A strong recommendation letter is a crucial piece of your academic or professional application. It provides a third-party perspective on your skills, abilities and potential beyond what your resume or personal statement can convey. Here’s why they’re important:

Credibility Boost: Letters written by professors, supervisors or mentors lend credibility to your application by showcasing your capabilities from someone who has observed you firsthand (you will need two recommendation letters for your admission application process in the UK).

In-Depth Look: They offer a deeper insight into your personality, work ethic and contributions to a specific environment. This can’t be fully captured in standardised test scores or grades.

Highlight Strengths: Recommenders can emphasise specific skills, experiences, or achievements that may not be readily apparent in your application materials.

Competitive Edge: In admissions or job applications with many strong candidates, a compelling recommendation letter can set you apart from the crowd.

What a Strong Recommendation Letter Should Include:

Relationship & Context: The recommender should clearly state their relationship with you (e.g. professor, supervisor) and how long they’ve known you.

Strengths & Abilities: They should specifically highlight your academic abilities, relevant skills, work ethic and personality traits.

Specific Examples: Backing up their claims with concrete examples from your classroom performance, work projects or extracurricular activities strengthens the letter.

Potential & Motivation: The recommender should comment on your potential for success in the program or job you’re applying for. This demonstrates your passion and drive.

Enthusiastic Tone: A positive and enthusiastic tone from the recommender shows their genuine belief in your capabilities and potential.

Clear Closing: The letter should conclude with a clear recommendation for your admission or selection and offer contact information for follow-up questions.

By understanding the importance of recommendation letters and ensuring yours effectively showcase your strengths, you can significantly increase your chances of success in your application.