{"id":2987,"date":"2024-09-17T15:21:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T09:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mindler.com\/blog\/?p=2987"},"modified":"2024-09-17T15:18:15","modified_gmt":"2024-09-17T09:48:15","slug":"how-to-write-a-letter-of-recommendation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mindler.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-letter-of-recommendation\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Write a Winning Letter of Recommendation: Tips & Guidelines"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your Letter of Recommendation, or LOR, as it is popularly known, is an indispensable element of your application. Whether you\u2019re a student applying to colleges for your undergraduate studies, someone applying for specialised graduate studies, or a professional looking to switch jobs, a LOR, or a reference letter is your key to a successful application.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, such a critical application element is heavily misunderstood in our country. A LOR is not just any other letter that an applicant may ask someone to write for them. Quite contrarily, a good letter of recommendation is structured, strategic, and specially curated for the applicant, based on the nature of study they\u2019re going forward with, and the school(s) they\u2019re applying to. In case of a job application, the contents of the letter will be a factor of the company and the profile the applicant is applying for.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re someone who is in the process of writing a LOR, or is going to write one soon, you\u2019re in good company, and should definitely read on. Some points that you should keep a check on if you\u2019re writing your own letter of recommendation will also be covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is a Letter of Recommendation?<\/h2>\n

A letter of Recommendation can be simply described as a personalised document, in which the referee strategically evaluates an individual\u2019s traits, characteristics, abilities & talents with respect to a particular objective, often in a decisive manner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sounds heavy, right? Let\u2019s look at a couple of elements that constitute this definition:<\/span><\/p>\n

Personalized document<\/strong> \u2013 A LOR is of course a written proforma about the individual you are writing it for, from your personalised point of view. It also implies that every word that you write may contribute to the opinion that an admissions committee member\/ recruiter has formed about the applicant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Referee strategically evaluates<\/strong> \u2013 A LOR is an opportunity to get your thoughts and point of view across. The reader doesn\u2019t wish to know the obvious about the candidate, they primarily want to know an objective, third-party point-of-view about how the candidate is in their work\/ academic setting. Writing a LOR is also quite a strategic process, as you will have to carefully curate, plan, and execute the process of writing it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Traits, characteristics, abilities, and talents<\/strong> \u2013 A LOR is more than an individual\u2019s work\/academic practices and demonstrated record, which of course takes the centre spot. A good letter of recommendation talks about characteristics, capabilities, and skills that make the individual unique, and how these particular traits indicate future potential.<\/span><\/p>\n

Particular objective<\/strong> \u2013 A LOR talks about the skills, characteristics, and capabilities in the context of a specific task that a candidate may be required to do in the course of their studies\/work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Decisive manner<\/strong> \u2013 One must also appreciate the fact that a LOR often leads to an intended action \u2013 be it forming an impression about the applicant, or getting an idea about their skills. The writer hence, must take care of the same, and facilitate this action.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a lot of myths that surround letters of recommendation. Let\u2019s look at the most prominent ones, and break them with solid, crystal clear clarity of what LORs are (and what they aren\u2019t).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Myths about Letters of Recommendation<\/h2>\n

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1. The magic of the CEO!<\/h4>\n

Myth:<\/strong> A letter from the top-most official of the organisation (principal, if you\u2019re a student) can work wonders!<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality: <\/strong>The LOR is a document that talks about your work, ambitions, performance, skills, potential, and traits unique to you. It should ideally be written by an individual that you have worked with very closely. An individual, even if they\u2019re at the top, cannot (and mostly will not) vouch for your credibility and everything you stand for, if they don\u2019t know you, understand you, and appreciate you. Your reporting officer or even a peer, who can convince the reader of your sincerity and value system, is a much better choice.<\/span><\/p>\n

The choice of your referee can make a lasting impact. Keep reading to find out how to select a referee who will make a difference to your application.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2. It\u2019s all academic!<\/h4>\n

Myth:<\/strong> A LOR is just academic. I should get my professor to write it for me.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality:<\/strong>\u00a0An utter lie! A LOR may or may not be academic, depending upon the objective behind your letter. If you\u2019re making a job switch, would a letter from your class 12 English teacher, describing your stellar performance in the subject, help? No, of course not! The nature of your LOR is completely contingent on the context. Keep in mind questions such as- Who is reading your letter? Who is writing it for you? What is the purpose of the letter?<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. Big words help!<\/h4>\n

Myth: <\/strong>It helps if my letter is very articulate and flowery.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality:<\/strong> Your letter needs to be structured, and grammatically correct. There are no two ways about it. This, however, does not necessarily imply that the letter should resemble a page taken straight out of a novel. A lot depends on the writer\u2019s individual style, and the impression they wish to create for the reader. If at all you wish to use jargon, be very cautious about it. There are only a few cases where it works! Keep reading to find out how your letter should sound in the following sections, to get the tone of the letter right.<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. LORs are all goody good!<\/h4>\n

Myth:<\/strong> Only praises and good things are supposed to be entered into a letter of recommendation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reality:<\/strong> The content of a LOR depends on the objective behind the letter, and often on the writer as well. It’s folly to assume that a LOR is just supposed to talk about nice things. A LOR is supposed to be candid, and honest, if you feel it makes sense to mention a developmental need that the admissions committee\/recruiters should think about, go ahead and write it as it lends more credibility to the letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to Write a Good (Great) Letter of Recommendation<\/h2>\n

Before going any further, you must come to terms with two words \u2013 writer & applicant. The applicant is someone who is applying for a study program, or a job change, while the writer is the person writing the letter of recommendation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, the whole purpose of a LOR is to bring an independent, third-party point-of-view. However, it is neither uncommon nor unheard of for individuals to be writing their own letters. If you fall into this category, and your professor\/ manager has asked you to write your own letter, it\u2019s imperative that you develop a strong sense of self, and be able to project it as someone else\u2019s words. It is exactly here that you must consult an expert, who can craft an apt strategy for your letters.<\/span><\/p>\n

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What Needs to be Included in a Letter of Recommendation?<\/h2>\n

As a general measure, a writer must keep a check on the following elements, which make for a great letter of recommendation.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Understanding<\/h4>\n

As a writer, you must be absolutely clear on what the letter is asking you about the applicant. It is very important to understand the nature of the LOR. There are a couple of questions that a LOR asks, and seeks answers for.<\/span><\/p>\n