A recommendation letter supports a person’s academic or professional accomplishments and assesses their overall character, including strengths and weaknesses, teamwork, and class participation. These letters are usually written by former professors, employers, clients, teachers, or counsellors.
In this section, we are going to discuss the Introduction, Types, Formats, Tips, Importance and more…
Highlights
- Research skills
- Leadership Skills
- Social skills
- Co-curricular activities
- Team player & ability to perform tasks solo.
- Communication Skills
Definition
Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a vital part of your application that allows the admissions committee to evaluate your qualifications and suitability for the course from the perspective of the person providing the recommendation. Usually, you need to submit at least three LORs when applying for Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or MBA programs abroad.
Types of LOR
- Academic LOR: This is provided by a faculty member from an academic institution where you have previously studied.
Important details to include in an academic LOR include:
- academic standing in a subject
- Projects and research that are pertinent
- Co-curricular projects and accomplishments
- incidents that specifically demonstrate expertise or work ethics
2. Professional LOR: These are often required when applying to universities abroad, particularly for master’s programs. They should come from a senior colleague or supervisor at your previous workplace and should be written on official letterhead.
Important qualities you should mention in a formal LOR include:
- Leadership ability
- Areas of expertise
- Soft skills
- Specific work incidents highlighting your strengths
Differences
| Criteria | Academic Letter of Recommendation | Professional Letter of Recommendation |
| Writers | Professors/ Teachers/ Counsellors | Supervisors/Managers/Clients |
| Required for | Bachelors, Masters, Research | Mandatory courses like MBA, MEng, Medicine, Education, etc |
| No. of Letters Required | 2 to 3 | 1 to 2 |
| Skill-Sets to Focus On | Academic performance and the ability to grasp difficult concepts. | Professional behavior, team-work, and leadership qualities, etc. |
LOR Format
The format of a reference letter is always a letter outlining the applicant’s credentials, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Five paragraphs total make up the three sections of a typical recommendation letter:
- Introduction (one paragraph): Describing the writer’s relationship with the applicant.
- Qualifications and Skills (three paragraphs): Discussing the applicant’s strengths, qualifications, and abilities with specific examples.
- Summary (one paragraph): Providing an overall assessment of the applicant’s suitability.
Content Structure of LOR
First Paragraph:
- Establish your relationship with the student.
- Mention your title and areas of expertise.
Second Paragraph:
- Highlight the student’s qualities and strengths.
- Provide specific examples from your experience.
- Include achievements outside of academics, if relevant.
Third Paragraph:
- Share a specific instance showcasing technical abilities or skills.
- Mention relevant extracurricular activities or soft skills.
Fourth Paragraph:
- Summarize the key points.
- Express your support for the student’s admission to the desired program.
How to write LOR
- A brief explanation about their relationship with you.
- An emphasis on the observation being direct or indirect.
- LOR should carry a very accurate assessment of your eligibility and suitability.
- Any private or sensitive information on you should be included only if it has any relevance or unless
- The recommendation letter should mention about the qualities and unique contributions
Guidelines of LOR
- Type the LOR, avoid handwriting.
- Use font size 11 and black colour.
- Check for grammar and spelling errors.
- Stay within the word limit (typically 500-600 words).
- Provide honest and balanced feedback; avoid exaggeration.
- Ensure that each LOR for a university has different content if multiple LORs are required.
4 Tips to Write a Successful LOR
- Check the university guidelines
- Tone and Theme of the LOR should be consistent
- Starting with a good introduction
- Focus on journey and not just milestones
Letter of Recommendation for Top Programs
| Program | No. of LOR | Type of LOR | Theme |
| LOR for MS | Three | At least 2 academic LORs | Place emphasis on your academic accomplishments, skills, interests, and career goals. |
| LOR for MBA | Two to three | At least 1 professional LOR | Draw attention to your problem-solving abilities, leadership prowess, and areas for growth. |
| LOR for PhD | Two to three | Academic LORs | Describe your subject knowledge, previous research and publications, and academic performance. |
| LOR for UG | One or two | Academic LOR | Academic achievements and relationship with peers should be highlighted |
Common Mistakes in LOR
- Mentioning what’s already covered
- Choosing the wrong recommender
- Keeping the same message across all LORs
Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Sample
Here are some samples of Letters of Recommendation for various educational programmes. :
LOR Samples for UG Admission
LOR Sample for MS Program
LOR Sample for Professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be the word count of the LOR?
LOR ought to be 500–600 words.
Why does a university require a LOR?
- Universities require LORs to learn about applicants and their abilities.
- LORs allow applicants to showcase their skills and qualities.
What is the difference between a letter of recommendation and a reference letter?
- A reference letter is like a general stamp of approval, while a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is specific and recommends someone for a particular position.
- A reference letter is versatile and can be used for various purposes, while an LOR is directed towards a specific person or panel.
How long should a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) be?
Aim for 300-400 words in a Letter of Recommendation (LOR), unless there’s a specified word limit set by the institution or company you’re applying to.
Should we mention grades or scores in the LOR?
You already mentioned it on your resume and application form. In place of grades or scores, you can mention other attributes.
Conclusion
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