Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Sample 2025 : Recommendation Letter Template & Tips

A Letter of Recommendation or LOR is one of the most important documents in your application for studying abroad. Irrespective of the program, university, and country, LOR plays a crucial role in deciding enrollment. Let us discuss in detail. 

An LOR is a major requirement when applying to universities abroad. These letters can be written by your professors, supervisors or any other person who can vouch for your academic or professional abilities. Almost every university needs LORs to evaluate your application for admission. It is important to submit a solid LOR which is effective enough to show your overall capabilities. LORs usually show professional experience, adds credibility, boosts confidence and ensures your competency in the eyes of the Admission Committee. In this article, we cover the details of the LOR format along with a sample LOR and dos and don'ts.

LOR Format Guidelines

While letter of recommendation format varies but it is written for a common purpose To guide you through, here is an LOR format

• The recommender should introduce themselves in the first paragraph by stating their designation and workplace. Starting lines should specify how the recommender knows their student or employee. It should also be mentioned for how long the recommender has known them. A significant point to note is that the recommender should be at a senior level to write about work and behaviour. Recommenders can be professor or faculty member, direct supervisor, Principal, Dean, ex manager or others. Colleagues, friends or family members cannot submit an LOR.
• After this LOR will be divided into three paragraphs. All of them should contain at least three distinct qualities for whoever you are writing. University requires three LORs in admission application and all of them should be different in nature. Understand What is Included in an LOR?
• Each LOR is drafted differently depending on the course. Here are some examples of attributes that you can mention in an LOR depending on the program or course. 

These qualities can be outlined by those recommenders who are known and have been around for some time.

• You must select recommenders who can effectively convey these qualities in your LOR. Check How to Choose the Right Recommenders?
• In the last paragraph, conclude LOR. You can also add a line or two about how you feel about the student personally. End with strong support for their application and wish them good luck. End with Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully in the bottom left followed by your name, designation, department, firm or institution name, contact number and email ID.

Applicants can have a draft of their LOR with them to showcase how it looks. The LOR draft must include all that is mentioned here. LOR sample can be used as an example before they submit the letters.

LOR Sample

Here is a letter of recommendation example for applicants to look at how an LOR should ideally look like:

Download: LOR_SAMPLE_ 

Copying content can cause plagiarism issues.

Do’s and Don’ts for an LOR

For writing a convincing LOR follow follow some dos and don'ts

Dos

• If you are a recommender mention your designation, relationship with applicant and years of association.
• Include traits for which you can prove with examples.
• Focus on strengths related to program of application.
• Choose recommenders wisely and you should know them for a long time.
• Use formal language and tone for writing.
• Submit letter on formal letterhead.

Don'ts

• Avoid repeating same qualities through different recommenders
• Do not mention skills for which you cannot prove or support
• Plagiarism should be avoided.
• Do not select unknown recommenders.
• Do not mention scores of any exams in LOR Avoid mentioning weaknesses unless requested by the university.

Candidates looking for assistance with university recommendations can contact our Shiksha Counselling Services on our website. Candidates can also get in touch with us with their queries in the comments section below.