I am writing a request for a letter of recommendation... how might I begin?

Question

I am in need of two letters of recommendation. One from a teacher and the other from my high school guidance counselor. I have not seen either of them in quite a while as I have gone away to college. It has been several months since I have talked with them.

How might I start the letter without sounding rude. I cannot go and see them in person because I am several states away.

Thanks

Answer 1

I don't think you need to write a formal letter. All of my students just pop in and ask or the ones in your situation just give me a call. I'm assuming you have a good rapport with them if you are expecting them to write a letter of reccomendation. Have all the info on hand they'll need and it might be best to email them that portion. I ask all my students to give me a cheat sheet of info to write the letter: extracurricular involvement, volunteer work, and paid work in addition to who the letter needs to be addressed to, where it needs to be sent and how many copies you need. That way I don't miss any (often you are involved in more that we even know about). A nice friendly call is all I ever expect and I'm sure they'll be glad to hear from you! Get an email addess to send the info and you're set! Just make sure you give them enough time to write it - asking the day before you need it is not cool!

Answer 2

Dear Mr ---,
My name is ------- and until recently I was a student at ___ High School. I am away at college at the moment and thus I cannot come and see you to make a request for a letter of recommendation from you. If you would write and forward the letter to me I would be very grateful and I have enclosed a self addressed and stamped envelope to facilitate it's return.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
(Your Name)

Answer 3

The general rule is to use as few words as possible, if you go on and on it really leaves a bad impression.

Just say something like;
Steve,
I am applying for a job at ________ and need 2 recommendations from high school. Could you please give me a letter of recommendation?

Yours faithfully,
etc.

Obviously you'd use their name at the beginning and use the real reason. Most people will respond fairly well to something like this, as it isn't condescending, and isn't demmanding.

Answer 4

Dear (fill in the blank),

Hello. How are you doing?

I hate to bother you, but I am in need of a letter of recommendation. I thought of you because I so admire you.

Sincerely,

(your name here)
Class of (fill in the blank)

Plus if you need 2 letters, you may want to ask 3-4 people to do it as they might not all take the time to do it. And if they do it, write them a note saying "Thanks!".

Answer 5

purely write, expensive -----, i ought to very much take excitement in it if u ought to deliver a letter of advice to ---------(so and so) thanks very kindly, -----------------(your call) Make it an user-friendly letter.