Our Blogs
Common Mistakes to avoid in a LOR for 2024 | Helpful Tips

When writing a Letter of Recommendation (LOR), it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that could diminish the impact of the candidate’s application. A well-crafted LOR can significantly enhance a candidate’s prospects in school admissions, job applications, or scholarships. However, mistakes like vague wording, overly generic praise, and a lack of concrete examples can weaken its effectiveness.
To create a compelling LOR, steer clear of failing to align with the applicant’s goals or being overly broad. Instead, highlight the candidate’s distinct abilities, accomplishments, and qualifications with specific examples. Tailoring the letter to reflect the candidate’s academic or career aspirations is key to ensuring a strong impression for 2024 applications.
Key Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Letter of Recommendation
Mistake | Description | Solution | Example |
---|---|---|---|
Choosing the Wrong Recomander | Selecting someone who doesn’t know you well or can’t provide specific insights. | Choose recommenders who have a close relationship with you and can speak to your strengths. | Instead of asking a distant professor, ask one who taught you in a relevant course. |
Not Allowing Enough Time | Rushing your recommenders can lead to poorly crafted letters. | Provide at least two weeks’ notice for them to write a thoughtful recommendation. | If your application is due on October 15, ask for the letter by September 30. |
Failing to Provide Specific Instructions | Lack of guidance may result in generic letters. | Clearly communicate what to emphasize, including skills and experiences relevant to the application. | Provide a bullet-point list of accomplishments you’d like them to mention. |
Lack of Specific Examples | Generic praise weakens the letter’s credibility. | Encourage the inclusion of specific instances that illustrate your achievements and skills. | Ask them to mention a project where you excelled or a challenge you overcame. |
Overly Positive or Unrealistic Portrayal | An overly rosy depiction can seem inauthentic. | Aim for a balanced assessment that acknowledges areas for improvement. | Instead of saying, “He is the best student I’ve ever had,” suggest, “She excels in teamwork but can improve her public speaking.” |
Grammar and Formatting Errors | Typos and grammatical mistakes create a negative impression. | Ensure the letter is well-proofread and follows formatting guidelines. | Check for spelling errors and ensure it meets any specified length or format requirements. |
Using a Cold or Generic Tone | An overly formal or impersonal tone detracts from the letter’s impact. | Encourage personal anecdotes and heartfelt endorsements to enhance sincerity. | Instead of “John is a good student,” suggest “John showed remarkable dedication during our group project.” |
Focusing on Irrelevant Information | Including personal details that don’t contribute to qualifications is unhelpful. | Keep content relevant to the position or program you are applying for. | Avoid mentioning hobbies unless they directly relate to the skills needed for the application. |
Copying an LOR from the internet
Copying and pasting sample LORs from the internet might seem like an easy shortcut, but it can negatively impact the applicant’s chances of receiving an offer letter.
Choosing the wrong referee
The referee should not be chosen at random and must be well-qualified. They should know the student well and be able to write a meaningful reference. A poorly chosen referee can do more harm than good.
Repeating the resume or SOP
The LOR shouldn’t be a replica of the resume or Statement of Purpose (SOP). Doing so could disrupt or even cancel the admission process. The LOR should provide insight into the candidate’s character, allowing the admission officer to understand them better. If the letter repeats the same information as the resume, it will suggest that the referee doesn’t know the applicant personally.
Making LOR Short than needed
One major mistake is making the LOR too short. Ideally, a strong LOR should be about a page long or around 600 words. Referees should also adhere to any specific guidelines provided by the universities, as some may set a word limit. While it’s important to provide detailed information, every point should be relevant and concise. A brief LOR might suggest that the referee was not fully committed to writing it. However, the letter should remain clear, engaging, and easy to read, ensuring it captures attention without overwhelming the reader, even if it’s lengthy.
These are some of the most common mistakes referees make when writing for students aiming to study abroad. Avoiding them helps create a positive impression and simplifies the process for the applicant.
Get In Touch
Get Legal Answers to Your Visa Questions
We are open 24/7:
Chat live on www.SPSCanada.Com Or call:
Canada: +19053629393
India: +919586226232
Canada Whatsup Number : +14164754747
India Whatsup Number : +919586226232
View All TestimonialsOur Clients
We're Trusted Globally
We are a regulated immigration practicing firm, providing advice and
solutions on matters related to Canadian immigration.