When it comes to applying for college, internships, or even scholarships, you’ll often be asked to provide a letter of recommendation. This letter plays a crucial role in presenting you as an excellent candidate, adding a layer of credibility to your application that can’t be captured through test scores or personal statements alone. But how do you request one—and ensure it truly strengthens your application?

While attending classes on campus or through online programs, such as those offered at Campus.edu, building strong relationships with teachers, mentors, and employers becomes key. These relationships are what you’ll rely on when it comes time to ask for a recommendation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you secure a stellar letter of recommendation.

Choose the Right Person

The first and most important step in securing a strong letter of recommendation is choosing the right person to write it. This letter should come from someone with professional authority who knows you well enough to speak to your skills, character, and potential.

Typically, the best people to ask include:

Teachers or Professors: They can provide insight into your academic abilities, work ethic, and participation in class.
Employers or Supervisors: If you’ve worked a part-time job or had an internship, your supervisor can highlight your responsibility, teamwork, and professional growth.
Coaches or Advisors: If you’re involved in extracurricular activities, sports, or clubs, a coach or advisor can speak to your leadership, dedication, and contributions outside the classroom.

Be sure to choose someone who knows you well enough to provide specific examples of your strengths. A generic letter from someone with an impressive title but little connection to you won’t carry as much weight as a personal, detailed endorsement.

Ask Early and Politely

Asking for a letter of recommendation isn’t something you want to leave until the last minute. Teachers and employers are busy, and writing a thoughtful letter takes time. To make sure your request is met with enthusiasm, ask well in advance—ideally, at least a month before your deadline. This gives the person writing your letter enough time to reflect on your strengths and craft a letter that truly helps your application.

When making your request, be polite and respectful. A simple email or in-person conversation that starts with “I hope you’re doing well” and then explains why you’re asking them for a recommendation can go a long way. Be sure to mention why you’ve chosen them specifically, and don’t forget to thank them for considering your request.

Here’s an example of what you might say: “Dear Mr. Smith,
I hope you’re doing well! I’m currently applying for [college/scholarship/internship] and would be honored if you would write me a letter of recommendation. Your class had such a big impact on my academic growth, and I believe your insight would greatly strengthen my application. Please let me know if you’d be willing to help. Thank you so much for your time!”

Provide All Necessary Information

Once someone has agreed to write your letter of recommendation, the next step is making sure they have everything they need to write a strong and detailed letter. Don’t leave them guessing about your achievements or the specific points they should highlight.

Provide them with:

Your resume or a list of accomplishments: This helps them remember the specifics about your work and involvement, especially if they’ve worked with you for a long time.
Information about the program or job you’re applying to: Let them know what you’re applying for, and share details about the type of candidate the school or employer is looking for. This will help them tailor the letter to highlight the qualities that matter most.
Any specific points you’d like them to mention: If there are certain skills or accomplishments you’d like them to focus on, let them know. For example, if you’re applying for a science program, you might ask your biology teacher to talk about your strong research skills.

Also, don’t forget to provide them with the submission details (such as where to send the letter) and any deadlines they need to be aware of.

Follow Up with a Gentle Reminder

It’s important to keep track of deadlines, especially when it comes to recommendations. While you don’t want to come across as pushy, a gentle reminder can ensure your letter is submitted on time.

If your recommender hasn’t submitted the letter and your deadline is approaching, politely check in. A reminder email like this can do the trick: “Hi Ms. Johnson,
I just wanted to follow up and see if you need any additional information for my letter of recommendation. The deadline for submission is [insert date], and I really appreciate you taking the time to write it!”

This keeps the process moving while showing respect for their time.

Say Thank You

After your letter of recommendation has been submitted, don’t forget to say thank you. A handwritten note or a thoughtful email expressing your gratitude can leave a lasting positive impression. Writing a letter of recommendation takes time and effort, so showing your appreciation is both polite and meaningful.

Here’s an example of a thank you note: “Dear Dr. Brown,
Thank you so much for taking the time to write me a letter of recommendation. I truly appreciate your support and the thoughtful words you included. Your recommendation will make a huge difference in my application, and I’m grateful for all your help. Thanks again!”

This not only shows that you’re considerate but also keeps the relationship strong for future references or recommendations.

Follow Up After Your Application Decision

Once you receive the results of your application, it’s a good idea to update your recommender. Let them know how things turned out and thank them again for their contribution. If you were accepted into the program or received the scholarship, they’ll likely be happy to share in your success.

If things didn’t go as planned, it’s still worth letting them know and expressing appreciation for their help. They might even be able to offer further guidance or support for your next steps.

Final Thoughts: Building Lasting Relationships

Securing a strong letter of recommendation is about more than just asking the right person—it’s about building meaningful relationships throughout your academic and professional career. By showing respect for your recommenders’ time, providing them with all the information they need, and following up with gratitude, you’re not only securing a great letter but also strengthening your network.

Remember, these relationships can benefit you long beyond a single application. The more genuine connections you build, the easier it becomes to reach out when you need a recommendation in the future. So take the time to nurture those relationships and appreciate the people who support your journey.