Gonzaga University Career & Professional Development Updated Aug 26, 2022
TIPS FOR REQUESTING LETTERS OF
RECOMMENDATION
Leers of recommendaon, also known as reference leers, are oen used to support one’s candidacy for
graduate school. Below are some consideraons when requesng leers.
WHO SHOULD I ASK?
• Follow the specic requirements for each graduate program. In some instances, you may be asked to secure
mulple leers of recommendaon.
• Ask individuals who have supervised or evaluated you in an academic or professional seng. In addion to
professors, this may include a work supervisor, advisor, or volunteer coordinator. Avoid personal references
(family, friends) unless the applicaon specically indicates that is acceptable.
• Choose a recommender who knows you well and can write a strong leer over someone you perceive as
being in some posion of status or importance but does not know you as well.
• If you are requesng mulple leers, think about the dierent voices of support and how, as a group, they
discuss important aspects of your professional and academic life.
WHEN SHOULD I ASK?
• Approach your evaluators early and ask if they feel comfortable wring a strong and supporve leer of
recommendaon for you.
• A minimum of 1 month is opmal, but give as much advance noce as possible. You are more likely to receive
a “yes” to your request and an increased chance of a quality, personalized leer.
• When requesng leers from faculty, keep in mind that toward the end of the semester they may be
burdened with grading nals as well as wring leers of recommendaon for other students.
• It may be acceptable to ask within a shorter meframe if you know the person has already wrien a leer they
can easily modify for you to use with a new applicaon to a dierent school.
HOW SHOULD I ASK?
• If possible, try to arrange a face-to-face meeng. Ask if the faculty member is comfortable endorsing you as a
candidate for the opportunity to which you are applying, and follow up with an email. If a face-to-face meeng
is not possible, a phone call or well wrien email is appropriate.
• Make sure you state precisely what you are requesng: a general leer of recommendaon that can apply to
mulple opportunies or a leer of recommendaon for 1 specic graduate program.
• Explain why you are asking this individual to write you a leer, and if there is anything in parcular you hope
they cover in the leer. This can help the evaluator focus their comments on what is most relevant for this
opportunity.
WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY REQUEST?
• Share a brief descripon of the program to which you are applying. A recommender can write a beer leer
if they can speak specically to the relaonship between your skills and experiences and the opportunity you
seek.
• Send your resume or curriculum vita (CV), which helps provide details about your background.
• Again, be sure to menon the reasons why you have asked the individual to write a leer for you and any
addional guidance on what you hope they will discuss.
• Include a rm deadline and instrucons about how the individual should submit the leer. Typically these
leers are condenal and therefore the evaluator submits the leer directly to the applicaon portal.
Career & Professional Development • careers@gonzaga.edu • 509-313-4234 • careers@gonzaga.edu