Asking someone to write a reference letter for you can be a daunting task, but it’s a necessary one if you’re applying for a job, scholarship, or program. In this article, we’ll provide tips and examples to help you ask for a reference letter and ensure that it speaks highly of your skills and character.
Tips for Asking for a Reference Letter
Before you ask someone to write a reference letter for you, it’s important to prepare so that you can make the process as easy as possible for them. Here are some tips:
1. Choose the Right Person
When asking for a reference letter, choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your skills and character. This could be a former employer, professor, or mentor.
2. Give Them Enough Time
Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for a reference letter. Give the person at least two weeks to write the letter so that they have time to think about what they want to say and can write a thoughtful letter.
3. Provide Them with Information
Make sure to give the person you’re asking for a reference letter all the information they need, such as the job or program you’re applying for and your resume or CV. This will help them write a letter that is tailored to the position you’re applying for.
4. Say Thank You
After the person has written the reference letter, make sure to thank them for their time and effort. You may also want to send them a small gift or token of appreciation to show your gratitude.
Reference Letter Examples
Reference Letter for a Job
Dear [Name],
I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write a reference letter for me as I apply for a new job. I have greatly valued our time working together at [Company Name] and believe that your letter would be a valuable asset to my job application.
If you are willing and able to write a reference letter, please let me know and I will provide you with any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Graduate School
Dear [Name],
I am applying to graduate school and would be honored if you would write a reference letter for me. As my professor during my undergraduate studies, I believe that you have a deep understanding of my academic abilities and can speak to my potential as a graduate student.
Please let me know if you are willing and able to write a reference letter, and if so, I will provide you with any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Volunteer Position
Dear [Name],
I am applying for a volunteer position at [Organization Name] and am required to submit a reference letter as part of my application. I would be grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation for me, as I believe that your insight into my character and dedication to volunteering would be valuable to the organization.
If you are willing and able to write a reference letter, please let me know and I will provide you with any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Scholarship
Dear [Name],
I am applying for a scholarship and am required to submit a reference letter as part of my application. I would be honored if you would write a letter of recommendation for me, as I believe that your insight into my academic and extracurricular achievements would be valuable to the scholarship committee.
Please let me know if you are willing and able to write a reference letter, and if so, I will provide you with any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Leadership Program
Dear [Name],
I am applying for a leadership program and am required to submit a reference letter as part of my application. I would be grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation for me, as I believe that your insight into my leadership abilities and potential would be valuable to the program committee.
If you are willing and able to write a reference letter, please let me know and I will provide you with any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Internship
Dear [Name],
I am applying for an internship and am required to submit a reference letter as part of my application. I would be honored if you would write a letter of recommendation for me, as I believe that your insight into my skills and work ethic would be valuable to the organization.
Please let me know if you are willing and able to write a reference letter, and if so, I will provide you with any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Reference Letter for Study Abroad Program
Dear [Name],
I am applying for a study abroad program and am required to submit a reference letter as part of my application. I would be grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation for me, as I believe that your insight into my academic abilities and cultural competence would be valuable to the program committee.
If you are willing and able to write a reference letter, please let me know and I will provide you with any additional information you may need.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I provide to someone when asking them to write a reference letter?
When asking someone to write a reference letter for you, you should provide them with all the information they need to write a thoughtful and thorough letter. This includes the job or program you’re applying for, your resume or CV, and any other relevant information about your skills and experience.
Who should I ask to write a reference letter for me?
You should ask someone who knows you well and can speak to your skills and character. This could be a former employer, professor, or mentor.
How much notice should I give someone before asking them to write a reference letter?
You should give the person at least two weeks to write the letter so that they have time to think about what they want to say and can write a thoughtful letter.
Is it appropriate to send a gift to someone who writes a reference letter for me?
It’s not necessary, but it’s a nice gesture to send a small gift or token of appreciation to show your gratitude for their time and effort.
Should I follow up with someone who hasn’t submitted a reference letter for me?
If the deadline for the reference letter has passed and the person hasn’t submitted it, it’s appropriate to follow up with them to see if there’s anything you can do to help or if they need any additional information.
Can I edit a reference letter after it’s been written?
It’s not appropriate to edit a reference letter after it’s been written, but you can ask the person who wrote it if they’re willing to make any changes or additions.
Conclusion
Asking someone to write a reference letter for you can be stressful, but if you prepare well and choose the right person, it can be a valuable asset to your job or program application. By following these tips and using these examples, you can ensure that your reference letter speaks highly of your skills and character.