How Do You Follow Up A Recommendation Request?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The best time to follow up on letters of recommendation is

one week to 10 days before the deadline

. This gives the writer enough time to finish it without you coming across as pushy. To follow up, send a polite email asking about the status of the .

Can you ask to see letters of recommendation?


You can ask

, but it is unusual for a student to ask to see their confidential recommendation letter, and the person who wrote the letter is under no obligation to show you the contents of their letter.

How long should I wait for a letter of recommendation?

3. Ask early. Make an appointment to discuss the recommendation

at least three weeks in advance of the deadline

—preferably a month or more, especially if you need multiple letters. Professors have very tight schedules and need ample time to write a thoughtful and distinctive letter.

How do you ask for a letter of recommendation via email?


Academic advisors

, supervisors, professors and colleagues—both present and past—are all appropriate people you can email to ask for a letter of recommendation. The person you approach should be someone who knows you well and has a positive perception of your work.

How do you follow up a letter of recommendation after no response?

Email the professor with the request. Make it clear and self contained. After about a week with no reply,

send a followup email politely checking back with them

.

Is 2 weeks enough time to ask for a letter of recommendation?

By sending a gentle reminder

two weeks before the deadline

, you give them enough time to compose their letters in way that does not make them feel rushed. Remember again that you will be competing with their often very tight schedules. … Your recommendation letters are an integral part of a successful application.

How long is too long letter of recommendation?

A recommendation should be at least one page, but

not more than two

. If it's shorter than one, the applicant may appear weak. If it's longer than two, it may be too long for someone to review effectively and also may be full of unnecessary information.

Is it rude to ask to see a letter of recommendation?


You can ask

, but it is unusual for a student to ask to see their confidential recommendation letter, and the person who wrote the letter is under no obligation to show you the contents of their letter.

What do you say when asking for a letter of recommendation?

  1. An up-to-date resume.
  2. Your current role or what you're doing now.
  3. What the recommendation is for.
  4. Why you're qualified.
  5. Relevant work habits, academic successes or skills.

Is it OK to ask for a letter of recommendation by email?


Academic advisors

, supervisors, professors and colleagues—both present and past—are all appropriate people you can email to ask for a letter of recommendation. The person you approach should be someone who knows you well and has a positive perception of your work.

Who should you not ask for a letter of recommendation?

  • A Teacher Who's Famous but Doesn't Know You.
  • A Teacher Who Taught You Early, and for a Short Time.
  • Someone Who's Related to You.
  • Your Best Friend (Unless It's a Peer Recommendation)
  • Someone Who Doesn't Have the Best Impression of You.

How do I write a letter of recommendation?

  1. Always start with the date.
  2. State who you are recommending and what you are recommending them for.
  3. Describe how long you know the person and in what capacity.
  4. State their best qualities.
  5. Give details about the person's character, morals, and values.

Is one month enough for recommendation letter?

Although

at least a month is preferable

, more is better and less than two weeks is unacceptable — and will likely be met with a “no” by the faculty member. The ideal time to give a letter writer, though, is anywhere from one to two months before the letter is due with your submission.

Can letters of recommendation be late?

If a recommendation letter is missing, you must approach the faculty member and give a gentle nudge. …

They are late to class

, late returning student work, and late in sending recommendation letters. Professors may explain that graduate programs expect faculty letters to be late.

How do you ask for a letter of recommendation in the last minute?

If you have to ask for a last-minute letter of recommendation,

you should introduce yourself

, explain why you are asking at the last minute, acknowledge that they might say no, tell them you will provide any necessary information and include a sincere compliment.

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.