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A strong letter of recommendation can be the deciding factor in getting into your desired school or landing your dream job.
When you apply for admission to a university, a job, or a scholarship, you may be asked to include letters of recommendation. These letters, typically written by teachers, counselors, or managers, are meant to vouch for your qualifications and character.
A strong recommendation allows the person reviewing your application to get to know you beyond your resume, giving a more complete picture of who you are and what motivates you.
Looking for a letter of recommendation request template? Find one here.
Letters of recommendation frequently appear as a requirement on college applications. You’ll usually need one to three of these reference letters when you’re applying for an undergraduate program or, sometimes, graduate school.
Job applications more commonly require a list of references, rather than a reference letter, but you may see this requirement show up from time to time. Even if a job application doesn’t require a recommendation letter, attaching one to your cover letter or application could give you a competitive edge over other applicants.
Watch this to learn more about what a letter of recommendation is, and what makes a letter effective.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous about asking for a letter of recommendation. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, it’s a normal part of the application process. With a bit of preparation, you can maximize your chances of getting stellar recommendations.
The most effective recommendation will come from someone who knows you well and can speak to your character on a personal level. Make a list of several people who you could ask. You’ll probably only need three, but it’s always a good idea to have backups in case something falls through.
If you’re applying to college, consider asking a teacher and your high school guidance counselor. Choose teachers of classes where you performed well (and who you had good rapport with). Teachers you had during your junior or senior year will have the freshest memories of you (and are likely more accustomed to writing such letters).
Many college applications require at least one letter from your guidance counselor. If you don’t know this person well, don’t be afraid to make an appointment so they can learn more about you.
If you’re working on a grad school application, your letters will likely come from one or more of your professors. Ideally, ask professors who are in the same field as the program you’re applying to. If you’re a working professional currently applying to go back to school, your options include bosses and mentors, colleagues, or former professors with whom you had a good relationship.
When you’re applying for a job, your former managers or supervisors often make the best letter writers. The closer the former job aligns with the role you’re applying for, the better. If you decide to ask a current or former coworker, try to choose someone with more years of professional experience than you. They’ll be able to endorse you with greater authority.
One of the best ways to get a strong recommendation is to make it easy for the person doing the writing to highlight your accomplishments and personal strengths. One easy way to do this is by providing a copy of your academic transcripts and resume to the person writing your letter.
If you’re still in school and don’t yet have a resume, you can make what’s called a brag sheet instead. This is a concise list that highlights your qualifications and best characteristics. Make sure to include:
While it might feel a little awkward to brag about yourself, remember that this is the time to show off your hard work and celebrate your wins.
