- Timing: Don't send a reminder too soon. Give them a reasonable amount of time, usually a week or two after their initial agreement, depending on the urgency.
- Tone: Always be polite and understanding.
- Clarity: Clearly state what you need and by when.
Example 1: Gentle Reminder After a Week
Subject: Quick Check-in: Recommendation Letter for [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender's Name],
Hope you're having a good week!
I'm just sending a quick, friendly follow-up regarding the recommendation letter I requested for my [application type, e.g., college application, job application] to [Institution/Company Name]. The deadline is [Date], and I wanted to gently remind you that it's coming up.
If there's any information I can provide to make it easier for you, please don't hesitate to ask. I've attached the original request details again for your convenience.
Thank you again for your willingness to support me.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Reminder with a Deadline Closer
Subject: Following Up: Recommendation Letter for [Your Name] - Deadline Approaching
Dear [Recommender's Name],
Hope you're doing well.
I'm writing to follow up on my request for a recommendation letter for my application to [Institution/Company Name]. The deadline is [Date, e.g., this Friday, October 27th], and I wanted to send a polite reminder.
I truly appreciate you taking the time to write this for me. If there's anything at all I can do to assist you, like providing more details about the program or my achievements, please let me know.
Thanks so much for your help!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Reminder if You Haven't Heard Back at All
Subject: Checking In: Recommendation Letter Request - [Your Name]
Dear [Recommender's Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I'm reaching out to you today to check in on the recommendation letter I requested for my application to [Institution/Company Name]. I haven't heard back yet, and I wanted to make sure my initial request reached you.
The deadline is [Date], and I would be very grateful if you could let me know if you're still able to provide a letter. If not, I completely understand, and I'll make alternative arrangements.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Reminder Offering to Resend Information
Subject: Recommendation Letter for [Your Name] - Quick Follow-up
Dear [Recommender's Name],
Hope your week is going smoothly.
I'm sending a brief follow-up regarding the recommendation letter for my application to [Institution/Company Name]. I realize how busy things can get, and I wanted to see if you had any questions or if perhaps my initial email with the details got lost.
I've re-attached the application information and my resume here for your convenience. Please let me know if there's anything else you might need from my end.
Thanks again for your support!
Best,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Reminder After a Longer Gap (e.g., a few weeks)
Subject: Following Up: Recommendation Letter for [Your Name] - [Institution/Company Name] Application
Dear [Recommender's Name],
I hope you're doing well and that things haven't been too hectic for you.
I'm writing to gently follow up on my request for a recommendation letter for my application to [Institution/Company Name]. The deadline is [Date], and I wanted to check in to see if you had an opportunity to work on it or if you needed anything further from me.
I truly value your insights and would be so grateful for your letter. Please let me know if there's any way I can help make this process smoother for you.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Polite Reminder if you suspect they are struggling with content
Subject: Recommendation Letter for [Your Name] - Offering Support
Dear [Recommender's Name],
Hope you're having a great week!
I'm writing to follow up on my recommendation letter request for [Institution/Company Name]. I know writing these letters can sometimes take a lot of thought, and I wanted to offer any support I can.
Would it be helpful if I summarized some of my key achievements or projects we worked on together? I'm happy to provide bullet points or a brief overview to help jog your memory. The deadline is [Date].
Thank you again for your generosity.
Best regards,
[Your Name]