of email communication.

2. Can I still ask a professor for a letter of recommendation if I don’t know them very well?

   Yes, you can still ask a professor for a letter of recommendation even if your relationship isn’t close. Make your request as personalized as possible and provide ample information about your time in their class.

3. Are letters of recommendation important?

   Yes, letters of recommendation are important. Many employers value external opinions on candidates during the hiring process. A strong recommendation can elevate your application.

4. How far in advance should I ask a professor for a letter of recommendation?

   Ask a professor for a letter of recommendation as early as possible. The sooner you approach them, the more time they’ll have to write a thoughtful letter.

5. How long should a letter of recommendation be?

   A letter of recommendation should typically be one page long. It should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. Providing your application materials, along with a pre-addressed envelope, can facilitate the process.

Final Thoughts

Requesting a letter of recommendation from a professor can seem intimidating, but remember that most professors genuinely want to support their students’ success. Be courteous, provide ample notice, and ensure the process is straightforward for them.

References

1. Arizona State University – How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation

Author

Caitlin Mazur

Caitlin Mazur is a freelance writer at Zippia. Caitlin is passionate about helping Zippia’s readers land the jobs of their dreams by offering content that discusses job-seeking advice based on experience and extensive research. Caitlin holds a degree in English from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA.