How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) After Internship

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) from your internship supervisor can significantly boost your MBA applications, higher education prospects, and future job applications. But most interns never ask for one — either out of fear of rejection or not knowing how.

This guide shows you exactly how to ask for an LOR professionally, when to ask, and what to do if things don't go as planned.

When Should You Ask for an LOR?

Timing matters. Here are the best windows to request an LOR:

During your final week: When your work is still fresh in your manager's mind and your performance is clearly visible
Right after a positive review: If your supervisor praises your work, that is the perfect moment to make the request
Within 2 weeks of ending: Do not wait too long — managers forget details quickly
Before you need it: If you need an LOR for a December application, ask in October — give at least 3–4 weeks

⚠️ Do NOT ask on your very last day. This puts your supervisor in an awkward spot. Ask with at least one week's notice.

How to Ask in Person

If you have a good relationship with your supervisor, asking in person first is the most effective approach. Keep it brief and confident:

"[Manager's name], I have genuinely enjoyed this internship and learned a lot under your guidance. I am applying for [MBA/higher education/next job] and would be really grateful if you could write me a Letter of Recommendation. I am happy to share any relevant details to make it easier for you."

LOR Request Email Template

Subject: Request for a Letter of Recommendation — [Your Name]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. Working with you and the [Team Name] team over the past [duration] has been an incredibly valuable experience, and I am grateful for the mentorship and opportunities you provided.

I am currently applying for [specific programme/position — e.g., "an MBA at IIM Ahmedabad" or "a full-time software engineering role at Infosys"] and I was hoping you might be willing to write a Letter of Recommendation on my behalf. Your perspective on my contributions to [specific project/task] would be especially meaningful to the selection committee.

To make things as easy as possible for you, I can share:

- A brief summary of the projects I worked on and my key contributions

- The specific aspects of my performance you might wish to highlight

- The deadline and submission instructions for the LOR

I completely understand if your schedule does not allow for this, and there is no pressure at all. If you are comfortable writing the letter, please let me know and I will send over all the relevant details immediately.

Thank you so much for your time and support throughout my internship.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your LinkedIn Profile] | [Phone]

What to Do if Your Manager Says No

It happens — managers are busy, or you may not have built a strong enough relationship. If your direct manager cannot write the LOR:

Ask a senior colleague or team lead who worked closely with you
Ask your HR contact to provide an internship verification letter instead
Use your InternCircle LOR — which is automatically issued upon completing your internship track

After They Agree — What Next?

Once your supervisor agrees, make their job easy:

Send a one-page summary of your key achievements and contributions during the internship
Share specific projects and their outcomes with numbers
Provide the exact deadline and submission format required
Send a gentle reminder one week before the deadline
Follow up with a heartfelt thank-you note after it is submitted

Get Your LOR Instantly with InternCircle

Every student who completes an InternCircle internship track receives an official Letter of Recommendation automatically — no asking required. Register free today.