Internships are an essential part of professional growth, especially in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’ve worked at a company in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or anywhere else in South Africa, completing an internship can offer valuable experience, skills, and connections. One key advantage that can help you in your career journey is obtaining a letter of recommendation (LOR) after the internship ends. A well-crafted letter can enhance your job applications, demonstrate your skills and work ethic, and provide you with a professional reference when applying for jobs in South Africa or abroad.
However, asking for a letter of recommendation can feel intimidating. You might wonder if you’ve built enough rapport with your supervisor or if your work was impactful enough to warrant a strong recommendation. But with the right approach, asking for a letter of recommendation can be straightforward and stress-free. Below are the steps you should follow to ask for a letter of recommendation after your internship in South Africa.
1. Reflect on Your Internship Experience
Before you even think about asking for a recommendation letter, take time to reflect on your internship experience. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What skills did you develop? Reflect on the new skills you gained and how they relate to your career goals. Did you learn how to use specific software? Did you improve your communication or leadership skills?
- What contributions did you make? Consider your impact during the internship. Did you complete any major projects or contribute ideas that were implemented?
- Did you exceed expectations? If you received positive feedback during your internship, now is the time to take note of that. Maybe you went above and beyond to help your team or delivered results faster than expected.
Taking time to assess your performance can give you the confidence you need to approach your supervisor. Knowing your achievements and growth will also help you explain to your supervisor why you’re asking for a letter of recommendation and why it’s important for your future.
2. Choose the Right Person
Not every colleague or supervisor will be the right fit to write you a letter of recommendation. Ideally, you should approach the person who directly supervised you during your internship. In many cases, this would be your immediate supervisor or mentor, as they would have the most knowledge about your work and contributions. Here are some qualities to look for when selecting someone to write your letter:
- They know your work well. This person should be able to speak to your skills, work ethic, and accomplishments during the internship.
- They have a position of authority. A letter from a manager, director, or senior executive holds more weight than one from a peer or junior colleague.
- They have a positive view of your work. It’s essential to ask someone who values your contributions and would be willing to recommend you enthusiastically.
In South Africa, professional networks and mentorship are especially important, so if you had a positive connection with your mentor or supervisor, they are likely to be supportive of your request.
3. Ask Early
Don’t wait until the last minute to ask for a letter of recommendation. Give your supervisor ample time to write the letter, ideally a few weeks before you need it. Writing a letter of recommendation requires time and thoughtfulness, so the more notice you give, the better.
You can even ask for the letter while your internship is still fresh in your supervisor’s mind, especially if you had an outstanding performance. If you’re unsure of the best time to make your request, consider scheduling a meeting to discuss your overall performance and potential future opportunities.
4. Be Clear and Specific About Your Request
When asking for a letter of recommendation, be clear and specific about your request. Here are some important points to include:
- Explain why you’re asking. Let your supervisor know why you need the letter, such as applying for a new job, graduate school, or another internship. Mention how this recommendation would help you achieve your professional goals.
- Provide details. Offer some guidance about the key points you’d like the letter to cover. For example, if you worked on a project, highlight it in your request. Mention any skills you’d like them to emphasize (e.g., communication, problem-solving, leadership).
- Offer supporting materials. If applicable, provide your supervisor with your updated CV, a summary of your internship experience, and a list of achievements. These materials will give them a clearer picture of your contributions and make it easier for them to write a strong recommendation.
You might say something like this:
“Hi [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to ask if you would be willing to write a letter of recommendation for me as I’m applying for [a job, graduate school, etc.]. I’ve really enjoyed my time here at [Company Name], and I’ve learned a great deal. Your support would mean a lot to me as I move forward with my career. If you are able to assist, I would be happy to provide my CV and a summary of my internship projects to make the process easier. Thank you for considering this request.”
5. Express Gratitude
Remember that writing a letter of recommendation is a significant favor. Be sure to thank your supervisor for their time and effort, whether or not they agree to write the letter. You can express gratitude by sending a thank-you note once you’ve made the request and again once you receive the letter.
A simple “thank you” can go a long way in maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor, which may benefit you in the future. Here’s an example of how to express your appreciation:
“Thank you so much for considering my request. I truly appreciate your time and support in helping me move forward in my career. Regardless of your decision, I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to work with you and the team.”
6. Follow Up and Stay in Touch
After you’ve made your request, give your supervisor time to write the letter. If you haven’t received a response after a week or so, it’s okay to follow up politely to check on the progress. You can send a gentle reminder, being considerate of their time.
Once you receive the letter, take a moment to review it and express your gratitude again. Be sure to stay in touch with your supervisor even after your internship ends. Maintaining a good relationship with past mentors and employers can open doors to future job opportunities and career growth.
7. Use the Letter Wisely
Once you’ve received the letter of recommendation, be sure to use it effectively. You can include it with your job applications, upload it to job boards, or send it directly to potential employers. Keep in mind that some employers may ask for additional letters of recommendation, so having more than one can be helpful. It’s important to make sure the letter is relevant to the specific role or industry you’re applying to, which might mean requesting a more tailored letter if needed.
Check also: Top Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid for a Strong First Impression in 2025
Asking for a letter of recommendation after your internship in South Africa doesn’t need to be a daunting task. With a little preparation and thoughtfulness, you can make the process smooth and beneficial for both you and your supervisor. Reflect on your experience, choose the right person to ask, and approach them respectfully and clearly. Expressing gratitude and staying in touch can go a long way in strengthening your professional network and boosting your career prospects.
By following these simple steps, you’ll not only gain a valuable letter of recommendation but also foster lasting relationships in the professional world.