In addition to CVs and cover letters in application packs - whether you're applying for a course or a job - there is another element that can make just as much of a difference. And what makes this element so powerful is that it is not something you have produced yourself, but rather something written by someone else, who, by providing it, recognises and attests to the quality of your application. We are, of course, talking about the letter of recommendation. So how do you go about obtaining one? Who should you ask for it? What purpose will it actually serve? We explain all this here.
How and from whom can I obtain a letter of recommendation?
To obtain a letter of recommendation, you should send a request to the person who would be able to recommend you.
This could be:
- A teacher. In this case, it is essential to approach teachers who have given you a positive assessment and whose subjects are relevant to your academic and/or career plans.
- A former or current employer. Here too, your experience and the employer’s impression of you should naturally be positive.
- A manager or supervisor at your current or former company who is satisfied with your work.
It is worth noting that this is a request for help that you are making, not a document that the person is obliged to provide. Therefore, the tone and format should reflect this. You should explain in your request why this letter of recommendation is important to you, and why you are asking the person for it. However, you should also bear in mind that such requests are not uncommon and that, as a result, the recipient may have to deal with a large number of them in a limited amount of time. So, keep it as concise as possible.
You can make the request directly during your conversation with the person, but it is more common and often simpler to send a request by email.
Here is an example of an email you could send, for example, to your teacher.
Hello Mr/Ms XXX, I am writing to you as I am currently preparing my applications for master’s programmes, and I would like to know if it would be possible for you to provide me with a letter of recommendation.
I am planning to apply for master’s programmes in business management and entrepreneurship.
During the last academic year, we presented our business project to you during the tutorials you supervised, for which our group achieved a strong mark of 17/20. These workshops and this success have further strengthened my desire to pursue this path in my future studies.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Kind regards, (your first name and surname)
Why get a letter of recommendation?
The purpose of a letter of recommendation is for someone who has assessed your work – whether in a professional or academic context – to confirm to the person reviewing your application that, in their view, your work is of high quality.
It also serves to highlight the strengths of your application by explaining the reasons why the person is recommending you: professional skills, interpersonal skills, educational projects completed, the candidate’s personal commitment, the interest they have shown, etc.
It should be noted, however, that it is far from being a sufficient factor on its own for selection, and that it will not be of much help without a properly compiled application and a strong performance in the interview. However, according to a 2017 study, a letter of recommendation still increases your chances of being selected for an interview by 62%, and your chances of receiving at least some feedback from employers by 60%.
You can also display your letters of recommendation on your LinkedIn profile or on your personal website, if you have one, to demonstrate your commitment and enhance your credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I ask a work colleague or a fellow student on a university project for a letter of recommendation? ?
This would not be appropriate, as their close association with your role, combined with their distance from the person who will be assessing your application, would make the reference letter less credible. However, you are perfectly free to ask them for a less formal endorsement, for example in the form of a public comment or a LinkedIn post.
Is it possible for my request not to be granted?
Yes, the decision on whether or not to grant your request lies with the person you are asking. However, making such requests in the right way and carefully selecting the right people to approach maximises your chances of receiving a positive response.
What should a letter of recommendation include?
The letter of recommendation must include your contact details, your role within the university or company, your professional or academic skills and abilities, and the relevant period of observation. It should also include any other information you consider appropriate to add in support of your application.
In what circumstances might letters of recommendation be written?
They can be required in a variety of situations: when applying for a master’s degree, an internship, a job, or a competitive examination… Whenever your application needs to be assessed, a letter of recommendation becomes essential.
Is it possible to include several letters of recommendation in a single application?
Yes, letters of recommendation are not mutually exclusive; you can therefore include as many as you like, but do ensure they are relevant!