An individual seeking to obtain an educational qualification
or looking to apply for a job at a leading organization is usually required
to submit one or more Letters of Recommendation (LoRs) that help the evaluation
committee apprehend whether or not they’re the appropriate fit for the applied
course or job designation. A letter of recommendation is usually drafted by a
previous employer or a professor who is well acquainted with the candidate to
refer them and put forth their name to the organization to shortlist the
anticipated candidate. The blog is aimed at providing the reader with a
thorough idea on the fundamental features of a Letter of Recommendation and the
major points that are to be kept in mind while drafting an LoR.
Types of LoR:
There are basically two different types of Letters of
Recommendation, namely academic LoR and Professional LoR. The difference
between the aforementioned LoRs is the nature of the provider or recommender.
i) Academic LoR:
An Academic Letter of Recommendation is provided by a faculty
member belonging to an academic institution that a candidate has previously
studied at. International universities ask for a minimum of one academic LoR,
and in such cases, a candidate can go back to their previous academic institution
and ask a professor to do the needful. An Academic LoR calls attention to the
student’s ability to pursue the applied course as the course is aligned with
their previous academic accomplishments.
ii) Professional LoR:
A majority of international institutions overseas demand
prior work experience, especially if they are applying for a Master’s course or
PhD. Professional LoRs can be drafted and provided to a candidate by a senior
or colleague belonging to their last working organization. A professional LoR
is most necessary to be drafted on the company’s letterhead only. A
professional LoR emphasizes the candidates working abilities in a diverse
working environment, teamwork, and specifies their exposure in line with the
domain.
Why is an LoR
needed?
Candidates
expecting to pursue their further studies are mandatorily required to submit an
LoR, especially if they plan on pursuing education at international
destinations like the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.
Students are required to customarily submit 2 LoRs belonging to their academic
as well as professional backgrounds irrespective of their study level, course, and field of study. Students applying for an undergraduate course often do not
possess any professional experience, so they can request an LoR from school
teachers, college teachers, professors, principals, counselors, etc. However,
candidates applying for a Master’s course at foreign universities need a
professional LoR at their disposal which they can ask for from their previous
employer, internship manager, etc.
The
format of an LoR
A
normal Letter of Recommendation usually ranges from 4 to 5 paragraphs that
explicitly describe a candidate’s ability for their future endeavors. Every
paragraph is normally allocated to to one particular section that provides
necessary information about an individual.
The
first paragraph initiates the nature of the relationship between the
recommender and the recommended. The commencing paragraph is almost always
begun by mentioning the professional designation in addition to the
individual’s educational qualifications and can be drawn to a close by
sensitively making a mention of why the recommender is contented to refer the
candidate.
The
second paragraph of the LOR should speak regarding the potential strong points
of the candidate in addition to the traits that will help her/him align more
with the upcoming course.
The
third paragraph should mention true-to-life scenarios affirming the
candidate’s preparedness together with the commitment towards meeting the set
goal.
This
is supposed to be the final paragraph concluding the candidate’s recommendation
letter by narrating how his/ her capabilities make them the apt candidate for
the course they are to seek admission.
In
this paragraph, the recommender must provide their contact details along with
the institution or organization they are employed at for further assistance.
Essential
Features of an LoR:
1. All-inclusive
2. Clearly decipherable
3. To the point
4. Holistically approached
5. Personal touch with
authenticity
For
further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International,
and avail themselves of our wide range of services for students on destinations
like Universities in USA, study in USA, study in UK, Study in Ireland, study inAustralia, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore and many other countries.
