Letters of recommendation "communicate a lot of revealing information about you to admissions officers, who are looking for students with impressive academic, personal, and social skills who will succeed in college and beyond, in whatever way that's authentic to them."
When you request a recommendation letter from your employer, you need to take the following into consideration:
Who should I ask to write me this letter?
What should I have them include in the letter?
When should I ask them to write me the letter?
How can I thank them for writing me the letter?
Who should I ask to write me this letter?
When deciding who should write the letter, consider asking your manager or someone in authority at your workplace instead of a coworker. This is because institutions often add authority and unbiased information to the letter. However, a colleague will add a more team-oriented perspective.
Photo by Thomas Lefebvre on UnsplashTo decide the best candidate for the letter, look at:
The college's mission statement. This will help you see whose voice would align best with the mission.
The letter of recommendation's requirements. Often, it clearly states that the letter writer must be a manager.
If there are multiple managers or roles with some level of authority, ask yourself who has your best interests at heart.
Quiz
Imagine you work for a clothing store. Which person would be the best choice to write your letter of recommendation for college admissions?
What should I have them include in the letter?
Often, the people you work with only know you in one setting, but you can share with them information about what you do outside of your current job (resume, hobbies, volunteer experiences, etc). This will help them write more about you and showcase how well-rounded you are, which is important for college admissions.
That being said, after they've agreed to write you the letter of recommendation, be sure to emphasize:
The qualities and skills you want them to mention.
Why you believe you're a great fit for the college you are applying to.
How these skills align with the college's mission.
When should I ask them to write it?
The sooner, the better! You can briefly mention that you're applying to college and would love if they could write you a letter. Once they agree to do so, ask them if a month before it's due would be enough time for them to write it.
Photo by ostudio on UnsplashWhen you ask them, send an email! The email should contain the following:
The college you are applying for and major.
What you'd like them to include in your letter + a resume.
The date you'd like them to submit it by or the college's deadline.
Pro tip: I always give those writing me a letter of recommendation a sooner deadline than the college's. A couple of days before that deadline, I usually follow up with a gentle reminder to ensure they submit it in time.
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How should I write my request email?
The email below is a sample you can use as a template. It's from Leanne, who is applying to a professional writing program. Leanne is asking the manager of a local community center, where she worked for the summer as a social media assistant.
Hello Sally,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to ask if you would be willing to write me a letter of recommendation for the Professional Writing program at Penman College. As a person who supervised my writing skills when I worked for the community center as a social media assistant this past summer, your letter would help me tremendously!
I went ahead and included important information below:
A link to the program: [insert link]
My resume is attached in case you wish to reference it
It would be great if you could mention my dedication to the craft of writing. The letter would have the most impact if it focuses on my passion for helping people express themselves in authentic ways.
The letter must be submitted by Monday, November 28th. Could you please complete and send it by Friday, November 25th? The college is requesting that the letter be submitted via email to: admissions.profwrit@penmancollege.edu
Please let me know if you have any questions. I truly appreciate your help and look forward to hearing from you!
Kind regards,
Your Name
How can I thank them for writing me the letter?
Once they've written the letter, always send a follow-up email thanking them for their help and willingness to help. You can also create a digital thank you card and email it to them. If your finances allow it, you might want to send them an e-gift card to a coffee shop or online store. If this isn't possible, a thank you and kind words go a long way!
Photo by Madeleine Kohler on UnsplashTake Action
You can start your journey by doing the following:
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