Career Advice
·Last updated August 26, 2026
How to Ask Someone to Write You a Recommendation Letter
TL;DR: Make the request specific and give them an easy way to say yes.
Give them context and a deadline
Explain what the letter is for, any specific points you'd like highlighted, and a clear deadline.
Offer to provide a draft or bullet points
Many people are happy to help but struggle with the writing itself — offering a starting point makes it far easier for them to say yes quickly.
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