Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) by Shiksha Study Abroad

You may have come across various LOR formats in your online search for a decent format for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR). Now, the question arises which LOR format can help in strengthening your application and improve the chances of selection? You have come to the right place as Shiksha Study Abroad guidelines for writing LOR can save you from any confusion or chances of using an incorrect or haphazard format. Shiksha Study Abroad has a set of guidelines for all application-related documents that students can use without any confusion and without affecting their overall application. 

Guidelines for Writing LOR

Following are the guidelines for a generic LOR which students can follow to draft their LORs for any course (UG, MS, MBA or PhD). To help you understand it better, we have divided the LOR into sections for your convenience. Check them out now:

First Paragraph of LOR: Introduction

The introduction of an LOR consists of a brief description of the recommender’s credentials, such as the name, title, college/company name, city, and relationship with the student. Also, include details of how long and in what capacity the recommender has known the student. Highlight the student’s stand. In this case, the recommender can compare the client’s status as against any other persons (in the student’s batch), whom he has supervised or taught. The recommender should identify responsibilities including several people supervised/ class strength. End this paragraph with the client’s outstanding qualities that motivate the recommender to recommend the client. This line should give an overview of the qualities and attributes that the recommender is going to discuss in the following paragraphs. 

Check: Sample LOR

Second Paragraph of LOR: Discuss one Quality

Start the paragraph stating one key quality/ skill or achievement of the student, such as academic prowess, research aptitude, ability to think out of the box, leadership skills, organizational ability, team skills, ability to take initiatives, work ethic and/or maturity. You can choose any one of these or some other quality that relates to the student, and then provide a substantial and impressive example/instance, where the recommender observed this particular quality in the student. This is an important aspect of the LOR as it showcases that the student indeed possesses that quality. Thus, in an LOR the examples are the most important aspect where the skills or qualities mentioned, are demonstrated/proved. The idea is to ‘show’, rather than ‘tell’. 

Third Paragraph: Discuss a Second Quality

This should be different from the one mentioned above. Ideally, there should be three-four different qualities discussed in each LOR. Here also, you need to state an instance that supports the quality mentioned. With the help of such instances, the Admissions Committee (Ad Com) is able to estimate/identify the potential of the applicant and is able to make its decisions. It also makes the recommender’s claims more believable. 

Fourth Paragraph of LOR: Discuss a Third Quality

Include a third quality of the student and explain/justify it with the help of an example, where the recommender witnessed that quality. Try and make each body paragraph unique by discussing different skills/qualities, through different examples. Similarly, try and make each LOR different from the other LORs. Please do not repeat either qualities or examples. The examples, of course, should be unique to that particular recommender. 

Fifth Paragraph of LOR: The Conclusion

As evident, this is the closing paragraph of the LOR. In the end, you need to summarise the student’s strengths, and provide a strong and positive endorsement of the candidate. Also, remember not to introduce any new ideas or qualities in the conclusion. 

NOTE: Each LOR draft (considering there are two-three LORs for one student) should be highlighting different qualities so that they do not look written by the same person. Overall you have to discuss 3-4 qualities, per LOR, each supported by a relevant example to highlight/ prove that quality. Check How To Choose The Right Recommender to know which person to approach for an LOR. 

Points to be Kept in Mind while Writing an LOR 

• Discuss with the candidate before you begin writing an LOR. This will help you understand the details he/she wants to include in the recommendation. Having a candid chat with the candidate can help you remember his/her experiences and qualities. 

• Follow the guidelines for writing LOR so that crucial and relevant details can be added. 

• Use formal language only; an LOR is a formal document which can help in the selection process. 

• Provide examples to justify the traits mentioned in the LOR. 

• Include a true and honest evaluation about the candidate’s skills and qualities. 

• Use simple words and sentences; proofread for errors in grammar and sentence structure. 

• Keep the LOR concise and focused; avoid long stories and detailed instances. 

Qualities to be Highlighted in Different LOR Types 

While following the guidelines for writing LOR, you must choose the traits which can be included in an LOR. Here are some examples of the qualities one can discuss in an academic LOR, without repeating any of them in the successive LORS: 

Qualities to be highlighted in an Academic LOR 

• Academic Prowess 

• Research ability and previous research experience/s 

• Passion for the subject and in-depth engagement with it 

• Fit for the target research programme  

• Original and innovative thinking, conceptual experimentation, imagination, creativity 

• Perseverance and motivation for the field 

• Ability to take initiatives 

• Achievements 

• Leadership skills 

• Team skills 

• Good communication skills - written and oral 

• Comprehension abilities 

• Work Ethic - disciplined work habits 

• Maturity: How you have handled situations, taken responsibilities, solved problems, reacted 

• Integrity: Values, sincere intentions, honest approaches, not compromising on your principles or quality of work. 

• Reaction to setbacks: Personal, academic, otherwise; what have you learnt from each; how have you utilized the learning later 

• Concern for others: How you have helped and supported others, understood their problems, found solutions to make life better for others. 

• Flair for implementation of theory/application skills 

• Self-confidence: Challenges/problems you have overcome, great responsibilities 

• Critical thinking power 

• Interest in faculty work 

• Extracurricular activities 

Qualities to be highlighted in a Professional LOR 

• Leadership 

• Team skills 

• Diversity in education/occupation 

• Career progression 

• International exposure 

• Extracurricular Activities/ Community work 

• Professional and personal achievements 

• Time management and deadline orientation 

• Communication and interpersonal skills 

• Basic business understanding 

• Decision making 

• Presentation skills 

• Analytical skills 

• Motivation 

• Maturity 

• Integrity 

• Reaction to setbacks 

• Concern for others 

Drop us a comment below to clarify any doubt or query!