I think I messed up.
Originally, I thought this internship position required a recommendation letter, but after double-checking, I realized it actually needs forms.
I’ve already asked three of my teachers for letters of recommendation. I mentioned the situation to one of them, and while she was understanding, she was clearly frustrated. I’m worried the other two might be upset as well.
Now, I need to come up with a good reason to cancel their requests for recommendation letters. I was considering saying, “Oh, something came up and I won’t be able to pursue the internship anymore,” but that feels insincere. I really need some advice on how to handle this gracefully.
It sounds like you’re in a tough spot, and it’s completely understandable to feel stressed about it. First, it’s important to remember that mistakes happen, and many people can relate to facing similar situations.
Instead of fabricating an excuse, it might be best to be honest about the misunderstanding regarding the recommendation process. You could reach out to the teachers you’ve asked for letters and explain the situation briefly. Here’s a suggestion on how you might approach it:
“Hi [Teacher’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to reach out regarding the recommendation letter I requested for my internship. I realized that I misunderstood the requirements—it turns out I actually needed to submit recommendation forms instead of letters. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and I appreciate your willingness to help me.
If you’re still willing to support me, I would greatly appreciate it if we could switch to the forms. If not, I completely understand, and I’m grateful for your time and support regardless. Thank you so much for understanding!”
This way, you maintain transparency and give them a chance to respond positively. If they decide not to move forward with it, you can still express gratitude for their help and understanding. Good luck!