Your Guide to a Stellar Recommendation Letter for an Internship

Feeling a bit lost about how to get a strong recommendation letter for that dream internship? You're not alone! The key is to ask the right person, provide them with all the necessary information, and give them ample time to write it.

In a nutshell

• Identify the best recommender for your situation.
• Prepare a detailed information packet for them.
• Provide clear instructions and deadlines.
• Follow up politely and express gratitude.
• Review the letter if possible (though often not feasible).

Let's dive into how you can secure a recommendation letter that truly shines and helps you stand out from the crowd.

Why a Recommendation Letter Matters for Internships

In today's competitive job market, a recommendation letter for an internship can be your secret weapon. It's more than just a formality; it's a personal endorsement from someone who knows your capabilities and character. For students and freshers, it offers a valuable perspective beyond grades and resumes, showcasing your potential to future employers. A well-written letter can highlight your work ethic, soft skills, and suitability for a specific role, giving you a significant edge on any internship platform.

What You Need Before You Start Asking

Before you even think about approaching a potential recommender, get your ducks in a row. Being prepared shows respect for their time and helps them write a more specific and impactful letter. Here's what you should have ready:

1. A List of Potential Recommenders

Think about who knows you best in an academic or professional capacity. This could be:

• Professors who taught you in relevant courses.
• Academic advisors or mentors.
• Supervisors from previous part time jobs or volunteer roles.
• Coaches or leaders from extracurricular activities.

The best recommender is someone who can speak to your skills and work ethic relevant to the internship you're applying for. A professor who saw you excel in a challenging project is often better than one who barely remembers your name.

2. Internship Details

Have all the information about the internship readily available. This includes:

• The internship description and requirements.
• The name and title of the hiring manager or internship coordinator.
• The deadline for submitting the recommendation letter.
• Any specific instructions on how the letter should be submitted (e.g., email, online portal, sealed envelope).

3. Your Accomplishments and Relevant Skills

Compile a list of your achievements, projects, and skills that are relevant to the internship. This is crucial for helping your recommender recall specific examples and tailor the letter effectively. Think about:

• Key projects you worked on in their class or under their supervision.
• Specific skills you demonstrated (e.g., teamwork, problem solving, communication, technical skills).
• Any awards, honors, or positive feedback you received.
• Your career goals and why this internship is important to you.

4. Your Resume and Transcript

Provide your most up to date resume and a copy of your academic transcript. This helps them refresh their memory about your academic performance and overall profile.

The Art of Asking: How to Request a Recommendation Letter

Asking for a recommendation letter is a delicate process. It requires tact, clarity, and a genuine understanding of the recommender's perspective. Here’s a step by step approach:

1. Choose the Right Person: Select someone who knows you well and can speak positively about your abilities. A lukewarm recommendation can be worse than no recommendation at all.
2. Ask in Person or via Email (Preferably): If possible, ask in person during office hours or schedule a brief meeting. If that's not feasible, a well crafted email is the next best option. Avoid casual requests via text or social media.
3. Be Clear and Concise: State your purpose directly. For example: "I'm applying for an internship at [Company Name] in [Field] and would be honored if you would consider writing a letter of recommendation for me."
4. Provide Context: Briefly explain why you're applying for this specific internship and what your goals are. This helps them understand the significance of their letter.
5. Offer to Provide Information: Make it easy for them. Say something like, "I've prepared a packet with details about the internship, my resume, and a reminder of our work together to help you write the letter."
6. Specify the Deadline and Submission Method: Clearly state when the letter is due and how it needs to be submitted. Double check this information!
7. Be Prepared for a "No": Some individuals may decline if they don't feel they can write a strong letter. Respect their decision and move on to your next potential recommender.

Crafting Your Information Packet: Your Recommender's Best Friend

This is where you truly make it easy for your recommender. A comprehensive packet ensures they have all the details they need to write a tailored and compelling letter. Here’s what to include:

What to Include in Your Information Packet

• A Personalized Cover Letter/Email: Reiterate your request, express your gratitude, and briefly remind them of your connection (e.g., "I was in your [Course Name] class in [Semester/Year] and particularly enjoyed working on the [Project Name] project").
• Your Resume: The most up to date version.
• Internship Description: A copy of the job posting or a link to the internship page.
• Key Skills and Qualities to Highlight: A bulleted list of 3 5 skills or qualities you'd like them to emphasize, with brief examples of how you demonstrated them (e.g., "Teamwork: Successfully collaborated with a group of four to complete the [Project Name] presentation, taking the lead on research and data analysis").
• Your Career Goals: A short paragraph explaining your aspirations and why this internship aligns with them.
• Submission Instructions: A clear rundown of the deadline, submission method, and any specific forms to be filled out.
• Your Contact Information: Make it easy for them to reach you if they have questions.

A Sample Information Packet Outline

Here’s a template you can adapt:

Tips for Getting a Strong Recommendation Letter

A generic letter won't do much for you. You want a recommendation that is specific, enthusiastic, and highlights your unique strengths. Here are some tips to help you get the best possible recommendation letter for an internship:

• Give Plenty of Notice: A minimum of two weeks is ideal, but three to four weeks is even better. This allows your recommender to write a thoughtful letter without feeling rushed.
• Choose Wisely: Opt for individuals who have supervised your work closely, know your strengths, and have a positive impression of you. A professor who knows your academic performance and participation in class discussions is often a good choice.
• Remind Them of Your Work: Don't assume they remember every detail. Provide specific examples of projects, assignments, or contributions you made under their guidance.
• Tailor Your Request: If you're applying for multiple internships, consider if you need slightly different letters. You might ask your recommender to emphasize different skills for different roles.
• Follow Up Politely: A gentle reminder a week before the deadline can be helpful. "Just a friendly reminder about the recommendation letter for [Internship Company Name], due on [Date]. Please let me know if you need anything further from my end."
• Express Gratitude: Send a thank you note or email immediately after they submit the letter. Acknowledging their effort is essential.

A Real Life Example: Sarah's Internship Success

Sarah, a third year university student, was applying for a highly competitive marketing internship. She knew her professor, Dr. Evans, who taught her advanced marketing strategy, would be a great recommender. Sarah had actively participated in class discussions and had received excellent feedback on her final project, a comprehensive market analysis for a new product launch.

Before asking, Sarah prepared a detailed packet. It included the internship description, her resume, and a specific list of skills the marketing internship emphasized: analytical thinking, creative problem solving, and strong communication. She also included a brief summary of her market analysis project, reminding Dr. Evans of her specific contributions and the positive outcome. She even included a link to the company's website and a brief explanation of why this particular internship excited her.

Dr. Evans was impressed by Sarah's thoroughness. He recalled her insightful contributions to class discussions and her exceptional work on the market analysis project. Armed with Sarah's detailed information, he was able to write a strong, specific recommendation letter that highlighted her analytical skills and creative approach, directly referencing her project work. Sarah’s recommendation letter, combined with her other qualifications, helped her secure the coveted marketing internship.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Recommendations

Even with the best intentions, students can make mistakes that hinder their chances of getting a strong recommendation letter. Be aware of these pitfalls:

• Asking Too Late: This is the most common and often most damaging mistake. It puts undue pressure on your recommender and often results in a rushed, generic letter.
• Asking the Wrong Person: Choosing someone who doesn't know you well or who might have a negative impression of you is a sure way to get a weak or unhelpful letter.
• Not Providing Enough Information: Expecting your recommender to remember every detail of your academic or work history is unrealistic. Failing to provide a comprehensive packet makes their job harder and the letter less effective.
• Being Vague About Your Goals: If your recommender doesn't understand why you want the internship or what you hope to achieve, they can't tailor the letter to be most impactful.
• Not Following Up or Thanking Them: Failing to express gratitude can leave a poor impression and might make them less inclined to help you in the future.
• Demanding a Letter: Remember, they are doing you a favor. Your tone should always be respectful and appreciative.

What Should a Recommendation Letter for an Internship Include?

A strong recommendation letter for an internship typically includes several key components that paint a comprehensive picture of the applicant. It goes beyond simply stating that you are a good person. Here’s what a good letter should cover:

• Relationship to the Applicant: How long and in what capacity the recommender has known the applicant.
• Specific Skills and Qualities: Concrete examples of the applicant's skills, such as teamwork, leadership, problem solving, communication, technical abilities, and work ethic.
• Academic or Professional Performance: How the applicant performed in coursework, projects, or previous work experiences.
• Potential for Success: An assessment of the applicant's potential to succeed in the specific internship and in their future career.
• Enthusiasm and Endorsement: A clear, enthusiastic endorsement of the applicant.
• Contact Information: The recommender's contact details should be included.

The best internship websites often provide guidance on what they look for in recommendation letters, so it's always a good idea to check their specific requirements.

Things people also ask

How far in advance should I ask for a recommendation letter?

You should ask for a recommendation letter at least two to three weeks in advance of the deadline. This gives your recommender ample time to write a thoughtful and detailed letter.

Can I ask a friend to write a recommendation letter?

It is generally not advisable to ask a friend for a recommendation letter, especially for internships. Employers prefer recommendations from individuals who can speak to your academic or professional capabilities.

What if my professor doesn't remember me well?

If a professor doesn't remember you well, it's best to ask someone else who has a stronger connection. If they are your only option, provide them with a very detailed information packet to jog their memory.

Should I waive my right to see the recommendation letter?

Typically, yes. Waiving your right to see the letter signals to the employer that you are confident in your recommender's honest assessment and that the letter is likely to be more candid.

How do I submit the recommendation letter?

Follow the specific instructions provided by the internship program. This could involve emailing the letter directly to the organization, uploading it to an online portal, or sending a physical copy.

Securing a strong recommendation letter is a crucial step in your internship application journey. By being proactive, organized, and respectful, you can significantly increase your chances of getting a letter that truly showcases your potential. Explore Apply My Internship for more resources and opportunities to help you land your dream internship.