Month: July 2022

Whether you are studying in your hometown or abroad, a Letter of Recommendation is a must. Because of the exceptional quality of applications, letters of recommendation play an important role in our admissions process. 

As a result of a standout candidate’s ability regarding how to write a letter of recommendation and afterward, as a well-written recommendation, a standout candidate might reveal traits that go beyond their individual self-advocacy.

In this blog, you will learn all about how to write a letter of recommendation. 

What is a Letter of Recommendation Or Recommendation Letter?

A Letter of Recommendation is a document that gives admissions personnel a thorough understanding of your qualifications for admission to the university in question. Its goal is for the recommender to paint a positive image of your experiences, accomplishments, contributions, and talents. For that purpose, it’s necessary to know how to write a letter of recommendation. 

A letter of recommendation is sincere support of a person for a certain position, reward, or admission into a program. Although the goal is to convey the letter’s content in the best light possible, the material must be given accurately.

Types of Letter of Recommendation 

There are several frequent reasons why someone would request a letter of recommendation. Every letter of recommendation has the same goal: to portray the individual as a perfect fit for the position or program they’re applying for. However, the best subjects to discuss in your letter fluctuate depending on the type.

There are three types of letters of recommendation; they are: 

Academic Recommendation Letters

When asked to write a recommendation letter for a student, the letter should highlight both their academic achievements and the personality traits that make them a good fit for the course or scholarship they’re seeking. They’re writing academic recommendation letters, and they have their own style of how to write a  letter of recommendation and mention things. 

There are various reasons why a student might need a letter of recommendation.

• For applying to an undergraduate college abroad.
• A specific academic program within a college, such as the honors program or a particular major.
• While applying to graduate, medical, or law school abroad.
• During a grant or scholarship.
• While applying for an internship or fellowship.

Employment Recommendations

Employment recommendations are yet another type of letter of recommendation that is used for professional use. Such letters show the candidate’s academics and reviews from their previous workplace. Employment recommendations help to determine whether the candidate has those necessary skills for the hiring position or not, so employment recommendations are extremely important. 

Character References

A character reference is a letter of recommendation that you may receive after completing a course of study or job. It is carried out by someone who is familiar with you on a personal and professional level, such as your colleagues and teachers, and who is familiar with your work ethic, talents, personality, and character. Employers use character references to get to know you from a different viewpoint and to determine whether or not you have what they’re looking for.

Letter of Recommendation Format: Things to include in Letter of Recommendation

Different companies have different standards for how to write a letter of recommendation. Always check with the requester to see if there are any special guidelines. 

Before you start the content of the letter, you need to mention these things:

• Date
• Recipient Name
• Recipient Title
• Recipient Address
• Greetings

The following components could be divided into the following components after mentioning the date, name, and other needed information on how to write a letter of recommendation:

If possible, address the addressee by a name such as Ms. or Mr. No creativity is needed here, and if you don’t know their first name, last name, or how to address them, just go with “To whom it may concern.” 

Personal Information

Begin the body of your letter with a personal introduction of yourself and your relationship with the candidate.

Recommendation

What qualifies the candidate as a great fit, according to your recommendation? Give particular examples of abilities or qualities that are appropriate for the position.

Include a personal narrative or example of what it’s like to work with the applicant. Also include professional or interpersonal abilities you’ve seen them have.

Closing

Give a summary of why you think this individual is a good fit for you in recommending the candidate. 

Information about how to contact

Give the recipient your email address and contact number so they may contact you.

At the end of the letter, you need to add your signature to complete your letter of recommendation.

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How to Write a Letter of Recommendation? Tips for Writing Letter of Recommendation

Before one creates a letter of recommendation, it’s a basic thing people miss; they don’t know how to properly write it. A letter of recommendation plays a huge role in a person’s life, and knowing how to write a letter of recommendation does a lot of good. 

A letter of recommendation must have a professional tone. It should be written in the same tone as an email to a business contact or a reference letter. It shouldn’t be written in the very same formal tone as an academic paper, but neither should it imply familiarity with the reader or appear like a casual letter.

Do your Research

Before you create one, do some research about the company the candidate is applying for, and if possible, the position too, and how they operate. 

Then you may add what sorts of talents, credentials, and accomplishments the candidate would want you to highlight. Find anything you believe will be beneficial, such as their CV, academic programs, or anything else you think they would want to include.

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Be Specific

To demonstrate why this individual is the greatest prospect, provide examples and detailed facts. Instead of using generic phrases or clichés, use powerful, exact adjectives.

Consider what the recipient of the letter would want to know. Include information or data that would not appear on a résumé or application. Your letter should provide information on the individual you’re suggesting to the receiver.

Maintain an Optimistic Attitude

Your endorsement should reaffirm that this individual is a good contender for the position for which they are seeking. Demonstrate genuine excitement and refrain from making any remarks that might be interpreted negatively, such as, “if you can draw a spectacular comparison between this individual and others with whom you’ve collaborated.”

Keep it Formal

Use a business letter format with a font size of twelve points in Arial or Times New Roman. If at all feasible, write the letter on the letterhead of your company or group. Keep in mind that the receiver is likely to read dozens, if not hundreds, of letters, so keep yours short and formal. Aim for one page at most, and no more than two.

Follow the Instructions

You’re recommending this individual, and you need to make sure to avoid any special submission criteria and submit your letter on time. If you create a good first impression with your letter, it will rub off on the individual you’re endorsing.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No.”

It’s fine to say no if you don’t believe you can provide a candidate with a great recommendation. A poor recommendation may frequently cause as much harm as a negative one. It’s completely fine to politely deny a request, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

Mistakes to Avoid in the Letter of Recommendation

Even if someone knows how to write a letter of recommendation, they often add information that isn’t necessary, resulting in unfavorable outcomes. When planning a letter of recommendation, one should be aware of the mistakes to avoid.

• General terminology or excessively broad descriptions of a student’s classroom performance.
• Putting emphasis on a student’s timeliness or ability to finish the readings. Basic expectations should not be detailed in letters.
• Avoid talking too much about your relationship with the person or the course. Mention some sentences detailing how you met the person and why the course is good for the person and they would do well in it. 
• While subtle praise is fine, avoid talking or praising the student too much. 

Sample | Example of Letter of Recommendation for Nursing Student: Best LOR Samples

Date: 8th June 2022

Mr. Shrestha,

I am Sampurna Shakya, Head of Cardiology Department – BPKIHS. I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation to Maya Kafle for a seat in the MSc in Nursing at St.Mary’s university.

Maya is a Nursing student who has learned from us for the past four years during her study period. Along with her nursing skills, she is also good at music and she has a melody voice that she sometimes used to sing for patients to help them relax.

Maya has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS). She was able to come in on the first day and get right to work. Before an emergency, we spent a few days practicing with her. Maya was there right away, ready to help while also learning.

I can’t think of any nursing student that was as eager to learn as quickly as she was. With a high score in her exams and a good nurse during her practice, she had been on an amazing journey to be a nurse, Patients and staff also admired and respected her peaceful demeanor and great nursing skills, even though she was still studying. She’d be an excellent candidate for the master’s position at St. Mary’s University, in my opinion.

Maya comes highly recommended by me for a college seat at St. Mary’s University. Please contact me if you require any further information or have any queries.

Best Regards,

Sampurna Shakya

Cardiac Surgeon

B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Kathmandu

Conclusion: How to Write a Letter of Recommendation

A Letter of Recommendation plays a significant part in choosing one’s future, as they are no small matter if you know how to write a letter of recommendation.  While a letter of recommendation may appear to be unimportant at first glance, it is the most crucial component when applying to study abroad. 

With the CIC Education Hub, you will have no problem finding out how to write a letter of recommendation for studying in Canada. We have experts in avoiding mistakes and knowing the best way to write a Letter of Recommendation. 

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