If the letter of recommendation needs to be mailed, you should consider providing the recipient with a pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelope. [1] X Research source

If you need to ask for a recommendation from someone you know outside the workplace or academia, you should be clear and upfront. Don’t hide your request under the pretense of meeting for coffee. Let them know they can refuse without damaging your relationship and always be understanding if they do. [4] X Research source

If you’re asking a previous employer for a recommendation letter, try to avoid doing so during times you remember being busier while working under them. [5] X Research source

If you’re sending your request to a professor, try to outline the time you spent with them in their office. You can also mention the grade you received and the challenges you experienced. It might look like this: “Dear Professor X, I took your organic chemistry class last semester. While I found it challenging, I always appreciated how available you were and how you helped me understand any mistakes I made on tests. ” When dealing with a previous employer, your greeting will likely focus on projects you’ve worked on or responsibilities that were given to you. If there are any amusing anecdotes you can recall, consider including them. “Dear Mr. Y, my name is Jane Smith and I worked with you on the latest merger at XYZ company. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to learn more about this delicate aspect of the corporate world. ” [6] X Research source

For a professor, here’s what this would look like: “As the department chair, you assisted me in my progress throughout my major, and were always available to help me when things proved too challenging. Your position within the department, as well as the close attention you paid to my academic career make you the ideal person to write a strong letter of recommendation. ” Here’s an example of how to do with an employer: “As my direct supervisor for so long, you provided me with critical feedback that greatly helped me along my professional career. As such, I think you’re uniquely suited to write a strong recommendation letter. ”[7] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source