PLAN AHEAD
At a minimum, you should give your recommenders a month’s advance notice.
Ideally, you should give your recommenders about two to three months advance notice. This will not only make it easier for them to write the letter, but it also demonstrates that you are planning ahead and have thought carefully about your application process.
It is always good to have a list of about five potential recommenders, in case you need more than three (the usual) and in case one or two of them are unavailable.
BRING YOUR OWN MATERIALS
Ideally, you should make an appointment to ask your recommenders for a letter. But if you’re doing so electronically, make sure to explain where you are applying to, when the deadline is, and what you would need from them. Once they have agreed to write your letter, send them an email that includes:
- Resume or CV
- Any materials that will help her/him write a detailed and specific letter for you (e.g. essays you wrote for their classes, documents you might have created as part of your job). These materials should be exemplary and speak of your best work.
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-I recommend this if you haven’t been in contact with a professor in over a year.
- If you already have it, a sample of your personal statement.
- Cleary specify deadlines for each program, job, etc. on your email.
- Make sure to ask them if they need any other materials.
HOW TO ASK
It’s always preferable to ask your teacher/employer for a recommendation letter in person.
This shows them that you are personable and proactive. Of course, the request can also be done over email, and some people may even prefer it that way, but the same personal touches can be added to an email correspondence.
It is important when making a request for a recommendation letter that you approach your teacher with respect and the knowledge that you are asking them for a favor. Though most teachers expect to send out many letters of recommendation as part of their job, it is always helpful (not to mention polite) to show them that you appreciate the time that they are giving you.
EXAMPLE 1
Email I sent to my recommenders (Professor)
Subject line: Letter of Recommendation Request for (name)
Dear Title. your recommenders name,
I hope this email finds you well! My name is (your name) and you were my professor at the (your undergrad). I have taken your (class name) (Semester + term). I found your classes stimulating and a huge part in my decision to pursue a career in law.
It’s been a few semesters since we last talked and I am finally in the process of applying to law school. As I prepare my application materials and am looking for recommenders, I immediately thought of you as someone who may be able to speak highly of me in an academic view. Since your classes were an important piece of my path to law school, would you be able to write me a strong Letter of Recommendation for my application?
I would be more happy to meet with you via Zoom at your convenience to refresh your memory of me if that would be helpful. Of course I would also provide my personal statement, resume, and any other documentation that you would like.
I realize that writing a Letter of Recommendation is a momentous request, but it would mean so much if you would take the time to read and consider my request.
Warm Regards,
(your name)
EXAMPLE 2
Email I sent to my recommenders (Professional)
Subject line: Letter of Recommendation Request for (name)
Good Title. your recommenders name,
I hope you are doing well! As you know, I am pursuing a career in law and in the process of applying to law school. As part of the prerequisites for acceptance to law school, I have been asked to provide a letter of recommendation.
Would you be so kind as to write such a letter, with particular comments in regard to my work and character during my time with (office of employment)? Out of the two and a half years of working with you, I believe that you know me well enough and have a high enough regard for my abilities to write me a letter of recommendation for my credentials file. You have seen my leadership skills, public speaking skills, and professional skills in action and I believe that you can speak highly of my character. I would also provide my personal statement, resume, and any other documentation that you would like.
The deadline for submitting the letter is (Date). If you have any questions, feel free to reach me via email at (email) or via phone at (number). I am looking forward to hearing from you! Thank you in advance for your time.