Imam Why is Writing a Request Letter Recommendation Writing Instructors So Hard? Your Problems, Answered
Writing a request letter to a recommendation writing instructor can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unsure of what to say or how to approach the instructor. Here are some common pain points or fears users have about writing this letter:
- Fear of rejection or a negative response from the instructor
- Uncertainty about the tone and language to use in the letter
- Difficulty in conveying one’s strengths and achievements effectively
- Lack of confidence in one’s writing abilities
The Basic Framework for an Effective Letter
A well-structured request letter to a recommendation writing instructor should include a clear introduction, a brief overview of your achievements and strengths, and a specific request for the instructor’s recommendation. Keep your tone professional, polite, and respectful, and make sure to proofread your letter for grammar and spelling errors.
Here’s a simple blueprint you can follow:
Introduction → Brief Overview → Specific Request → Closing
Application in Practice: 14 Scenarios & Examples
Scenario 1: Requesting a Recommendation from a Former Professor
February 10, 2023
Professor John Smith
Department of English
University of California
Dear Professor Smith,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Creative Writing at the University of California. I had the pleasure of taking your Advanced Fiction Writing course during my junior year, and I believe your endorsement would carry significant weight in my application.
As you may recall, I was an active participant in class, and my short story, “The Lost City,” was published in the university’s literary magazine. I am confident that my writing skills and passion for storytelling make me an ideal candidate for the program.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be grateful if you could speak to my writing abilities, creativity, and potential for success in the program.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Lee
Practical Takeaway: Personalize your letter by mentioning specific details about your interactions with the instructor, such as a memorable class discussion or a notable achievement.
Scenario 2: Requesting a Recommendation from a Current Employer
March 20, 2023
Ms. Jane Doe
Manager, Marketing Department
ABC Corporation
Dear Ms. Doe,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Business Administration at the University of Michigan. As my supervisor, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my skills, strengths, and accomplishments in the marketing field.
During my tenure at ABC Corporation, I have had the opportunity to work on several high-profile campaigns, including the successful launch of our new product line. I am confident that my experience, combined with the skills and knowledge I will acquire through the MBA program, will enable me to make a significant impact in the industry.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would appreciate it if you could highlight my leadership skills, creativity, and ability to work effectively in a team.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this further with you.
Sincerely,
David K. Brown
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your relevant work experience and skills, and explain how the instructor’s endorsement will support your career goals.
Scenario 3: Requesting a Recommendation from a Mentor
April 15, 2023
Dr. Maria Rodriguez
Founder, Writers’ Mentorship Program
Dear Dr. Rodriguez,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Writing Workshop at the University of Iowa. As my mentor, I believe you have a unique understanding of my writing style, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Through our regular meetings and writing sessions, I have made significant progress in developing my craft, and I am confident that the Writing Workshop will provide me with the ideal environment to hone my skills further.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be grateful if you could speak to my writing abilities, creativity, and dedication to the craft.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Sophia P. Patel
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your mentor’s specific contributions to your growth as a writer, and explain how their endorsement will support your writing career.
Scenario 4: Requesting a Recommendation from a Colleague
May 5, 2023
Ms. Rachel Lee
Editor, The Daily Times
Dear Ms. Lee,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Journalism at the University of Missouri. As a colleague and editor, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under tight deadlines.
During my time at The Daily Times, I have had the opportunity to work on several high-profile stories, including the investigative piece on city corruption. I am confident that my experience, combined with the skills and knowledge I will acquire through the Master’s program, will enable me to make a significant impact in the journalism industry.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would appreciate it if you could highlight my writing abilities, research skills, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this further with you.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Kim
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your relevant work experience and skills, and explain how the colleague’s endorsement will support your career goals.
Scenario 5: Requesting a Recommendation from a Community Leader
June 10, 2023
Reverend James Johnson
Pastor, Community Church
Dear Reverend Johnson,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Nonprofit Management at the University of Washington. As a community leader, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my character, work ethic, and dedication to serving others.
Through my volunteer work at the Community Church, I have had the opportunity to develop my leadership skills, work with diverse groups, and make a positive impact in the community. I am confident that the Master’s program will provide me with the ideal environment to further develop my skills and make a meaningful difference in the nonprofit sector.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be grateful if you could speak to my leadership abilities, empathy, and commitment to serving others.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Amanda L. Rodriguez
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your relevant volunteer work and skills, and explain how the community leader’s endorsement will support your career goals in the nonprofit sector.
Scenario 6: Requesting a Recommendation from a Former Supervisor
July 15, 2023
Mr. Christopher Martin
Former Supervisor, ABC Corporation
Dear Mr. Martin,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Business Administration at the University of Michigan. As my former supervisor, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my skills, strengths, and accomplishments in the business field.
During my time at ABC Corporation, I had the opportunity to work on several high-profile projects, including the successful launch of our new product line. I am confident that my experience, combined with the skills and knowledge I will acquire through the MBA program, will enable me to make a significant impact in the industry.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would appreciate it if you could highlight my leadership skills, creativity, and ability to work effectively in a team.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this further with you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth K. Lee
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your relevant work experience and skills, and explain how the former supervisor’s endorsement will support your career goals.
Scenario 7: Requesting a Recommendation from a Research Advisor
August 20, 2023
Dr. David Kim
Research Advisor, University of California
Dear Dr. Kim,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Ph.D. program in Computer Science at the University of California. As my research advisor, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my research skills, analytical abilities, and potential for success in the program.
Through my research project on artificial intelligence, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in machine learning, data analysis, and programming. I am confident that the Ph.D. program will provide me with the ideal environment to further develop my skills and make a significant contribution to the field.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be grateful if you could speak to my research abilities, creativity, and potential for success in the program.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Y. Park
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your relevant research experience and skills, and explain how the research advisor’s endorsement will support your career goals in the field.
Scenario 8: Requesting a Recommendation from a Volunteer Supervisor
September 10, 2023
Ms. Sarah Taylor
Volunteer Supervisor, Habitat for Humanity
Dear Ms. Taylor,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Nonprofit Management at the University of Washington. As my volunteer supervisor, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my character, work ethic, and dedication to serving others.
Through my volunteer work at Habitat for Humanity, I have had the opportunity to develop my leadership skills, work with diverse groups, and make a positive impact in the community. I am confident that the Master’s program will provide me with the ideal environment to further develop my skills and make a meaningful difference in the nonprofit sector.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be grateful if you could speak to my leadership abilities, empathy, and commitment to serving others.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Brown
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your relevant volunteer work and skills, and explain how the volunteer supervisor’s endorsement will support your career goals in the nonprofit sector.
Scenario 9: Requesting a Recommendation from a Coach or Mentor
October 15, 2023
Coach John Smith
Head Coach, University of California
Dear Coach Smith,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Sports Management at the University of Massachusetts. As my coach and mentor, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my leadership skills, work ethic, and dedication to the sport.
Through my experience as a student-athlete, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in team management, communication, and leadership. I am confident that the Master’s program will provide me with the ideal environment to further develop my skills and make a significant impact in the sports industry.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be grateful if you could speak to my leadership abilities, work ethic, and dedication to the sport.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this further with you.
Sincerely,
James D. Lee
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your relevant experience and skills, and explain how the coach or mentor’s endorsement will support your career goals in the sports industry.
Scenario 10: Requesting a Recommendation from a Research Collaborator
November 20, 2023
Dr. Maria Rodriguez
Research Collaborator, University of California
Dear Dr. Rodriguez,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Ph.D. program in Biology at the University of California. As my research collaborator, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my research skills, analytical abilities, and potential for success in the program.
Through our research project on genetic engineering, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in molecular biology, data analysis, and scientific writing. I am confident that the Ph.D. program will provide me with the ideal environment to further develop my skills and make a significant contribution to the field.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be grateful if you could speak to my research abilities, creativity, and potential for success in the program.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Kim
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your relevant research experience and skills, and explain how the research collaborator’s endorsement will support your career goals in the field.
Scenario 11: Requesting a Recommendation from a Business Partner
December 10, 2023
Mr. David Lee
Business Partner, ABC Corporation
Dear Mr. Lee,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Business Administration at the University of Michigan. As my business partner, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my skills, strengths, and accomplishments in the business field.
Through our partnership, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in management, marketing, and finance. I am confident that the Master’s program will provide me with the ideal environment to further develop my skills and make a significant impact in the industry.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be grateful if you could highlight my leadership skills, creativity, and ability to work effectively in a team.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this further with you.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Kim
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your relevant business experience and skills, and explain how the business partner’s endorsement will support your career goals.
Scenario 12: Requesting a Recommendation from a Community Organization Leader
January 15, 2024
Ms. Sophia Patel
Executive Director, Community Organization
Dear Ms. Patel,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Nonprofit Management at the University of Washington. As the executive director of the community organization, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my character, work ethic, and dedication to serving others.
Through my volunteer work at the community organization, I have had the opportunity to develop my leadership skills, work with diverse groups, and make a positive impact in the community. I am confident that the Master’s program will provide me with the ideal environment to further develop my skills and make a meaningful difference in the nonprofit sector.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be grateful if you could speak to my leadership abilities, empathy, and commitment to serving others.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
David K. Brown
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your relevant volunteer work and skills, and explain how the community organization leader’s endorsement will support your career goals in the nonprofit sector.
Scenario 13: Requesting a Recommendation from a Peer
February 20, 2024
Ms. Rachel Lee
Peer and Colleague
Dear Ms. Lee,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Journalism at the University of Missouri. As a peer and colleague, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under tight deadlines.
Through our work together on the school newspaper, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in research, writing, and editing. I am confident that the Master’s program will provide me with the ideal environment to further develop my skills and make a significant impact in the journalism industry.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would appreciate it if you could highlight my writing abilities, research skills, and ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this further with you.
Sincerely,
Emily J. Lee
Practical Takeaway: Emphasize your relevant work experience and skills, and explain how the peer’s endorsement will support your career goals in the journalism industry.
Scenario 14: Requesting a Recommendation from a Family Friend
March 15, 2024
Mr. John Smith
Family Friend
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to request a letter of recommendation to support my application to the Master’s program in Business Administration at the University of Michigan. As a family friend, I believe you are well-positioned to speak to my character, work ethic, and dedication to achieving my goals.
Through our conversations and interactions, I have had the opportunity to develop my skills in communication, leadership, and problem-solving. I am confident that the Master’s program will provide me with the ideal environment to further develop my skills and make a significant impact in the business industry.
Would you be willing to write a letter of recommendation on my behalf? I would be grateful if you could speak to my leadership abilities, creativity, and dedication to achieving my goals.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this further with you.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Kim
Practical Takeaway: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and explain how the family friend’s endorsement will support your career goals in the business industry.
Final Checklist: Is Your Letter Ready to Send?
Before submitting your request letter, make sure to review the following checklist:
- Have you clearly stated your purpose and request?
- Have you provided sufficient context and background information?
- Have you highlighted your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements?
- Have you shown appreciation and gratitude for the instructor’s time and consideration?
- Have you proofread your letter for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors?
- Have you tailored your letter to the specific instructor and program?
- Have you included a clear call to action and contact information?
By following these guidelines and examples, you can create a well-structured and effective request letter that showcases your skills, experiences, and goals. Remember to tailor your letter to the specific instructor and program, and don’t hesitate to ask for feedback and guidance along the way.