Letter of Recommendation

When you are researching for studying abroad, you may hear or read the term LOR or Letter of Recommendation. Do you know what is LOR? If not, you must know about it, as it is an important document for studying or working abroad.

Let’s understand the LOR or Letter of Recommendation.

LOR full form is "Letter of Recommendation,". It is a document providing confirmation and insight into an individual's qualifications. LOR is typically used for academic or professional pursuits.

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a vital document for university admissions. It offers insight into your academic performance, strengths, experiences, achievements, and skills. Written by individuals with professional authority or expertise, LORs present a positive image of your candidature and potential suitability for admission. These letters give admission officers comprehensive information about your qualifications and character, helping them assess your fit for the university.

The LOR is created by your professor and employer. However, you can also make it yourself and verify it later by an authorised person. It is important that the person creating your LOR knows you well, as he/she is tasked with accurately portraying your strengths and characteristics.

Depending on their chosen course (UG, MS, MBA, or PhD) or destination location, students usually need academic Letters of Recommendation (LORs) when applying to study abroad programs. These letters for students are created by those people who are in their professional or academic circles. 

• UG students have the option to ask instructors, professors, school counsellors, or the principal for a letter of recommendation (LOR). 

• Supervisors of internships, bosses from prior jobs, or college instructors may be able to provide letter of recommendation for Master of Science (MS) candidates. 

• Professional LORs should be given priority by MBA applicants, especially those with three or more years of work experience. Similarly, recent graduates seeking admission to PhD or MBA programs might consult project advisors, supervisors, or lecturers for advice.

Overall, letters of recommendation provide applicants valuable insight into their credentials and character. This information is crucial for gaining admission into desired international educational programs.

There are two types of LOR that can be created by a person - academic LOR and Professional LOR. Let’s understand both types of LOR in detail.

An Academic Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a document written by a teacher, professor, or academic advisor to assess a student's academic abilities, achievements, and potential for further education. These letters are commonly required for college admissions, scholarship applications, or graduate school programs.

Moreover, Academic LORs typically include details about the student's class performance, intellectual abilities, work ethic, leadership skills, and notable achievements or contributions in academic settings. The recommender may also provide insights into the student's character, motivation, and suitability for the program or opportunity they are applying for.

In addition, Academic LORs are crucial for admissions committees to comprehensively understand the applicant's academic background and potential for success in higher education.

A Professional Letter of Recommendation is written by an employer, supervisor, colleague, or acquaintance to assess a candidate's professional qualifications, skills, and suitability for a specific job or industry. These letters are commonly requested for job applications, promotions, or career development opportunities.

Moreover, Professional LORs typically include details about the candidate's job performance, responsibilities, accomplishments, teamwork abilities, communication skills, and other relevant qualities. The recommender may also provide insights into the candidate's work ethic, reliability, leadership potential, and compatibility with the organisational culture. These are essential for employers or hiring managers to evaluate candidates' professional backgrounds and determine their potential fit for the position or role they are applying for.

As you know, a letter of recommendation, often called an LOR, is a document that discusses a person's strengths and sometimes weaknesses. It is usually 400-500 words long and must include details like how long the person (who wrote the LOR) has known the candidate and the relationship with the candidate.

For example, if it is for a university, it needs to be on the official letterhead of that university. If it is for a job, it should be on the company's letterhead.

Check some important points below that you must remember while writing a Letter of Recommendation (LOR). 

• The person writing the LOR should still work at that company.

• An LOR should not be the same as a Statement of Purpose (SOP). 

• A good LOR must show parts of your personality that are not mentioned in other documents. 

• LOR must be written by the person who knows you very well. 

• In your LOR, some examples of your excellent work must be mentioned. 

• A generic LOR doesn't help much, so creating an LOR that talks about you specifically is better. 

• Remember, the persons reading your LOR want to read lots of them, so your recommender should focus on your strengths and achievements with real examples. 

• Making an impressive LOR is just as important as writing a good SOP, so make sure to avoid common mistakes and tailor each letter to the person writing it.

When it comes to selecting the right LOR format, especially with many online options, individuals often face a dilemma.

As mentioned earlier, there are various types of recommendation letters tailored to specific courses and recommenders. Additionally, paying attention to the formatting and content of the document is crucial.

To assist students in navigating this process smoothly, Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) provides its own set of guidelines. These guidelines streamline the application process by offering advice on formatting, structure, and overall quality of the document. You can connect with MOEC experts to get advice for LOR.

Below, you can check some important vocabulary for writing a good Letter of Recommendation.

A LOR provides valuable insights into an individual's character, abilities, and potential. Here are several key reasons why LORs are essential.

• LORs endorse an individual's qualifications, achievements, and skills by credible sources such as professors, employers, or mentors.

• LORs provide an objective assessment of the candidate's abilities and suitability for a particular opportunity, enhancing their credibility with selection committees, admissions officers, or potential employers.

• LORs offer personal insights into the candidate's character, work ethic, and leadership qualities that may not be apparent from academic transcripts or resumes.

• Well-written LORs highlight your unique strengths, accomplishments, and contributions, demonstrating your potential for success.

• LORs offer a holistic evaluation of the candidate's capabilities, combining academic performance, professional achievements, and personal qualities to provide a well-rounded assessment.

• LORs provide context to the candidate's achievements and experiences, helping selection committees or employers understand the circumstances under which these accomplishments were attained.

• LORs assist decision-makers in evaluating candidates for academic programs, scholarships, job positions, or other opportunities by providing additional perspectives beyond quantitative metrics.

1. What exactly is a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)?

An LOR (Letter of Recommendation) is a vital document created by someone who knows you well, professionally or academically. It serves as a recommendation to support your application for a job, educational program, scholarship, or other opportunity.

2. How does a Letter of Recommendation contribute to my application?

Letters of Recommendation or LOR provide valuable insights into your character, abilities, and potential from someone who has observed you in relevant contexts. They enhance the credibility of your application by offering an unbiased assessment of your qualifications and suitability for the opportunity you are pursuing.

3. Who typically writes Letters of Recommendation?

LORs are written by individuals who have worked closely with you and can provide meaningful insights into your abilities and character. These may include teachers, professors, employers, supervisors, mentors, or other professionals who can share your academic qualifications and achievements.

4. When is a Letter of Recommendation required?

A letter of recommendation is often required when applying for academic programs, scholarships, job positions, or other opportunities. However, the specific LOR requirements vary depending on the university, college or organisation you are applying to.

5. How many Letter of Recommendation do I need?

The number of Letter of Recommendation required varies depending on the application requirements. Some applications may require one or two letters, while others may specify a specific number or type of recommendations.