We all know that job hunting can be exhausting. When you are looking for a new job, you are most likely required to provide a letter of recommendation. However, it can be difficult to draft an email to request assistance from the previous supervisor. Wall Street English will provide you a few tips about drafting a request email, along with a sample. Happy job hunting! 

 

1. Ask Politely 

When you are asking someone for a favor, remember to use polite and formal language to express your sincerity.  

e.g. I am in need of a letter of recommendation, and I would very much appreciate your help. 

 

2. Share the reason why you picked them  

The recipient of the email should be someone whom you have a good relationship with and someone who knows you well. Normally, people would ask their supervisor, boss, or mentor for help. You should include the reason why you picked them in the letter to let them feel respected and valued, increasing the chance of approval. 

e.g. As you are well-liked and respected, I believe a reference letter from you would make a significant impact. 

e.g. You know me well in person and are familiar with my experience, skills and work ethic. Therefore, I believe you are the best person to write an impactful and honest letter of recommendation for me.  

 

3. Provide sufficient information  

When requesting someone to draft a reference letter for you, you should provide information about your new job application and attach your latest resume to let him or her know more about your current situation, to write a sincere and thorough reference letter at your request.  

e.g. I’ve included a copy of the job description and my most recent resume for your review, and it would be an honor if you write the reference letter on my behalf. 

 

4. Show gratitude

e.g. Thank you in advance for your assistance.  

 

5. Allow them to say no 

You should be mentally prepared for rejection as the person whom you are asking for help is not obligated to help you.  

e.g. I know that you may be busy with work and might not be able to help me. Please don’t feel pressured to do this for me. I truly appreciate it either way.  

e.g. Of course, I completely understand if you are unable to commit to this. 

 

 

Sample 

Dear XX, 

I hope you’re doing well since we last spoke. I am writing to seek your assistance with my job application. I am in need of a letter of recommendation, and I would very much appreciate your help. 

  

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for your help and guidance provided during my time in [company]. You were instrumental to my growth as a [job area] in my career. Having you as a mentor has been my honor as you have helped me develop [job related] skills. I have learnt a lot from you. As you are well-liked and respected, I feel that a reference letter from you would have a significant impact. In addition, you know me well in person and are familiar with my experience, skills and work ethic. Therefore, I believe you are the best person to write an impactful and honest letter of recommendation for me. 

 

Thank you for your time in considering my request. I’ve included a copy of the job description and my most recent resume for your review, and it would be an honor if you wrote the reference letter on my behalf. Of course, I understand that you might be busy with work and unable to help me at this time. Please don’t feel pressured to do this for me. I truly appreciate it either way. 

 

If you have any questions or need any further information, please don’t hesitate to let me know.  

 

Best regards, 

[your name]