How to ask a professor for a letter of recommendation.

A well-crafted letter of recommendation from a professor who knows you well can set you apart from other applicants.

When it comes to applying for internships, jobs, scholarships, or graduate school, learning how to ask for a letter of recommendation is a smart move when starting your career or a new education opportunity, especially if you don’t have a lot of related experience in your chosen field.

Why you should ask for a letter of recommendation.

A letter of recommendation offers insight into who you are, not just what you’ve accomplished. It brings to life qualities that may not always shine through on paper — things like your personality, strengths, and character. A professor is a great option for a recommendation because they can speak not only to your academic performance but also to your work ethic, potential, collaboration style, and contributions in the classroom.

How do you choose which professor to ask?

The more personalized and specific your letter of recommendation is, the more valuable and effective it will be. That’s why when deciding which professor to ask for a letter of recommendation, you should choose someone who knows you well.

Consider a professor who’s witnessed your growth and can speak to your strengths and character. It also can help to choose someone who’s instructed you in a subject most relevant to your goals, as their recommendation will carry more weight. If you haven’t spoken to the professor outside the classroom, like during office hours or departmental activities, or if you didn’t do well in their class, chances are they aren’t the best fit.

Give your professor enough notice.

Professors have a lot on their plate between teaching, meeting with students, and attending activities — especially at the end of the semester. The more time you can give them, the better. A good rule of thumb is at least four to six weeks before your deadline. That will give them enough time to write a thorough and thoughtful letter.

3 ways to ask a professor for a recommendation.

Depending on your professor’s schedule and preferences, you can reach out in a few different ways.

1. Email: Perhaps the most common and convenient method, email allows you to send all the necessary information in a clear, organized format, and it gives the professor time to consider your request.
2. In-person: If you have regular office hours with your professor, meeting in person can be convenient and effective. It’s more personal, and you’re more likely to get a quick yes or no. Just don’t forget to send your resume and other materials afterward.
3. Phone or video call: If you’re no longer a student or your professor isn’t teaching on campus, a phone or video call is a viable option — as long as your professor is comfortable with it.

What to include in your recommendation request.

If you want to help your professor write the most effective recommendation, it’s important to give them the right supporting materials from the outset. Here’s what to include in your request:

• Resume: Send your latest resume so your professor can reference your accomplishments, skills, and experience. Be sure to provide your resume as a PDF to ensure the formatting stays consistent with our Word to PDF converter tool.
• Brag sheet: Create a list of your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant personal experiences. You could include these in your resume instead if there’s room.
• Job description or program information: This helps your professor tailor the recommendation to a specific role, institution, or organization.
• Submission guidelines: These include the deadline, submission process, and formatting requirements, if applicable. If the guidelines are long, you can edit the PDF to highlight key areas you want your professor to focus on.

How to draft your email request.

If you’re sending an email to ask a professor for a letter of recommendation, keep it clear, polite, and professional, starting with the subject line. Clearly state what you’re asking for and include your name. For example, “Request for letter of recommendation for [your name].”

Address the professor with their professional title (professor, Dr., etc.), and use the first few sentences to explain what you’re asking for and why you chose them specifically. That can help them understand what aspects of your work or personality to highlight. Include any essential details that will make the process as easy as possible. And be sure to close your email by expressing gratitude for their time and willingness to help.

Here’s an example of a friendly, yet professional email request for a letter of recommendation:

And don’t forget to send a thank you note for your letter of recommendation — it’s a professional courtesy that won’t go unnoticed. Be sure to send it within a few days of receiving your professor’s recommendation, and express appreciation for their time and thoughtfulness.

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