Need help to write a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)? In this guide, learn what an LOR is and how to write an LOR. Specifically, learn how to highlight strengths, provide relevant examples, and tailor your message to different academic levels and application requirements. Also, learn from whom to take these LORs. With these tips, you can stand out in any study abroad application. 

What’s a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)?

An LOR, is a document typically written by a professor or employer, who recommends a candidate for a graduate program. However, professors and employers, often extremely busy, may ask you to draft it yourself. 

How to write an LOR?

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) generally consists of 5 sections, the greeting, introduction, body, conclusion, and signature. Let’s understand how to write an LOR section by section.

Section 1 – Greeting

When composing a letter, addressing the recipient appropriately in the greeting section is crucial. 

• Keep it formal – Typically, this can be done by writing “Dear Admissions Committee” or “Dear Admissions Officer.” Alternatively, you can use “To Whom It May Concern” if you are unsure of the specific recipient. It is important to maintain a formal tone in this section.
• Don’t make it informal – Avoid using informal greetings like “Hi” or “Hello.” Additionally, refrain from using the term “Respected,” as this is not commonly used in international contexts. Instead, stick with the more universally accepted “Dear” to ensure a professional and polished greeting.

Section 2 – Introduction

In your letter, it is important to explain your relationship with the candidate, how long you have known them, and any specific subjects you have taught or projects you have supervised. Additionally, it is helpful to provide a brief introduction of yourself and the purpose of the letter. For example, if you are a professor, you could introduce yourself as Dr. A Murli, Assistant Professor of IIT Hyderabad, and if you are an internship supervisor, you could introduce yourself as Mr. Ankit Tiwary, Corporate Sales Head at Hindustan Unilever Ltd. Once these components have been incorporated, your opening paragraph will be complete. 

Section 3- Body

The following paragraph is of paramount importance in your letter and must be drafted concisely and coherently. You should outline the candidate’s professional and personal qualifications. 

• Start with professional skills – Initially, you could discuss the candidate’s academic strengths. For instance, their proficiency in the subjects you teach or their problem-solving abilities in projects they have undertaken, as well as their ability to work in a lab or conduct research. It is crucial to provide specific examples to support your claims. This will strengthen your recommendation and make it more credible to the admissions committee. 
• Then mention soft skills – Furthermore, you should also mention the candidate’s soft skills, such as their communication abilities displayed during a presentation or their teamwork skills demonstrated during a project. Additionally, you may include any unique qualities or characteristics that set the candidate apart from their peers. This paragraph is essential, so make sure to present the candidate’s qualifications in the most effective manner possible.

Section 4 – Conclusion

Finally, it’s the conclusion section. Here, summarize the candidate’s key strengths. It is also possible to comment on how well the candidate will fit into the university and program they are applying to if you know of it. Lastly, it is crucial to state clearly that you are recommending the candidate. For instance, you can say, “Aditya would be a tremendous asset to your program, and I recommend him without reservation.” This will enable you to end your letter of recommendation on a positive note.

Section 5 – Signature

Lastly, include all the recommender’s details in the signature section, so the admissions committee can contact them if needed. In this section, you should include the recommender’s name, their job title, the name of their company or university, and their contact information such as email and phone number. This concludes the letter of recommendation.

Expert tip! – Try and take your recommendation letters from professors or supervisors who know you well and have observed you closely, either for a project or an assignment. They will be able to comment better on your academic ability and personality rather than a head of department who just knows you by name. Taking recommendations from the right will improve the quality of your application and boost your chances of getting in your desired program. Check out this Youtube Video!

Now, we have reached the end of the blog that we wanted to share with you today. Now if wish to learn how to write an LOR properly and receive examples that got students into some of the best universities, you can register for our study abroad workshop – Study Abroad Course And if you wish to get your LORs reviewed by our expert team, then do register for our LOR Review program! – LOR Review Program. You can look at a sample LOR below.

We wish you all the very best for your career ahead 🙂 If you have any queries, feel free to comment below and we will try to get back to you at the earliest!