Requesting a Letter of Recommendation
  23 March 2004

When you apply for a job, scholarship or a degree, a letter of recommendation forms a main part of your application. You may personally ask your former employer, or professor who are well aware of your work or academic performance. Be sure to give your referee enough time and information to provide a good reference.

In requesting a letter recommendation, you should give information regarding why you need the letter, who the recipient is and when you need it. Here is an example:

Dear Professor Needham,

I am applying for a place in the International Relation Master Degree's program at the University of Alberta. I have already forwarded my application to the University although the deadline is on 30 April 2004. As a project supervisor who is aware of my academic progress, would you be kind enough to write a letter of reference on my behalf?

Please send your letter directly to the University of Alberta. An addressed and stamped envelope is provided for you.

I am also enclosing a photocopy for the application and a portfolio of my projects done last semester, along with a copy of my transcript. I hope that these will provide sufficient information about my work.

Thank you for your time and all of the support and guidance given to me last semester.


Sincerely yours,


Here is another example of a letter requesting reference. When applying for a position, you may be asked for names of referees and the organization you are applying to will contact the persons directly.

Dear Mr. Jaidee,

Mr. Anan Kongman has applied with our company for a position in our bookkeeping department. He has given your name as a character reference. Would you be kind enough to provide us with your written evaluation of this individual. Please be assured that your response will be treated with confidentiality. Thank you.