Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Sample for Study Abroad

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is one of the most important documents in your application process for study abroad. Irrespective of the programme, course, university, and country, the LOR plays a crucial role in deciding the admission of a candidate. Hence, is it important to draft your LOR in a precise and appropriate manner that oozes strong recommendation to support your whole profile. An effective LOR verifies your professional experience, builds credibility, boosts confidence and ensures your competency in the eyes of the ADCOM.

To guide you through the drafting of a LOR, here is the format of a generic LOR that can be used for any course:

Introduction

In the first paragraph itself, the recommender should introduce himself by stating his designation and workplace (company/ college/ institution, city). The next lines of the introduction should contain the details of where and how did the recommender come in contact with the aspirant. It should also be clearly mentioned for how long the recommender has been acquainted with the student, be it in year or months. The significant point to be noted here is that the recommender should at a senior level so that he can right judge the student’s work and behaviour. Therefore, the recommender can be a professor/faculty, direct supervisor, Principal of a school, Dean of the college, manager, vice-president, deputy manager, and so on. No colleague, friends, or family member issue a LOR.

Body of the LOR stating qualities with instances

The rest of the LOR will be divided into three body paragraphs which should contain at least three distinct qualities or attribute of the student. Ideally, any university asks for three separate LORs from your college/ firms. Therefore, you need to make sure that all the three LORs have three distinct qualities mentioned in them. No attributes can be repeated, however, you can include an instance twice and highlight different skills/ qualities in it. For instance, if you are mentioning the instance of a group project. Then in this case, one recommender can elaborate on your research skills regarding the project and another recommender can highlight your teamwork skills or leadership skills if you lead the project. Hence, each LOR should have three different attributes mention and highlight through an instance that can act as a proof.

Qualities that can be included in LOR

Each LOR is drafted differently depending on the course. Here are some examples of attributes that you can mention in a LOR depending on the program/ course.

For a professional LOR:

• Decision-making skills
• Leadership ability
• Teamwork skills
• Strengths and skills regarding management
• Time management and multitasking
• Summary of job responsibilities and diligence
• Initiative and dedication
• Creative and innovative ideas
• Integrity and reliability
• Hardwork and ability to work independently

For an academic LOR:

• Leadership ability
• Teamwork skills
• Academic performance
• Passion
• Highlight awards and recognition
• Hardworking and initiative
• Research skills

Conclusion

In the last paragraph, conclude the LOR confirming the student’s recommendation. You also can add a line or two about how you feel about the student personally. End with a strong support for the student’s application and wishing him/ her all the best in their future endeavours.

The Closing

For the closing of the LOR, end with ‘Best wishes’, ‘Best regards’, ‘Yours sincerely’, or ‘Yours faithfully’ in the bottom left corner. This should be followed by the name of the recommender, designation, department, firm/institution name, city, contact number and E-mail ID. Make sure the letters are duly signed at the bottom and the LOR is printed on the college’s or company’s letterhead.

To know more about LORs, you can read:

• 5 things you must include in a Letter of Recommendation
• How to make an impressive Letter of Recommendation?
• How to send LORs to universities abroad?