Letters+of+Recommendation

//Post information, resources, and materials related to soliciting and writing letters of recommendation here.//


 * Tips for Requesting Letters of Recommendation **


 * Frame your request clearly and professionally: **

Date

I am (applying to graduate school/applying for a scholarship/interviewing for a position at Name of Company/School), and I was wondering if I could use your name as a reference. If you are willing to do this for me, I would need a letter of reference by (insert date). (Give details about whether it has to be on letterhead, or if just a PDF sent by e-mail is okay, and how it needs to be sent.) I know it has been a few semesters since you had me in class, so I am attaching several key assignments that I completed for your course, along with a copy of my letter of application and résumé in case you might find them helpful in composing a letter. I know this is a really busy time of year, so I completely understand if you are unavailable. Thank you for considering my request.

Cordially,

Your name


 * Attach: **

1) Copy of the your cover letter or letter of intent (so the recommender knows what your goals are in seeking application to the school or position ). 2) Copy of the job posting (so the recommender can customize the letter they write for you to the position requirements). 3) Information about what the letter requires. (For example: 4) Copy of your résumé (so the recommender can mention additional items in the letter) 5) Several of the assignments you completed for that professor's class that were particularly exceptional.
 * Will the person be receiving an e-mail link to an online reference form?
 * If not, is a PDF of the letter sent to you via e-mail okay, or should it be sent directly to the employer/graduate school?
 * <span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.5;">Must a hard copy of the letter be printed onto institutional stationery? Does the envelope need to be signed across the seal by the recommender? If the letter must be mailed, be sure to include an envelope that is pre-addressed with a stamp.
 * <span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 1.5;"> <span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Do the application materials say what the letter needs to include or how long it needs to be?


 * Additional Resources:**

[|Instructions from BYU re: letters of recommendation]

[|Letters of Recommendation: Writing Suggestions for Cooperating Teachers & University Supervisors]