How long should my letter of recommendation be, and how many paragraphs should it have?
An ideal letter of recommendation is usually 400 to 500 words on a single page, though some universities allow up to 800 words for detailed examples. A good LOR normally has five paragraphs: recommender introduction, key skills, real examples, growth and personal qualities, and a closing evaluation.
A strong LOR is usually 400 to 500 words on one page and follows a five paragraph structure. Some universities allow up to 800 words, particularly when they want detailed academic or professional examples.
Five Paragraph Structure
| Paragraph | What it covers |
|---|---|
| 1. Introduction | Recommender's name, designation, institution, and how long and in what capacity they know you |
| 2. Key strengths | Academic or professional ability, subject knowledge, skills and achievements, backed by real examples |
| 3. Skills in action | Projects, research, work, leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving |
| 4. Growth and personal qualities | Improvement over time, challenges overcome, initiative and community involvement |
| 5. Conclusion | Overall recommendation, suitability, future potential and contact details |
Points for Your Recommender
- Use real examples instead of empty words like hard working or intelligent
- Close with name, designation, institution or company and an official email address
- Check whether your university sets a longer or shorter word limit
My Advice
Share your CV and a few specific moments you would like highlighted with your recommender. That gives them concrete material for paragraphs two to four, and it keeps the letter within the length most universities expect.
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