How to write a compelling Letter of Recommendation (LOR)?

So, you have zeroed down on a university that suits you, decided upon which course to go for and also made multiple changes to draft a spot-on Statement of Purpose. Now, the need for a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) arises, and you’re wondering how to steer your way around this situation. 

Well, look no further, because this is where you’ll find a step-by-step guide on drafting a spot-on letter of recommendation that is sure to increase your chances of securing an admit, out of a vast pool of candidates with similar stature.

The main reason why an LOR holds immense value in your assessment as a candidate is because universities not only care about your resume and grades, but also want to get an opinion about your skills, capabilities and overall personality from a revered professor, manager or supervisor. 

Let us look at the primary concerns that need to be addressed in order to write the perfect Letter of Recommendation.

Concern #1: How to Choose your Recommender?

Take a trip down memory lane and identify the mentors who guided you to develop some of your best works. The factors listed below can further help you in this process: 

1. Recommender's experience in the industry: Letters by HODs, senior lecturers and managers leave a stronger impression on the admission's committee members. 

2. Your experience and exposure: It is apparent that a manager or supervisor will not be able to shed light on your academic capabilities. Thus, the number of years you have worked in the industry also matters while selecting between academic and professional recommenders.

3. Requirements of the program you wish to pursue: Thesis-based programs require more academic LORs as compared to professional programs.

Concern #2: How to Draft the Letter?

Now that you have chosen your recommenders and checked the university’s requirements, it is time to begin writing. Most universities seek a minimum of three letters, however this may vary depending upon your program. 

LORs are formal documents signed by highly experienced professionals and must be written in a polished language. Keep the following points in mind while drafting a Letter of Recommendation:

Tip #1: Follow a specific format

Keep the letter concise by briefly covering the following aspects and avoiding exaggeration:

• Introduction- Start by mentioning basic information like your recommender’s experience and their area of expertise. You must also state the period of your association with them (preferably in years) and your relationship with them. 

• Body- Mention instances highlighting the personality traits that were the backbone of your achievements.  You must also pay special attention to the opening and closing lines of each paragraph to maintain the flow.

• Conclusion- Close the letter by reiterating the recommendation and expressing confidence. Don’t forget to express availability by inviting the recipient to contact you, if required.

Tip #2: Include anecdotes to support claims

Universities look for compelling reasons to admit a candidate; writing an all-positive letter without any evidence does not actually provide the admission's committee with any noteworthy insights about your potential. 

Depending on the context, support your claims by including anecdotes like :

• individual/group projects

• presentations/public speaking opportunities

• competitions/awards won

• volunteering initiatives

• leadership roles

• seminars/ internships 

Tip #3: Address the shortcomings in your SOP, if any

If you think you have missed some points in your SOP or simply feel the need to make your application more powerful, you can tailor the letter’s content to balance it out.

Mention any of your prior accomplishments that demonstrate a willingness to take intellectual risks, instances of going beyond classroom pursuits, or out-of-the box thinking.

This will act as an advocacy of the impressive characteristics of your personality and will add weight to your suitability. 

Concern#3: How to Ensure it is Perfect? 

After you’re done writing the letters, go through them while keeping in mind the following:

• Re-check for any inaccuracies between your SOP and LORs, in terms of chronology, logical consistency and technical facts that may have been quoted incorrectly.

• Ensure that the letter goes beyond describing only academic achievements and also focuses on personality traits like leadership capabilities, emotional quotient and extra-curricular fields of interest.

• It is important that the tone of the letters does not reflect exaggeration or a biased perception. They should be grounded on fair judgement and assessment based on observation.

• Compare the letters with each other to see if there is any repetitive information or if they are similar in terms of writing style. 

• Use suitable applications to ensure that there aren’t any grammatical mistakes in the content. 

Now that you have reached the end of this article, hopefully you’re clear about the what and the how of drafting a strong and unique LOR. If you think you need some insipiration, simply click here to sign up (it's free!) and get a sample LOR delivered to your inbox instantly. Take a take a look at our LOR Drafting Service to have us personally assist you in drafting a strong Letter of Recommendation.

Here’s wishing you good luck!

We also have a video on 5 LOR mistakes that you should definitely avoid. Check it out to learn more: