GUIDELINES
- Constantly make sure whose recommendation will be accepted- professors from your previous classes, immediate supervisors from your earlier work, or other high ranking persons whose assessments the reader will deem essential. The letter must be polite, since requesting this letter is a burden on his or her time. There are instances where writers will write a small letter before refusing, thus be confident that the writer will give you a strong recommendation letter.
- Request for the reader to make a recommendation letter on your behalf. Assist the reader to remember details on how he or she met you (e.g. As an employee, classmate, student). Tell him or her when you exactly started to be associated.
- Define the specific post on which you want to apply.
- Provide your reader some information to write by explaining your past experiences, works and contributions. Indicate how you are qualified for the positions, for example, your skills. The objective of the letter is to have him or her write more than "Jane is a good person." Provide him or her a fully detailed resume, this will help him or her remember specific events that will be helpful on your behalf. Add it together with your letter. In most cases, you can include your resume as an attachment with a request on email.
- Tell him or her you are thankful for his or her time and consideration. Provide details of how the recommendation letter will be sent.
SAMPLE LETTER
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Letter Date]
[Address line]
[State, ZIP Code]
[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-
Dear [Recipients Name],
Presently, I am working on my applications to different graduate schools, and I find it essential to look for individuals who can give letters of recommendation about me. I have many mentors but you are the one who helped me the most in my intellectual advancement, and you have an excellent perspective when it comes to my capabilities. As such, I am asking you to support me in my dream to pursue higher education.
I am aware that you are busy with your many commitments and responsibilities, but I hope you will spare me some of your precious time to write a letter of recommendation. After all, the deadline is still two months away. I have also attached the recommendation forms of each University wherein I am hoping to apply. If you are not able to grant my request for any reason at all, I will understand. Your contributions to my education are already generous, and I am truly grateful.
Sincerely,
[Senders Name]
[Senders Title] -Optional-
[Enclosures: number] - Optional -
cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -
Letter to request someone to write a recommendation letter.
Further things to consider when writing request letters to acquaintances
Request Letters
Request letters are letters written to ask formally or politely for something. Any matter that requires a humble and polite appeal can be put forward using a request letter. It could be a job interview, a promotion, or a favor; a request letter will get the job done. A request letter can be formal or informal depending on the recipient. If you are requesting a friend to do a task for you, for instance, you can choose to go informal. But if you are requesting your manager for a promotion, the letter has to be formal. Either way, a request letter must be sent early enough to give the recipient ample time to process and respond to the request.
When writing request letters, you need to be brief and direct, avoiding any auxiliary information that might weaken the message you are conveying. State exactly and clearly what you are requesting for giving reasons for it. If you are requesting for a raise, for example, explain in details why you think you deserve one. Maintain a polite tone throughout the letter. Close the letter by thanking the recipient in advance and expressing your anticipation for his/her consideration.
Letters to Acquaintances
Letters to acquaintances are letters you write to people that you know slightly, but who are not close friends. An acquaintance could be a colleague at work but whom you do not interact with on a regular basis, a person you went to school with but know little about him/her, or your Facebook contacts whom you interact with on a minor level. You could write a letter to this person to ask for a favor, invite him/her to a social event, or just pass some information. Although most people would opt for a social media message or text, a well-drafted letter will make the recipient see the seriousness of the matter and feel obliged to return the favor.
The best letters to acquaintances are warm, sweet, and friendly. Begin the letter with a proper salutation, based on your relationship with the recipient. State the purpose of the letter and be clear about what you want from the recipient. If you are asking him/her to do something for you, for instance, mention why you think he/she is the best person to get it done. Make the letter short and only provide the necessary details. Conclude on a positive note.
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