A Letter of Recommendation is a key component in academic admissions, scholarships, internships, and professional applications. Also, unlike a resume, which puts forth an applicant’s achievements from his or her point of view, a LOR gives an outside evaluation from a person who has first-hand seen the applicant’s skills, character and future value.
For those of you who are applying to universities or grad programs, we see that a great LOR adds value to your file.
What Is a Letter of Recommendation?
A Letter of Recommendation is a professional note put out by a professor, teacher, project supervisor, employer, or other relevant professional who knows the applicant very well. In it, the recommender reports on the applicant’s strengths, achievements, work ethic, social skills, and fit for the role.
The best recs are not just lists of praises. They include specific incidents and examples that show off which traits the applicant has. For example, instead of just saying a student is a great problem solver, the recommender can detail how that student did in a research project that was tough and what solution they put forth.
Why Is an LOR Important?
An LOR gives an admissions committee or an employer a point of view that grades, test scores, and resumes don’t always present. It may show:
- Academic ability and intellectual curiosity
- Research aptitude and analytical thinking
- Leadership and teamwork
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Responsibility and consistency
- Professionalism and work ethic
- Opportunity for future academic and professional growth.
I, for one, am very interested in which elements of a Letter of Recommendation are brought forward by the writer. That which reports grades may do so well, but a professor’s note on how that student handled a rough project says so much more about the person.
Types of Letters of Recommendation
LORs are of two main types.
Academic LOR
An academic letter of recommendation is put out by a professor, a lecturer, an academic advisor, or a project supervisor. It reports on academic performance, subject matter knowledge, research skills, intellectual curiosity, and the student’s interest in further study.
Professional LOR
A professional LOR is usually written by an employer, manager, team leader, or internship supervisor. We see in it reports of performance at the workplace, technical skills, collaboration, leadership, dependability, and professional accomplishments.
Standard LOR Format
A professional LOR has this structure:
Introduction
Start with the recommender’s name, designation, affiliation to your institution or company, the date, and a proper salutation like “Dear Admissions Committee” or “To Whom It May Concern.
Relationship With the Applicant.
Explain the nature of the connection between the recommender and the applicant, which includes the time frame and setting of their association.
Strengths and Achievements
Present the primary qualities of the candidate which are best supported by example, not in general.
Suitability for the Opportunity
Link the applicant’s background and experience to the program, scholarship, job, or institution they are applying to.
Conclusion
The recommender must put forth clear forward and contact info which is to be used if we need to verify. Also, we will look for them to indicate which of the details we present is, in fact, supported.
Signature
At completion, please include the recommender’s name, title, institution and signature.
Tips for Writing an Effective LOR
A very powerful LOR is one that is very specific, authentic, professional and relevant. Stay away from over-the-top claims or info that the recommender does not really put faith in. Also, it is best if each letter is tailored to the specific program or opportunity.
Most importantly, the letter should be in the voice of the recommender, which is to say not that of a generic template found online. A personal account, a great in-class experience, or an in-depth report on a project may very well make for a much more meaningful recommendation.
Conclusion
A Letter of Recommendation goes beyond a formal ask. It is a chance for another individual to speak to an applicant’s abilities, character, and what they see for that applicant’s future based on personal experience. As for use in advanced study or a professional setting, the best LORs present a structured format that also includes authentic examples and a very personal take on what the applicant brings to the table.
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