Are you wondering how to follow up on a letter of recommendation?
If you’ve asked for one but haven’t received it yet, it’s time to know the best ways to check in.
Well, this article will share some samples to teach you how to follow up on a letter of recommendation after no response.
Is It Okay to Write a Follow-up Email for a Letter of Recommendation?
It is okay to write a follow-up email for a letter of recommendation.
You can always ask for an update if you’ve recently asked for a recommendation letter but have yet to receive it.
Whether you email your boss or email a professor, it’s best to be polite and open about your request.
It’ll remind them that they’ve yet to get around to your letter of recommendation. It also helps you to give them a soft nudge and set a deadline to remind them that you need it sooner rather than later.
Pros
- It’s a great way to encourage employers or professors to get back to you.
- It’s usually polite and respectful to ask.
Cons
- It can seem a bit rude if you word it incorrectly.
- Sometimes, it’s deemed demanding and bossy, so make sure you use clear wording.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with writing a follow-up email for a letter of recommendation. But you need to know how to write a follow-up email for a letter of recommendation.
So, keep reading to find out how to ask for a reference via email. We’ve provided some great phrases to teach you how to address your boss or professor when you need a recommendation.
How to Write a Follow-up Email for a Letter of Recommendation
- I wanted to check on the progress of my letter of recommendation
- I know you’re busy, but could you send me the recommendation letter
- I’m thankful you’re writing the letter for me, but can I have an update
- I wanted to inquire about the status of my letter
- Do you have any updates about my letter of recommendation?
- Is there a specific date by which I can expect the letter to be ready?
- Do you have an estimated timeline for completion?
- I don’t mean to rush you, but have you got an update?
- I value your support in this process, as this letter is important to me
1. I Wanted to Check on the Progress of My Letter of Recommendation
It’s a good idea to start with “I wanted to check on the progress of my letter of recommendation.”
After all, this is a great formal choice that shows you’re looking to follow up with someone.
It shows you respect the recipient’s busy schedule first. Then, you can ask them whether they’ve taken any time to start writing your letter, as the deadline might be approaching quite soon.
Feel free to also review this example to learn more about it:
Dear Ms. Smythe,
I wanted to check on the progress of my letter of recommendation.
Have you had a chance to start writing it yet?
All the best,
Pablo Walters
2. I Know You’re Busy, but Could You Send Me the Recommendation Letter
When reminding your professor about a letter of recommendation, you can try this synonym.
“I know you’re busy” is a great way to start. It’s formal and respectful. It also shows that you respect someone’s busy schedule and don’t want to overwhelm them.
From there, you can write “could you send me the recommendation letter.” It’s pushy while remaining polite, which is a great way to encourage your professor to move forward.
It’s also a good idea to review this sample email:
Dear Prof. Dean,
I know you’re busy, but could you send me the recommendation letter when you have a moment?
It would certainly mean a lot to me.
All the best,
Charlotte Kingston
3. I’m Thankful You’re Writing the Letter for Me, but Can I Have an Update
If you’re trying to figure out how to politely remind your boss about a letter of recommendation, try this phrase.
Using “I’m thankful you’re writing the letter for me, but can I have an update” keeps things formal and sincere.
It shows that you respect your boss, but you’re also in need of your recommendation letter sooner rather than later.
It’s also a good idea to review this example:
Dear Ms. Tiding,
I’m thankful you’re writing the letter for me, but can I have an update?
The deadline is approaching, and I’d like to have everything prepared.
Kind regards,
Daniella Martinez
4. I Wanted to Inquire About the Status of My Letter
It’s worth saying “I wanted to inquire about the status of my letter” when you’re unsure whether someone has completed it.
Try using it when asking your professor for an update. It shows that you’re willing to wait, but you’d like to know if they’ve taken any time to work through it yet.
It’s still professional and sincere. So, you don’t have to worry about upsetting your professor.
You can also check out this example to learn more about it:
Dear Dr. Smart,
I wanted to inquire about the status of my letter.
Do you have any updates about it? I appreciate that your time is valuable, of course.
Thank you so much,
Martin Duck
5. Do You Have Any Updates About My Letter of Recommendation?
You should give “do you have any updates about my letter of recommendation?” a try.
It works best when writing to a professor. You can follow-up on a letter of recommendation request with this when your professor hasn’t yet completed it.
It’s formal and pushy. So, it’ll let them know that you haven’t heard much and would like to hear from them.
If you’re still unsure, you can check out this sample email:
Dear Professor White,
I’m so thankful you agreed to take the time to write a recommendation letter for me.
Do you have any updates about my letter of recommendation?
Yours,
Mary Lamb
6. Is There a Specific Date By Which I Can Expect the Letter to Be Ready?
Next, you can use “is there a specific date by which I can expect the letter to be ready?”
This rushes your boss to complete your letter. It shows that you’re eager to receive it and would like to know a specific date as to when you can expect it.
Don’t worry; in situations like this one, you are allowed to be demanding. After all, you’ve requested the letter, so you’re on the right to ask for more information.
Also, this email example will help you to understand it better:
Dear Miss Russell,
Thank you again for taking the time to write me a recommendation letter.
Is there a specific date by which I can expect the letter to be ready?
All the best,
Joe Swanson
7. Do You Have an Estimated Timeline for Completion?
It’s also smart to write “do you have an estimated timeline for completion?” You can ask for a reference via email with this phrase if you haven’t received it yet.
Generally, this will encourage your boss to get it done. It’ll let them know that you’re still waiting to hear from them, as you need the recommendation letter before you can do anything else.
You should also review this sample email to learn a bit more:
Dear Mr. Rabbit,
It has been a while since I heard anything about my recommendation letter.
Do you have an estimated timeline for completion?
Kind regards,
Kimberley Mangan
8. I Don’t Mean to Rush You, but Have You Got an Update?
If you don’t know how to follow up on a letter of recommendation, you can’t go wrong with this question.
Try writing “I don’t mean to rush you, but have you got an update?”
For starters, “I don’t mean to rush you” keeps things conversational and respectful.
It shows that you’re not rushing the recipient. But you need an update.
Next, you can say “have you got an update?” as a formal and polite question. It works really well when pressuring your boss to get back to you.
Feel free to review this sample email to learn more about it if you still need help:
Dear Mr. Donk,
I don’t mean to rush you, but have you got an update regarding my recommendation letter?
The deadline is fast approaching, and I need it by Monday!
Thank you so much,
Dan White
9. I Value Your Support in This Process, as This Letter Is Important to Me
Finally, you can write “I value your support in this process, as this letter is important to me.”
It works well when respecting the recipient. It shows that you value their time and support, but you truly appreciate them using their time to help you.
You can also use it as a sample request for letter of recommendation from your professor for your master’s.
After all, It lets them know that you’d like to improve your chances of getting into a master’s program, and you trust their words and references to help you get there.
Feel free to review this email sample to learn more:
Dear Professor Hinckes,
Have you got any updates regarding my recommendation letter for my master’s?
I value your support in this process, as this letter is important to me.
Yours,
Derrek Hazelton