When there is an interview near the corner many proprietors will request a letter of recommendation or reference letter from other companies or managers. It is usually requested before, during, or after the interview is finished. To stand out in the interview process a letter of recommendation is a life-saving option in these tough competitive times. In these times getting a letter of recommendation is tough but a thing that can ease your interview process. In this article, we discuss How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
When Should You Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
A month before your application gets over the foremost step of requesting a letter is the timing. The best timing is always earlier before the application deadline process so that it will be drafted and delivered to you at the right time.
Who to ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
The best people for a letter of recommendation will be the people who know you well. Who knows your talents, skills, and hard work? These can be the people from high school or any professor from your college days. The more the person is on the corporate world’s higher ladder, the better will be the recommendation letter.
A person who has an advanced degree in the same field or supervised you in the job or during your internship days. Always lookout for a person who has shown his confidence and trust so that the letter will be genuine and useful during the interview process.
Email Template for Asking for a Letter of Recommendation/Recommendation Letter Sample
Example -1
Professor,
My name is Xyz. I took your classes. You may remember me as a bright student who learned many things through your hard work and dedication and I was proud to be studying under you.
I know you will be busy so I get straight to the point. I am currently applying and my interview process is going on so I was trying to gather some letters of recommendation. So, I started asking you if you would be able to draft a strong letter of recommendation for my interview process application.
I would be thrilled to meet at your convenience if that would be good for you. And I would share the CV and other things with you if you needed.
If you are uncomfortable writing a letter of recommendation for me you can openly say to as I would understand that.
I oblige for taking the time to look into my request.
Example -2
Hi professor,
This is XYZ. I hope everything is going well. It’s been a long time since we have talked. I am right now applying for application processes for my job interviews. I have taken your subject in my initial years.
Right now, I am in the middle of collecting a letter of recommendation. And your name popped up in my mind. In my initial years, your subject has helped me a lot. Would you be in a position to draft a letter of recommendation for me?
I would be thrilled to meet at your convenience if that would be good for you. And I would share the CV and other things with you if you needed.
If you are uncomfortable writing a letter of recommendation for me you can openly say so as I would understand that.
I oblige by taking the time to look into my request.
Example -3
Professor,
My name is XYZ. I have been in your class. You will not be able to remember me as I had a hard childhood and I was. But I am proud to be who I am because of you
I know you are in between many things so I will get straight to the point. Right now, I am applying for interviews so I need some letters of recommendation. Because of a different nature of me, I was not good at making relations with the professors but I enjoyed the classes and courses. So, I planned to start with you. Would it be feasible for you to draft a letter of recommendation for my application process?
I would be thrilled to meet at your convenience if that would be good for you. And I would share the CV and other things with you if you needed.
If you are uncomfortable writing a letter of recommendation for me you can openly say so as I would understand that.
I oblige by taking the time to look into my request.
How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation?
- Choose the right reference for drafting
- Ask early to get before the application deadlines of the interview process
- Start with complimenting the person from whom you are asking the letter of recommendation
- Give them all the details and information needed to draft
- Always add a way out for the person who is drifting the letter of recommendation
How to ask for a recommendation by position?
- Asking your teacher or professor
They know you very well and spend most of the time with them so you know which teacher or professor’s letter will be valuable for the interview process. So, you can be formal or casual while requesting a letter. But keep a note to ask as early as possible as tons of requests are already pending on their desks.
- Asking your associates
Asking your workmates will add the essential things like what are your skill sets, disciplined area, expertise area, how good a worker you are, and information regarding your work ethics will be covered by them.
Conclusion
Asking for a letter of recommendation is always a tough task but if we request a proper format that includes all the details and information regarding you. Many people will reject your requests but you should ask all the available people around you so that you can stand out in the interview.
FAQ:
Question: How to ask for a letter of recommendation from your teacher?
Answer: You should be choosing the teacher with whom you have shared most of the times so that you can be open about the things you need and that teacher knows you very well which helps you get a strong recommendation.
Question: How much time before you should ask for a letter of recommendation?
Answer: You should be asking for the letter at least 3 weeks in advance so that person has enough time to draft your request and to write a strong recommendation letter.
Question: How to follow up after requesting?
Answer:
- You should wait at least 10 days
- Send another mail asking politely regarding the same
- Still got no reply you should call them once
- If they are ready to draft write a good thanksgiving note to them