Getting a strong letter of recommendation can make a big difference in your job hunt, college application, or scholarship pursuit. But asking for these letters often feels awkward. Many people struggle with how to ask properly and what information to include with their request.
Good news—you don’t need to stress about this anymore. The following samples will guide you through creating perfect cover letters for recommendation requests. They work for students, professionals, and anyone who needs someone to speak up for their abilities.
Sample Cover Letters for a Letter of Recommendation
Here are fifteen carefully crafted cover letters that you can adapt for your own recommendation requests.
1. College Application Recommendation Request to a Teacher
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I hope this letter finds you well. As one of your AP Biology students for the past two years, I wanted to thank you for making such a challenging subject so engaging and accessible. Your teaching methods truly helped me develop a passion for biological sciences.
I am applying to the Biology program at Stanford University this fall, and would be grateful if you would write a letter of recommendation on my behalf. Your insight into my academic abilities and classroom participation would be valuable to the admissions committee.
The application deadline is November 15, 2025. I have attached my resume, personal statement, and a list of my accomplishments in your class to help you write the letter. If you need any additional information, please let me know.
Thank you for considering my request. I understand teachers receive many such requests, so I truly appreciate your time.
Sincerely,
Sarah Jenkins
555-123-4567
sarah.jenkins@email.com
2. Job Application Recommendation Request to a Former Manager
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
I hope you and everyone at ABC Marketing are doing great. I wanted to express my appreciation for the guidance and mentorship you provided during my three years as Marketing Coordinator under your supervision.
I am currently pursuing a Senior Marketing Specialist position at XYZ Corporation and would be honored if you would write a letter of recommendation highlighting my skills and contributions. Your perspective on my project management abilities, creative thinking, and teamwork would greatly strengthen my application.
The hiring manager has requested all materials by August 30, 2025. I have attached my current resume and the job description for your reference. The recommendation can be submitted through the link I will email separately.
Thank you for considering this request. Your support means a lot to me at this important step in my career.
Warm regards,
David Chen
123 Main Street
Boston, MA 02108
david.chen@email.com
617-555-7890
3. Scholarship Recommendation Request to a Community Leader
Dear Pastor Williams,
I hope this letter finds you and the congregation in good health. Your spiritual guidance and community leadership have been truly inspiring during my five years volunteering with the youth ministry program.
I am applying for the Community Service Scholarship offered by the State Education Foundation. This scholarship would help fund my education at City Community College, where I plan to study Social Work starting this fall.
Would you be willing to write a recommendation letter addressing my community service contributions, leadership qualities, and character? The scholarship committee specifically values input from community leaders who have observed applicants in service settings.
The submission deadline is July 15, 2025. I have attached information about the scholarship, my volunteer service record, and my personal essay for your reference.
Thank you for considering my request and for your continued support.
Respectfully,
Michael Johnson
555-987-6543
michael.j@email.com
4. Graduate School Recommendation Request to a Professor
Dear Professor Garcia,
I hope your spring semester is going well. As a student in your Advanced Econometrics and Research Methods courses, I wanted to express my gratitude for your challenging and thought-provoking teaching style.
I am applying to the Economics PhD program at the University of Chicago for the Fall 2026 term. Given your expertise in economic research methodology and your familiarity with my academic work, I would be grateful if you would write a letter of recommendation for my application.
The application requires three academic references who can speak to my research potential, analytical abilities, and academic performance. Your insights would be particularly valuable since my research interests align closely with your specialization in behavioral economics.
The application deadline is December 10, 2025. I have attached my CV, research proposal, and transcripts for your reference. I would also be happy to meet with you to discuss my graduate school plans in more detail.
Thank you for considering this request.
Best regards,
Amanda Patel
Department of Economics
Room 302, Taylor Hall
amanda.patel@university.edu
212-555-3456
5. Internship Recommendation Request to an Academic Advisor
Dear Dr. Martinez,
I hope the academic year is treating you well. Thank you for your guidance throughout my undergraduate studies in Computer Science. Your advice has been instrumental in shaping my academic and career goals.
I am applying for a summer internship at Microsoft in their AI Development division. This competitive program requests a recommendation from an academic advisor who can speak to both technical skills and personal qualities.
Would you be willing to write a recommendation letter highlighting my coursework in artificial intelligence, my capstone project on natural language processing, and my problem-solving abilities? Your perspective as my advisor for the past three years would add significant weight to my application.
The application deadline is February 28, 2025. I have attached my resume, the internship description, and a summary of my relevant projects and coursework.
Thank you for considering my request. Your support throughout my academic journey has been invaluable.
Sincerely,
Jason Kim
555-234-5678
jason.kim@university.edu
6. Professional Certification Recommendation Request to a Colleague
Dear Dr. Thompson,
I hope you are doing well. Working alongside you at City General Hospital for the past four years has been both a privilege and a learning opportunity. Your dedication to patient care and medical excellence continues to inspire me.
I am applying for the Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor Certification and need a recommendation from a senior medical professional. Given your role as Lead Cardiologist and our collaboration on numerous emergency cases, your perspective on my clinical skills would be highly valuable.
The certification board specifically requests information about the applicant’s clinical judgment, teaching abilities, and commitment to medical education. The recommendation should be submitted through their online portal by March 15, 2025.
I have attached the recommendation guidelines from the certification board and a summary of our joint cases and teaching sessions from the past two years.
Thank you for considering this request. I deeply appreciate your support in my professional development.
Kind regards,
Lisa Washington, RN
Cardiac Care Unit
City General Hospital
lisa.w@citygeneral.org
555-876-5432
7. Volunteer Position Recommendation Request to a Faith Leader
Dear Rabbi Cohen,
I hope this letter finds you well. Your spiritual guidance and community leadership at Temple Beth Shalom have been meaningful to me during my membership over the past decade.
I am applying to volunteer with the International Relief Organization for their medical mission to Guatemala this summer. The application requires a character reference from a community or faith leader who can speak to my values, reliability, and community engagement.
Would you consider writing a recommendation letter addressing these qualities based on my participation in temple activities, including the food bank program I helped coordinate and the youth mentorship program?
The application deadline is April 30, 2025. I have attached information about the volunteer program and a summary of my temple involvement for your reference.
Thank you for considering my request. Your support means a great deal to me as I seek this opportunity to serve others.
With respect,
Rebecca Goldstein
555-345-6789
rebecca.g@email.com
8. Military Academy Recommendation Request to a Coach
Dear Coach Peterson,
I hope the track season is starting strong. As team captain under your guidance for the past two years, I wanted to express my appreciation for your mentorship both on and off the track.
I am applying to the United States Naval Academy for the class entering in June 2026. The admissions process requires recommendations that speak to leadership potential, physical fitness, and character. As my coach and mentor, your perspective would provide valuable insight into these qualities.
The recommendation should be submitted through the Academy’s online portal by October 1, 2025. I have attached information about the recommendation requirements, my athletic record, and leadership activities for your reference.
Thank you for considering this important request. Your guidance has shaped not just my athletic abilities but also my character and leadership skills.
Respectfully,
Marcus Johnson
555-456-7890
marcus.johnson@email.com
9. Promotion Recommendation Request to a Current Supervisor
Dear Ms. Patel,
I hope this letter finds you well. Working as a Sales Associate under your leadership at ABC Retail for the past two years has been a rewarding professional experience.
As you may know, the company has opened a position for Assistant Sales Manager in our department. After careful consideration and with your encouragement to grow within the company, I have decided to apply for this role.
Would you be willing to write a recommendation supporting my application? Your firsthand knowledge of my sales performance, customer service skills, and team collaboration would provide valuable context for the hiring committee.
The internal application deadline is May 15, 2025. I have attached my updated resume and the position description for your reference.
Thank you for considering my request and for your continued mentorship.
Best regards,
Thomas Wilson
Sales Department
ABC Retail, Downtown Location
555-567-8901
thomas.w@abcretail.com
10. Law School Recommendation Request to an Employer
Dear Attorney Ramirez,
I hope this letter finds you and everyone at Ramirez Legal Associates doing well. My two years as your legal assistant have been incredibly educational and have confirmed my passion for pursuing a career in law.
I am applying to several law schools for Fall 2026 admission, including Georgetown, NYU, and Columbia. A recommendation from a legal professional who has observed my work would substantially strengthen my application.
Would you consider writing a letter addressing my analytical abilities, attention to detail, ethical standards, and understanding of legal concepts? Your perspective as my employer in a legal setting would provide admissions committees with valuable insight into my potential as a law student.
Most applications are due by January 15, 2026. I have attached my resume, personal statement, and a list of schools with their submission instructions for your reference.
Thank you for considering this request and for the professional guidance you have provided.
Sincerely,
Sophia Lee
555-678-9012
sophia.lee@email.com
11. Medical School Recommendation Request to a Research Principal Investigator
Dear Dr. Jackson,
I hope your research on autoimmune disorders is progressing well. Working as your research assistant for the past eighteen months has been an extraordinary learning opportunity that has deepened my passion for medicine.
I am applying to medical schools for the 2026-2027 academic year and would be grateful if you would write a letter of recommendation. Your perspective on my research abilities, scientific thinking, and dedication to medical advancement would be particularly valuable to admissions committees.
The AMCAS application opens in May, and I plan to submit early in June 2025. Most schools require letters to be submitted through the AMCAS Letter Service or Interfolio. I have attached my CV, personal statement draft, and a summary of my contributions to your research projects.
Thank you for considering this request. Your mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my scientific and medical aspirations.
With appreciation,
Carlos Mendez
Immunology Research Lab
University Medical Center
555-789-0123
carlos.m@university.edu
12. Teaching Position Recommendation Request to a Mentor Teacher
Dear Mrs. Bennett,
I hope the school year is going smoothly. My student teaching experience in your fourth-grade classroom last spring was truly formative, and I appreciate your patient guidance and constructive feedback throughout that time.
I am applying for elementary teaching positions in the Springfield School District for the upcoming academic year. A recommendation from my mentor teacher would significantly strengthen my application.
Would you be willing to write a letter addressing my classroom management skills, lesson planning abilities, differentiation strategies, and interactions with students and families? Your firsthand observations would provide hiring committees with valuable insight into my teaching practice.
Most applications are due by March 31, 2025. I have attached my teaching portfolio, resume, and the district’s recommendation form for your reference.
Thank you for considering this request and for your mentorship during my teacher preparation.
Warmly,
Emily Foster
555-890-1234
emily.foster@email.com
13. Fellowship Recommendation Request to a Department Chair
Dear Professor Williams,
I hope the academic year is proceeding well for you and the Political Science Department. As I complete my final year of graduate studies, I wanted to express my appreciation for the department’s rigorous program and supportive academic community.
I am applying for the Congressional Fellowship Program with the American Political Science Association for the 2025-2026 term. This competitive fellowship requires recommendations from academic leaders who can speak to the applicant’s research capabilities, policy knowledge, and professional potential.
As Department Chair and my dissertation committee member, would you consider writing a recommendation highlighting my academic achievements, research contributions, and readiness to engage with policy work at the federal level?
The application deadline is December 5, 2025. I have attached my research statement, CV, and information about the fellowship program for your reference.
Thank you for considering this request. Your support throughout my graduate studies has been invaluable.
Respectfully,
Jonathan Taylor
Political Science Department
555-901-2345
j.taylor@university.edu
14. Adoption Recommendation Request to a Family Friend
Dear Mrs. Henderson,
I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Your friendship has meant so much to Robert and me over the past fifteen years.
As you know, Robert and I are in the process of adopting a child. The adoption agency requires several personal references who can speak to our character, stability, and readiness to become parents.
Given your long-standing relationship with our family and your experience as both a parent and an elementary school counselor, would you be willing to write a recommendation letter on our behalf? Your perspective on our home environment, values, and interaction with children would be particularly valuable to the adoption committee.
The agency needs all references by June 20, 2025. I have attached their recommendation form and guidelines for your reference.
Thank you for considering this deeply personal request. Your support means the world to us during this important journey.
With gratitude,
Patricia and Robert Collins
123 Maple Avenue
Centerville, OH 45459
555-012-3456
patricia.collins@email.com
15. Grant Recommendation Request to a Professional Association Director
Dear Dr. Nelson,
I hope this letter finds you well. As an active member of the National Association of Social Workers under your leadership for the past five years, I have greatly valued the professional development and advocacy opportunities the organization provides.
I am applying for the Community Impact Grant offered by the Regional Foundation to fund an innovative mental health outreach program for rural communities. The application requires a recommendation from a professional association leader who can speak to the applicant’s professional standing and project viability.
Would you consider writing a letter addressing my professional qualifications, commitment to ethical practice, and the potential impact of this project on underserved populations? Your perspective as NASW Director would lend significant credibility to my application.
The grant application deadline is September 30, 2025. I have attached my project proposal, professional biography, and the grant guidelines for your reference.
Thank you for considering this request. Your support would be instrumental in helping bring mental health services to communities with limited access.
Sincerely,
Maria Gonzalez, MSW, LCSW
Community Mental Health Services
555-123-4567
maria.g@cmhs.org
Wrap-up
The right approach to requesting a recommendation can make all the difference. Each of these sample letters follows a similar structure while adapting to specific situations and relationships. They clearly state the purpose, provide necessary details, and express appreciation for the time and effort involved.
When writing your own cover letter for a recommendation request, pay attention to these key elements:
- Start with a polite greeting and brief reminder of your relationship
- Clearly state what you are applying for
- Explain why you chose this particular person for a recommendation
- Provide specific details about deadlines and submission methods
- Offer supporting materials to make writing the letter easier
- Express genuine gratitude
- Close professionally with complete contact information
A thoughtful, well-organized request shows respect for the writer’s time and increases your chances of receiving a strong recommendation. Take time to personalize your letter based on your relationship with the potential recommender and the specific opportunity you are pursuing.
Using these samples as a starting point, you can craft a request that feels authentic and professional. With the right approach, asking for recommendations becomes much less stressful and much more successful.