Asking for letters of recommendation can feel intimidating, but with the right approach, it can be an opportunity to show colleges or jobs who you are. Whether you are applying for college, a scholarship, or a part-time job, these letters can give whoever reads them a better sense of your work ethic, character, and achievements. When put this way, being scared to ask for a recommendation letter seems unnecessary. After all, those teachers, coaches, or advisors have seen you grow and succeed and are, therefore, rooting for you. Here’s how to make asking for letters of recommendation a smooth and stress-free experience:
- Pick the Right Person
While it may seem obvious, this is a big one. When asking for letters of recommendation, you want to pick someone who knows you well enough to write a genuine, thoughtful letter. Some examples of an excellent person to ask might be a coach who saw and acknowledged your dedication, a teacher whose class you excelled in, or even an advisor/supervisor from an extracurricular activity. Some things to consider when picking someone:
- Ensure they can speak to your skills and character (not just your grades).
- They have known you for at least a year.
- They have seen you in action.
- Ask Early
No one likes to be rushed, especially when it comes to writing a letter of recommendation. Make sure to go anywhere from a few weeks to a month before the letter is due. Asking early gives the recommender enough time to write and shows that you’re organized and respect their time.
- Be Clear and Organized
When you ask, be specific as to what you need. Let your recommender know the letter’s purpose (college, job, internship, etc.) and when it’s due. If there are any guidelines they must follow, including a word count, specific questions, a list of achievements, etc., make sure they know about it upfront. To help them craft a more personalized letter, send them your resume, achievements, or a summary of your goals.
- Send Them a Friendly Reminder
If your recommender hasn’t replied, don’t panic. People are busy, and deadlines may sneak up on them. For this reason, don’t be scared to send them a friendly reminder if your letter hasn’t been submitted as the due date approaches. Make sure that while writing, you keep it light and polite and say, “I just wanted to check in to see if there’s anything else you need from me for the letter.”
- Stay in Touch
Building a relationship with your recommender is vital. Keep in touch and maintain a connection even after the letter is written. The person you chose for your recommendation is the same person who went out of their way to show their support for you!
In the end, asking for a letter of recommendation is all about confidence and respect. You’ve worked hard, and the people you choose to write these letters have firsthand seen your growth and dedication. So don’t be afraid to ask—they’re probably more than happy to help you succeed!
