What makes a good LOR?

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a crucial component of many application processes, such as college admissions, job applications, or scholarship applications. A well-crafted LOR can significantly impact an applicant’s chances of success. To understand what makes a good LOR, we need to delve into the key characteristics and elements that should be included in such a recommendation letter.

• Authenticity and Relationship: A good LOR should come from a person who genuinely knows the applicant. The recommender should have a close professional or academic relationship with the applicant. It’s important that the recommender can provide specific examples and insights into the applicant’s character, skills, and abilities. Authenticity is crucial as it reflects the true nature of the individual. 
• Positive Tone: A good LOR should be positive and upbeat. It should highlight the applicant’s strengths, achievements, and potential. A negative or neutral tone can hurt the applicant’s chances. However, it should be balanced and sincere, avoiding overly exaggerated praise or unsupported claims. 
• Relevance to the Purpose: The content of the LOR should be directly relevant to the purpose of the application. If it’s for a job application, the letter should focus on the applicant’s qualifications and how they fit the job requirements. It should emphasize their academic abilities, characteristics, and potential for academic purposes. 
• Specific Examples: A strong LOR includes specific anecdotes, examples, or instances that illustrate the applicant’s qualities and abilities. Instead of making general statements like “he/she is hardworking, ” it’s better to say something like “I witnessed [applicant’s name] consistently putting in extra hours to meet project deadlines, even in challenging situations. “
• Comparative Statements: It can be helpful if the recommender can compare the applicant to others they’ve encountered in similar roles or situations. This can provide context for the reader and help them understand the applicant’s relative strengths and weaknesses.
• Professional Formatting: The LOR should be professionally formatted, including the recommender’s contact information, the date, and a formal salutation. It should also be signed by the recommender.
• Length: A good LOR should be concise and to the point. It should provide all necessary information without being overly lengthy. Usually, a well-structured one-page letter is sufficient.
• Academic or Professional Credibility: The recommender’s credibility matters. If the letter is for an academic application, it’s beneficial if the recommender holds a respected academic position. For job applications, the recommender should be someone in a relevant professional capacity. Their own qualifications and experience lend weight to their endorsement.
• Organization and Structure: A well-organized LOR is easier to read and understand. It should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction can briefly state the relationship between the recommender and the applicant. The body should include the main points, and the conclusion should summarize the key qualities and the recommender’s endorsement.
• Honesty and Transparency: A good LOR should be honest and transparent. Recommenders should refrain from exaggerations or false statements. Authenticity and integrity are vital to the credibility of the letter.
• Customization: LORs should not be generic or identical for all applicants. The recommender should tailor the content to reflect the unique qualities and experiences of the applicant. It should address the specific qualities or skills that the applicant brings to the table.
• Language and Grammar: The LOR should be well-written with correct grammar and spelling. Typos or grammatical errors can detract from the professionalism of the letter.
• Adherence to Guidelines: Different institutions or organizations may have specific guidelines for LORs. It’s essential for the recommender to adhere to these guidelines, including submission deadlines, format, and specific questions that need to be answered.
• Character and Soft Skills: In addition to academic or professional qualifications, a good LOR may touch upon the applicant’s character and soft skills, such as leadership, teamwork, adaptability, or communication skills. These qualities can be equally important in many situations.
• Impact: A strong LOR should convey that the applicant has positively impacted their academic or professional environment. It should describe how the applicant contributed to the organization, projects, or teams they were part of.
• Supporting Documentation: If applicable, the recommender may provide supporting documents or evidence of the applicant’s accomplishments, such as transcripts, project reports, or awards.
• Follow-Up Availability: Recommenders should be willing to respond to follow-up inquiries from admissions committees or employers. They should be prepared to discuss the contents of the LOR or answer any questions that may arise.

 In summary, a good Letter of Recommendation is a thoughtful, well-organized, and authentic document that provides a balanced and specific assessment of the applicant’s qualifications and potential. It should reflect the recommender’s expertise and credibility, while also adhering to the guidelines and requirements of the application process. Ultimately, a strong LOR can help an applicant stand out and leave a positive impression on admissions committees or prospective employers.