Letter of Recommendation (LOR): Templates, Samples & Guidelines

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a formal document written by a professor, employer, or mentor to endorse a student or professional for university admissions or job applications. It highlights the applicant's skills, achievements, academic performance, and personal qualities to provide universities with insights beyond test scores and transcripts.

A well-written LOR can strengthen your application by showcasing your strengths from an external perspective. Most universities require at least two to three LORs as part of the admission process.

Types of Letters of Recommendation (LORs)

LORs can be broadly categorized into two types:

1. Academic LOR – Written by professors, teachers, or academic mentors to support undergraduate, master's, or PhD applications.

2. Professional LOR – Provided by an employer, manager, or senior colleague to highlight work experience and skills for MBA or job applications.

Structure of a Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

A strong LOR follows a structured format to highlight an applicant’s abilities, achievements, and potential effectively. Here’s a simple breakdown of its key sections: 

1. Introduction

• Start with the recommender’s designation and their relationship with the applicant.
• Mention how long they have known the applicant and in what capacity.
• Provide a brief overview of the applicant’s strengths.

2. Academic/Professional Performance

• Discuss the applicant’s academic or professional performance.
• Highlight key achievements, projects, or contributions that showcase their abilities.
• Mention any special qualities that set them apart.

3. Skills & Qualities

• Emphasize problem-solving skills, leadership, teamwork, creativity, and work ethic.
• Provide specific examples where the applicant demonstrated these skills.

4. Why They Are a Good Fit

• Explain why the applicant is suitable for the desired university, program, or job role.
• Align their skills and career goals with the university’s or company’s expectations.

5. Conclusion

• Reaffirm the recommender’s strong support for the applicant.
• Include a closing statement encouraging the university or employer to consider the candidate favorably.
• Provide contact details for further clarification.

Word Limit and Format of a LOR

Here are the standard guidelines to follow when formatting a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for university or job applications: 

Letter of Recommendation (LOR) Samples

Here are three detailed LOR samples tailored for undergraduate, master's, and professional applications, each highlighting the applicant’s strengths and suitability: 

Sample LOR for Undergraduate Admissions

Check out TOEFL Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025 and fund your studies abroad!

Sample LOR for Master’s Admission

To,
The Admissions Committee
[University Name]

Subject: Strong Recommendation for [Student Name]

It is with great pleasure that I recommend [Student Name] for admission to your Master’s program in [Course Name]. As [his/her] professor at [University Name], I have had the privilege of working closely with [him/her] and observing [his/her] academic growth, work ethic, and research capabilities.

During their undergraduate studies, [Student Name] consistently demonstrated a strong aptitude for critical thinking and research. [His/Her] project on [Research Topic], which focused on [key area of research], was particularly impressive. [Student Name] approached the topic with a thorough, analytical mindset and was able to synthesize complex information and present clear, insightful conclusions. The quality of [his/her] work reflects a deep understanding of the subject matter and a passion for contributing to the field.

In addition to [his/her] academic prowess, [Student Name] has shown remarkable initiative in extracurricular and research-related activities. [He/She] actively participated in [mention clubs, conferences, or other relevant experiences], and these experiences allowed [him/her] to develop invaluable skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. [Student Name]’s intellectual curiosity and willingness to engage in discussions outside the classroom have consistently impressed me.

I believe that the Master’s program at [University Name] will provide [Student Name] with the ideal environment to expand [his/her] knowledge and further develop [his/her] research skills. With [his/her] drive for excellence, passion for the subject, and natural leadership abilities, I am confident that [Student Name] will make meaningful contributions to your academic community.

I highly recommend [Student Name] for admission to your Master’s program. [He/She] is a hardworking, talented, and driven individual who will no doubt excel in your program. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Designation]
[University Name]

Sample LOR for Professional Purposes (MBA or Job Applications)

To,
Hiring Manager/Admissions Committee
[Company/University Name]

Subject: Letter of Recommendation for [Applicant Name]

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Applicant Name], who has been a valuable member of our team at [Company Name] for the past [X] years. As [his/her] supervisor, I have had the privilege of overseeing [his/her] growth and contributions to various projects. During this time, [Applicant Name] has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, analytical skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

[Applicant Name] has been an integral part of [mention specific project], where [he/she] showcased [his/her] ability to lead a team, make strategic decisions, and achieve results under tight deadlines. [His/Her] communication skills, both written and verbal, are outstanding, and [he/she] is able to present complex ideas clearly to both clients and colleagues. Moreover, [his/her] adaptability and quick learning ability make [him/her] an asset in any environment.

One of [Applicant Name]’s key strengths is [his/her] ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high level of quality in [his/her] work. [He/She] consistently meets or exceeds expectations and takes on challenges with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. These qualities, along with [his/her] strong work ethic, have earned [him/her] the respect of peers and supervisors alike.

I am confident that [Applicant Name] will excel in [MBA Program/Job Role] at [University/Company Name]. [His/Her] leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to success make [him/her] an ideal candidate for your program/position. I wholeheartedly recommend [Applicant Name] and believe [he/she] will make significant contributions to your team.

Please feel free to contact me at [Email] if you need any additional information.

Sincerely,
[Recommender’s Name]
[Designation]
[Company Name]

Essential Guidelines for Crafting a Strong Letter of Recommendation

Here are the essential guidelines to help you craft a strong and impactful Letter of Recommendation:

A well-crafted Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can significantly enhance an applicant’s chances of securing admission to a top university or landing a dream job. By following the correct format, personalizing the content, and providing strong examples, you can create a compelling LOR that effectively highlights the candidate’s potential. Best of luck with your application!

Also Read:

• Travelling Abroad? Essential English Phrases for Tourists
• TOEFL iBT® Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025
• Essential Grammar Rules and Tips for TOEFL Exam
• 10 Tips to Balance TOEFL Exam Preparation with a Full-Time Job
• 10 Useful Topics to Practice TOEFL English Speaking Skills