Once you know the writing tips for a Letter of Recommendation, you should start writing one for your student or employee. It is essential to create the LOR in the proper format and an appropriate manner. Below, you will find the correct Letter of Recommendation Format and some sample LORs to get an idea of how to make it strong.
LOR Format
LOR Template
LOR Samples
FAQs
You can check the LOR Format below. Understanding this format will help you create LORs for different courses.
The letter should begin with the recommender’s introduction. The recommender should mention his/her job title and where he/she works, such as a school principal or college dean. This shows that the recommender is qualified to assess the student. The recommender should also explain how he/she knows the student and for how long. If the recommender has known the student for a long time, he/she can better evaluate the student’s character and achievements.
The recommender must be in a senior position. His/her experience and authority mean he/she can give a reasonable opinion about the student. Whether it's a teacher who knows how well the student does in school, a boss who's seen your hard work, or a manager who's seen you lead others, the recommender's position makes his/her opinion matter.
It is also best if the recommendation doesn't come from a friend, family member, or co-worker. This keeps the letter fair and based on the student's skills, not personal relationships. It ensures the student's application is taken seriously and gives a better chance of acceptance.
The body of the Letter of Recommendation (LOR) should consist of three main paragraphs, each focusing on the student's different qualities or skills. Universities usually request three separate LORs from your college or workplace, which means that each LOR should highlight three distinct attributes. It is essential not to repeat the same quality in multiple LORs, but you can discuss the same event or experience to showcase different skills.
For example, if you describe a group project, one recommender can emphasise your research abilities, while another can highlight your teamwork or leadership qualities. This approach ensures that each LOR presents a diverse range of skills supported by relevant examples, collectively offering a comprehensive overview of the student's capabilities.
Ensuring that each LOR highlights unique qualities is crucial for providing a well-rounded student assessment. This allows admissions committees to gain insight into various aspects of the student's character, talents, and achievements, ultimately strengthening the student’s application.
Depending on the course, each LOR should be drafted differently. According to the program or course, you can include any of the following qualities in a letter of recommendation for students.
Ability to make decisions
Capacity for leadership
Teamwork skills
Strengths and competencies in the field of management
Multitasking and time management
A summary of the duties and dedication to the work
Initiative and commitment
Original and innovative concepts
Honesty and dependability
Careful planning and willingness to work independently
Capacity for leadership
Teamwork abilities
Academic achievement
Passion Draw attention to honours and accolades
Dedication and willingness
Research Abilities
In the final paragraph of the Letter of Recommendation (LOR), you should confirm that you recommend the student. You can also share a little about your personal feelings towards the student. Finish with strong support for the student’s applications and wish the best for the future. This closing part is important because it leaves a positive impression on the reader and shows your confidence in the student's abilities. It is like giving authority a final boost of encouragement before they move forward with the application process.
To end the Letter of Recommendation (LOR), choose a closing like 'Best wishes', 'Best regards', 'Yours sincerely', or 'Yours faithfully'. Then, write your name, job title, department, company/school name, city, contact number, and email address. Make sure to sign the letter at the bottom. It's also important to print the LOR on the official letterhead of your college or company. This gives it a professional look and shows that it's authentic. Following these steps ensures that your LOR looks polished and official, giving it credibility and weight.
Check the LOR Template that you can follow to create a Letter of Recommendation for students.
Introduction
I am [Recommender's Name], [Recommender's Designation] at [Company/College/Institution Name] located in [City]. I have had the pleasure of knowing [Student's Name] for [Duration of Acquaintance] years. I first met [Student's Name] when they enrolled in [Course/Program] at [College/Institution Name], where I have been teaching as a [Professor/Faculty]. Over the years, I have witnessed [Student's Name]'s growth and development, both academically and personally.
Body
In this letter, I would like to highlight three qualities that make [Student's Name] an exceptional candidate:
Conclusion
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend [Student's Name] for [Program/Position]. He/she possesses the qualities of a strong leader, a dedicated learner, and a proactive individual. I am confident he/she will excel academically or professionally. I wish him/her all the best in his/her future activities.
Closing
Best regards,
[Recommender's Name] [Recommender's Designation] [Department] [Company/Institution Name] [City] Contact Number: [Recommender's Phone Number] Email: [Recommender's Email Address] |
Here are some LOR Samples to help you know how to create LOR.
[Your Name] [Your Position/Title] [Your Institution/Organization] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am recommending [Student's Name] for [Purpose of Recommendation, e.g., admission to a university/college or scholarship]. I have known [Student's Name] for [Duration of Acquaintance] during their time at [Your Institution/Organization], where he/she has consistently impressed me with his/her dedication, enthusiasm, and academic achievements.
During his/her tenure at our institution, [Student's Name] demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, consistently achieving top grades in his/her coursework. He/she actively participated in class discussions, showing a deep understanding of the subject matter and contributing valuable insights to classroom discourse.
Moreover, [Student's Name] exhibited strong leadership skills by [Provide Specific Examples, e.g., leading group projects or organizing extracurricular activities]. His/her ability to collaborate effectively and take initiative in challenging situations sets him/her apart as a natural leader.
In addition to his/her academic and leadership abilities, [Student's Name] possesses excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic. He/she is highly motivated, reliable and willing to go above and beyond in academic pursuits.
Based on my observations and interactions with [Student's Name], I am confident that he/she has the qualities and potential to excel in [Field/Area of Interest]. I wholeheartedly recommend [Student's Name] for [Purpose of Recommendation], and I am certain that he/she will make valuable contributions to any program or organisation he/she will become a part of.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Position/Title] [Your Institution/Organization] |
[Your Name] [Your Position/Title] [Your Company/Organization] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Employee's Name] enthusiastically for [Purpose of Recommendation, e.g., promotion or new job opportunity]. I have had the pleasure of working closely with [Employee's Name] for [Duration of Employment] at [Your Company/Organization], and I have consistently been impressed by his/her dedication, professionalism, and outstanding performance.
[Employee's Name] has demonstrated exceptional competence and expertise in his/her role, consistently exceeding expectations and delivering high-quality results. He/she possesses excellent problem-solving abilities and consistently demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling challenges.
Moreover, [Employee's Name] is a highly collaborative team player who consistently fosters a positive and inclusive work environment. He/she is adept at communicating effectively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels and contributes valuable insights and ideas to team discussions and projects.
In addition to his/her technical skills and professional competence, [Employee's Name] exhibits exemplary leadership qualities. He/she has effectively led teams and projects, inspiring and motivating his/her colleagues to achieve collective goals and objectives.
Based on [Employee's Name]'s exemplary performance and contributions to our organisation, I am confident that he/she has the skills, qualities, and potential to excel in any new role or opportunity they pursue. I wholeheartedly endorse [Employee's Name] for [Purpose of Recommendation] and do not doubt that he/she will continue to make significant contributions wherever he/she goes.
Please do not hesitate and contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Position/Title] [Your Company/Organization] |
[Your Name] [Your Position/Title] [Your Company/Organization] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to recommend [Student's Name] for the [Internship Position] at [Your Company/Organization]. I have had the opportunity to work closely with [Student's Name] during the internship period, and I have been consistently impressed by his/her enthusiasm, initiative, and dedication towards work.
Throughout his/her internship, [Student's Name] has demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges. He/she has also shown exceptional competence in [Specific Tasks or Projects], quickly grasping complex concepts.
Moreover, [Student's Name] exhibits excellent communication and interpersonal skills, which have enabled him/her to collaborate effectively with team members and stakeholders. He/she actively contributes ideas and insights during team meetings and discussions, demonstrating his/her commitment to achieving project objectives.
In addition to his/her technical abilities, [Student's Name] possesses a positive attitude and a strong work ethic. He/she approaches tasks with diligence and attention to detail, consistently delivering high-quality work within deadlines.
Based on [Student's Name]'s performance and contributions during the internship, I am confident that he/she has the potential to excel in a professional setting. I believe that [Student's Name] would be a valuable asset to any organisation, and I highly recommend him/her for the [Internship Position].
Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Position/Title] [Your Company/Organization] |
1. Is it acceptable to submit LORs from family members or friends?
Letters of Recommendation from family members or friends are generally not recommended, as they may lack objectivity and credibility. Choosing recommenders who can provide professional or academic assessments of your qualifications and character is best.
2. What should I do if I receive a negative or lukewarm LOR?
If you receive a negative or lukewarm Letter of Recommendation, consider addressing any concerns or misunderstandings with your recommender directly. You may also consider seeking additional recommendations from others who can positively assess your qualifications and character.
3. How can I express gratitude to my recommenders for writing LORs on my behalf?
It is important to express gratitude to your recommenders for writing Letters of Recommendation on your behalf. You can thank them verbally or in writing, and consider sending a handwritten note of appreciation to show your gratitude for their time and effort.
4. What should I do if I suspect that my recommender has not written a strong LOR?
If you suspect that your recommender has not written a strong Letter of Recommendation, consider addressing any concerns or misunderstandings with them directly. You may also seek feedback from other individuals who are familiar with your qualifications and character and request additional recommendations if necessary.
5. Should I follow up with my recommenders after submitting my application?
Yes, it's generally a good idea to follow up with your recommenders after submitting your application to confirm that they have submitted their Letters of Recommendation on time. Express your appreciation for their support and let them know that you have submitted your application.
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