How to draft your letters of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation (LOR) is a letter written by a person in your academic/professional network in support of your university application. Not all programs or universities require them, but when they are required, they are important. Even more so in management program applications. Say for MBA, MS in Business Analytics, etc.

There are two types of LOR: Academic and work. Academic LOR is from a faculty from preferably your last-attended institution. Work LOR is from a working professional in your network, preferably from someone who has directly worked with you in a professional capacity.

How to format your letter of recommendation?

The text in the LOR document must be consistent. The font Calibri with 12 as its size looks good. For the body of the letter the alignment option of justified text gives it a coherent look. The length of the letter must not exceed a page.

The letter must be on a headed paper. In other words the paper you get your letter on must have a heading consisting of the name, logo, address, contact details of the employer of your referee. If your recommender cannot arrange a headed paper check with the universities you are applying to to grant you an exception on the application compliances.

What all things should you include in your LOR?

Please find below list of elements that must be included in a letter of recommendation.

1. Date

2. Greetings

3. Personal introduction

4. Association with the applicant

5. Duration of association with the applicant

6. Recommendation body (comments on: characteristics and attributes of the applicant; courses taught, project supervision; anecdotes, etc.)

7. Closing

8. Signature (Name, designation, department/functional area, email ID, phone number, and employer)

Let's discuss the element #6 i.e. recommendation body in more detail.

The body of the letter must include comments on your academic achievements, skills, and abilities. Provide specific examples that demonstrate your strengths. The example could be a project, class assignment, presentation, etc.

It must mention any extracurricular activities, leadership roles, or community involvement that showcases your character and dedication.

It may also include anecdotes or specific instances where you showed excellence or growth. It may conclude with a comment on your future potential.

Note: Please know that if you are applying to top-ranked schools the profile of your recommender can make a strong case for your admissibility. It would add tremendous value to your application if your recommender is a highly accomplished faculty and is active in academic discourse in his domain.

Tips:

• The word count of the LOR body must not exceed 500 words.

• The LOR should be general. It does not have to be university-specific.

• The LOR must read genuine. Oftentimes LORs contain strong adjectives that celebrate student's achievements and embellish his qualities. This should be avoided as it borders on becoming disingenuous.
  

For personal guidance feel free to contact us.