If you are seeking a reference letter from your professor, it is important to make a formal request. A well-written letter can make all the difference in securing a job or getting into a graduate program. In this article, we will discuss how to request a reference letter from your professor, provide tips on how to make your request stand out, and give examples you can use and edit as needed.
Tips for Requesting a Reference Letter from your Professor
To request a reference letter from your professor, follow these tips:
1. Start Early
Request your reference letter well in advance of when you need it. Professors are busy and may not have the time to complete your letter if you wait until the last minute. Give them enough time to write a thoughtful and compelling letter.
2. Be Specific
Provide your professor with details about why you need the reference letter, what the letter should include, and how it will be used. This will help your professor tailor the letter to your specific needs.
3. Provide Information
Give your professor a copy of your resume, transcript, and any other relevant information. This will help them write a more detailed and accurate letter.
4. Be Polite
Make sure to thank your professor for taking the time to write the letter and let them know how much you appreciate their help.
5. Follow Up
After you have made your request, follow up with your professor to make sure they received it and ask if they need any additional information. This will show that you are serious about obtaining the letter and will help ensure that it is completed on time.
6. Provide a Stamped Envelope
If the letter needs to be mailed, provide a stamped envelope addressed to the recipient. This will make it easier for your professor to send the letter and ensure that it arrives on time.
7. Offer to Help
Finally, offer to help your professor in any way you can. This could include providing them with additional information or reminding them of upcoming deadlines.
Examples of Requesting a Reference Letter from your Professor
Requesting a Reference Letter for Graduate School
Dear Professor Andrews,
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to request a reference letter for my application to graduate school. The program requires three letters of recommendation and I was hoping that you could speak to my academic abilities and potential as a student.
As a reminder, I took your Advanced Statistics course last semester and earned an A. I am particularly proud of the project I completed in that course, which I believe demonstrates my ability to think critically and creatively. I have attached my resume and transcripts for your reference.
Thank you so much for your help. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need from me or if you have any questions.
Best regards,
John Smith
Sincerely,
John Smith
Requesting a Reference Letter for a Job Application
Dear Professor Johnson,
I am writing to request a reference letter for a job application I am submitting for a position at XYZ Corporation. Given my experience in your Advanced Marketing Strategies course, I believe you would be the perfect person to speak to my qualifications and potential as an employee.
As you may recall, in your course I completed a project focused on market research and used innovative strategies to collect and analyze data. I believe this project demonstrates my strengths in analysis and problem-solving, and I would be grateful if you could speak to these skills in your letter.
Thank you for your help. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need from me or if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Best,
Jane Doe
Requesting a Reference Letter for a Scholarship
Dear Professor Martinez,
I wanted to reach out and request a reference letter for a scholarship application I am submitting. The scholarship committee requires two letters of recommendation, and I was hoping that you could speak to my academic abilities and potential as a student.
You were my professor for several courses in the Environmental Science program, and I believe you can speak to my passion for sustainability and my commitment to making a difference in this field. I am particularly proud of the research project I completed in your course on Biodiversity and Conservation, which I believe demonstrates my ability to think critically and creatively about complex environmental issues.
Thank you for your help. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need from me or if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Emily Brown
Best regards,
Emily Brown
Requesting a Reference Letter for an Internship
Dear Professor Lee,
I am writing to request a reference letter for an internship application I am submitting to ABC Company. Given my experience in your Writing for the Media course, I believe you would be the perfect person to speak to my writing skills and potential as an intern.
As you may recall, in your course I completed several writing assignments focused on journalism and media writing. I believe these assignments demonstrate my strengths in writing, research, and storytelling, and I would be grateful if you could speak to these skills in your letter.
Thank you for your help. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need from me or if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Tom Wilson
Best,
Tom Wilson
Requesting a Reference Letter for a Volunteer Position
Dear Professor Evans,
I am writing to request a reference letter for a volunteer position I am applying for at the local animal shelter. Given my experience in your Animal Behavior course, I believe you would be the perfect person to speak to my passion for animals and my commitment to making a difference in this field.
As you may recall, in your course I completed several assignments focused on animal behavior and training. I believe these assignments demonstrate my strengths in observation, analysis, and communication, and I would be grateful if you could speak to these skills in your letter.
Thank you for your help. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need from me or if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Samantha Green
Sincerely,
Samantha Green
Requesting a Reference Letter for a Study Abroad Program
Dear Professor Kim,
I am writing to request a reference letter for a study abroad program I am applying for in Seoul, South Korea. The program requires two letters of recommendation, and I was hoping that you could speak to my academic abilities and potential as a student.
As you may recall, in your course on Korean History I completed a research paper on the cultural and historical significance of the Korean War. I believe this paper demonstrates my passion for Korean culture and history, and I would be grateful if you could speak to this in your letter.
Thank you for your help. Please let me know if there is any additional information you need from me or if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
David Lee
Best regards,
David Lee
Frequently Asked Questions about Requesting a Reference Letter from your Professor
How do I ask a professor for a reference letter?
To ask a professor for a reference letter, send them a polite email or schedule a meeting with them in person. Be specific about what you need the letter for, when you need it, and provide any additional information that may be helpful. Thank them for their time and let them know how much you appreciate their help.
How many reference letters should I ask for?
It is generally recommended to ask for at least two to three reference letters. This will provide a well-rounded view of your abilities and potential as a student or employee. However, be sure to check the specific requirements of the program or job application you are applying for, as they may have specific guidelines on the number of reference letters required.
What should I include in my request for a reference letter?
When requesting a reference letter, be sure to include specific details about why you need the letter, what it should include, and how it will be used. Provide your professor with any additional information that may be relevant, such as your resume or transcript. Be polite and show your appreciation for their time and help.
How long should I give my professor to complete the letter?
It is generally recommended to give your professor at least two to three weeks to complete the letter. However, be sure to check the specific deadline requirements for the program or job application you are applying for, as they may require the letters to be submitted by a specific date.
What should I do if my professor declines to write the letter?
If your professor declines to write the letter, do not take it personally. They may be too busy or feel that they are not the best person to provide a reference for you. In this case, thank them for their time and ask if they can suggest someone else who may be able to provide a reference.
Can I see the reference letter before it is submitted?
It is not typically appropriate to ask to see the reference letter before it is submitted. However, you can ask your professor if they would be willing to show you a copy of the letter after it has been submitted.
Should I send a thank you note after receiving the reference letter?
Yes, it is always a good idea to send a thank you note to your professor after receiving the reference letter. This shows your appreciation for their time and help, and helps to maintain a positive relationship with them.
Conclusion
Requesting a reference letter from your professor can seem daunting, but with the right approach, you can make the process go smoothly. Start early, be specific, provide information, be polite, follow up, offer to help, and provide a stamped envelope if needed. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can increase your chances of obtaining a well-written and compelling reference letter that will help you achieve your goals.