How to Get Strong Letters of Recommendation

Strong letters of recommendation can distinguish you from equally qualified candidates. Here's how to cultivate relationships and request effective letters.

What Makes a Strong Letter

Components of Excellent Letters

• Specific examples of your abilities


• Personal knowledge of your character


• Context for your achievements


• Comparison to peers (top 5%, etc.)


• Enthusiasm and genuine endorsement


• Relevance to what you're applying for

Weak Letters Lack

• Specific details ("was a good student")


• Personal connection


• Genuine enthusiasm


• Relevant examples


• Differentiation from other students

Building Relationships Early

Start Before You Need Letters

The best letters come from people who:

• Know you well


• Have worked with you closely


• Can speak to specific qualities


• Are invested in your success

How to Build These Relationships

In Classes:

• Participate actively


• Attend office hours regularly


• Ask thoughtful questions


• Show intellectual curiosity


• Submit quality work


• Improve over the semester

Beyond Classes:

• Assist with research


• Take multiple classes with the same professor


• Seek mentorship


• Stay in touch after courses end


• Update them on your progress

Types of Recommenders

Academic (for grad school/scholarships):

• Professors in your major


• Research supervisors


• Academic advisors


• Instructors who know your work well

Professional (for jobs/some programs):

• Internship supervisors


• Employers


• Volunteer coordinators


• Professional mentors

Who to Ask

Choose People Who Can Speak To

• Your academic abilities


• Your work ethic and reliability


• Your character and integrity


• Specific skills relevant to your goal


• Your potential for success

Avoid

• Famous people who don't know you


• People who only know you casually


• Anyone who might write a lukewarm letter


• Those who seem reluctant

How Many Letters?

• Most applications request 2-3


• Have 4-5 people willing to write


• Mix of perspectives when possible

Making the Request

When to Ask

• 4-6 weeks before deadline minimum


• Earlier for busy times (December, May)


• Give as much notice as possible

How to Ask

Initial Approach:
Ask in person if possible: "Would you be willing to write a strong letter of recommendation for me?"

The word "strong" gives them an out if they don't feel they can write an effective letter.

Follow-Up Email:

"Dear Professor Smith,

Thank you for agreeing to write a letter of recommendation for my application to [program/position]. I truly appreciate your support.

I'm applying to [list schools/positions] with deadlines of [dates]. I've attached:

• My current resume


• Personal statement draft


• Information about the programs


• Specific points you might address

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Thank you again,
[Your name]"

What to Provide

• Updated resume/CV


• Personal statement or essay


• List of where letters are going


• Deadlines for each application


• Information about programs/positions


• Specific points to address


• Transcript (if helpful)


• Stamped/addressed envelopes (if mail required)

The Information Sheet

Create a document including:

About You

• Your full name


• How they know you (course, semester, grade)


• Projects or papers you completed


• Key accomplishments


• Career goals

About the Application

• What you're applying for


• Why you're interested


• How this fits your goals


• Key qualities they value

Specific Points

• What you'd like them to emphasize


• Examples they might reference


• Skills relevant to application

Following Up

Before Deadline

• Send reminder 2 weeks before


• Another reminder 1 week before


• Make it easy (resend links and info)


• Be polite, not pushy

After Submission

• Confirm letters were received


• Thank recommenders warmly


• Update them on outcomes


• Maintain the relationship

Thank You Notes

Send a thoughtful thank you:

• Handwritten note preferred


• Express genuine gratitude


• Mention the time investment


• Consider a small gift (appropriate to relationship)

Long-Term Relationship Management

Stay Connected

• Update recommenders on results


• Share successes and milestones


• Continue the relationship


• Offer to help them when possible

Future Letters

• Might need letters again for jobs, promotions


• Keep 3-5 recommenders "warm"


• Periodic updates maintain relationship


• Don't only reach out when you need something

Common Mistakes

Timing

• Asking too late


• Not following up appropriately

Selection

• Choosing prestige over personal knowledge


• Asking people who don't know you well

Preparation

• Not providing enough information


• Assuming they remember everything


• Not explaining what you need

Follow-Up

• Forgetting to thank recommenders


• Not updating them on outcomes

Conclusion

Strong letters require investment: build relationships before you need them, choose recommenders wisely, make their job easy, and maintain connections. The effort pays dividends throughout your career.