Professional LOR: Format and Samples

If you plan to study abroad to pursue your dream course at your dream university or college, then a Letter of Recommendation or LOR is probably one of the most important documents that the university may ask you to submit for your intake. It acts like a statement or a document of validation for students aiming to pursue postgraduate studies abroad. It can be either provided by your previous institution or university where you have studied or by the company/organisation/firm you have gained work experience. In our previous blog on Letter of Recommendation, we studied two types of LOR, namely Professional LOR and Academic LOR. Now let us know about Professional LOR in more detail.  

What is a Professional LOR?

A Professional Letter of Recommendation (LOR) to study abroad is a formal letter written by someone you have worked with in a professional setting, such as your employer, supervisor, or manager. It is an important document for Indian students applying to foreign universities, especially for programs like MBA, MS, or other postgraduate courses that value work experience.

This LOR gives the admissions committee an insight into your professional strengths, skills, work ethics, achievements, and how you have contributed to your workplace. It supports your application by showing how you can succeed in a global academic and professional environment.

A professional LOR usually includes:

• Your job title and responsibilities
• The recommender’s role and relationship with you
• Specific examples of your work, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork
• A summary of your strengths and your potential to succeed in the chosen course

For Indian students, a well-written professional LOR can make your study abroad application much stronger by proving that you have practical experience and the qualities needed for international education and future career growth.

Types of Letter of Recommendation

A Letter of Recommendation (LOR) is a formal letter written by someone who can vouch for your academic or professional abilities, character, and potential. It is a key part of applications for universities abroad. Depending on the course and your background, there are two main types of LORs:

1. Academic Letter of Recommendation

An Academic LOR is written by someone from your educational background, such as a professor, lecturer, teacher, or academic advisor. It is usually required for:

• Undergraduate programs
• Postgraduate programs (especially if the candidate has little or no work experience)

It includes:

• The recommender’s relationship with the student (subject taught, role)
• Academic performance, learning attitude, and achievements
• Participation in class, assignments, research work, or academic projects
• Intellectual potential and readiness for advanced studies

2. Professional Letter of Recommendation

A Professional LOR is written by someone from your workplace, such as an employer, manager, team leader, or supervisor. It is typically required for:

• MBA programs
• Master’s degrees that require work experience
• Executive or professional courses

It includes:

• Job role, responsibilities, and professional achievements
• Skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and initiative
• Projects handled and contributions to the organization
• Professional behavior, attitude, and growth over time

How to Write a Professional LOR to Study Abroad?

A strong Letter of Recommendation (LOR) can significantly boost an applicant’s chances of getting into their desired international university. It provides admissions committees with an external, objective perspective on a student’s academic abilities, personal qualities, and potential for success in a rigorous academic environment.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to write a professional LOR for studying abroad:

Step 1: Make a Professional First Approach

Rather than sending an unexpected email or message, it’s best to speak to your professor or supervisor in person or over a short video/phone call. Reintroduce yourself briefly, discuss your plans to pursue higher education abroad, and politely ask if they would be comfortable writing a strong and detailed recommendation letter for you. Be honest about why you chose them and give them enough time—ideally 3–4 weeks before the deadline.

Step 2: Share a Well-Organized Recommender’s Packet

To make it easier for your recommender to write a detailed letter, provide them with a structured set of documents. This collection should include:

• Your updated CV or resume
• A polished Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• A list of universities and courses you are applying to
• A copy of any project or assignment completed under their supervision
• A brief “brag sheet” with bullet points highlighting your achievements, responsibilities, skills, or classroom/work moments worth mentioning

This helps the recommender personalize the letter with accurate examples, making it more effective.

Step 3: Understand the Waiver Clause and Follow Up Respectfully

During the application process, you will often be asked whether you “waive your right” to view the LOR. You should choose to waive this right—it signals to the admissions committee that the letter is honest and unbiased, adding credibility to your application.

Also, be sure to send a courteous reminder a few days before the deadline, thanking your recommender and checking if they need any further information.

Format of Professional LOR

There is a proper format for a professional LOR. Your professional LOR must cover 5 important things:

1. A brief and well-written introduction should state the relationship you are having with the LOR writer.
2. An overview of the applicant’s strengths, qualities, and experiences.
3. A summary of the applicant’s journey in the organization.
4. A closing paragraph where the writer must recommend the applicant to the university.
5. Signature and Name of the writer, accompanied with the designation, organization’s name, and contact information. 

Must Read: Recommendation Letter for a Student to Study Abroad Sample

Samples for Professional LOR

After learning about professional LOR, let us have a look at the professional LOR samples that we have provided for your reference and help. Here are the samples for professional LOR:

Professional LOR for MBA/MIM: Sample 1

We first begin with a sample professional LOR for an MBA/MIM. Take a look here:

To Whom It May Concern, I am extremely pleased and delighted to write this letter of recommendation for Mr Ajmal Khan. He is a perfect living example of a prospective research student who should be given a chance to prove his potential in the desired field of study. In my role as a manager, I have known Ajmal for over two years. During these 2 years, Ajmal was part of my team and was under my mentorship and guidance. He was an essential part of my team at IBI Holdings Pvt. Ltd., in Noida, he was subordinate to me on various projects. Ajmal is a professional Research Analyst of the highest calibre. His meticulous implementation of the projects, allowed him to receive the highest praise from all his teammates, along with other colleagues and elders. Ajmal has a strong analytical, strategic, and organizational background. He also has a thorough knowledge of management, finance, marketing, market research, accounting and strategic management.  Ajmal solely implemented a variety of market structure reports and analysis and also contributed to improving the performance of the record management team. I received many positive and noteworthy feedbacks from my senior managers who were impressed by his helpful nature and professional approach to the job. He has the innate ability to deal with pressure properly. He works overtime voluntarily and rarely misses deadlines. In fact, he was recognized as the best performer of the quarter within three months of his arrival. Given our interaction, I am confident that Ajmal will be a valuable asset to any organization or institution he will join. Thus, I highly recommend him for admission into an MBA program of his desired specialization at your reputable and honorable University. Sincerely, Richa Grover Manager, Marketing IBI Holdings Pvt. Ltd. Email: [email protected]

Also Read: MEM vs MBA

Professional LOR for MS: Sample 2

We now move on to a sample professional LOR for an MS course. You can have a look here:

To Whom It May Concern, With immense pleasure, I am writing this Letter of Recommendation in support of my subordinate Ms Tazmeen Amna who is aiming to pursue the Masters of Science program at your esteemed and honourable University. I have known Tazmeen in my capacity as her Manager for over three years now. In these three years and as per my best observation, I would like to say that she is attentive. Besides, Tazmeen has also gained experience and expertise in many simple concepts and applications during its mandate in our organization that are valuable to the future generation. Tazmeen is always ready to take responsibility and face new challenges. She performs her tasks with tremendous dedication and concentration.  Throughout these years, Tazmeen has been a respected asset to our organization and a mature colleague who has always supported her peers. I am confident that Tazmeen will continue to do great creative things in the future and stand out as an outstanding individual in your university.  I have the most profound respect for her personally and professionally. I truly believe that Tazmeen will bring her dedication, optimism, passion, and untiring creativity to your class and the university. Hence she has my highest approval for admission into her desired specialization in the MS course at your university.  Sincerely, Vipul Mahajan Manager, R&D Department IBM Company Pvt Ltd. Email: [email protected]

Professional LOR for MTech: Sample 3

Our next sample professional LOR is for an application for an MTech course. You can read it here:

To Whom It May Concern, I am Ashita Sharma, Head of R&D Department at IBFC Ltd. It gives me great pleasure to draft this letter of recommendation to support my subordinate and employee of IBFC Ltd., Mr Ateesh Gupta. It has come to my knowledge that he aims to pursue a Master of Technology program (MTech) from your esteemed and honorable University. Therefore, I am writing this letter to recommend my colleague Mr Ateesh Gupta for your esteemed university position, in support of and his job, he has been an outstanding employee and an asset to IBFC Ltd. Ateesh Gupta has been an outstanding, hard-working and diligent member of our organization. His has good adaptability skills to a new environment and he is all-time ready to face obstacles in life nature separates him from the crowd. Apart from being a good subordinate, he is also a great team player who has incredible sportsmanship and team-leading abilities.  Ateesh, along with his team of 6 members, has collectively worked on a project of making a solar-powered portable light fan. The project has been highly evaluated by our investors, and the prototype works great too.  He possesses excellent communication and presentation skills. Ateesh also aspires to be a scientist and develop low-cost solutions and inventions for society. His passion for technology and science can be reflected in his research, findings, invention, and work. I am proud to have guided him on his journey and would like to recommend him for a place at your University for a Masters of Technology course. Sincerely, Ashita Sharma Manager, R&D Department IBFC Ltd. Email: [email protected]

Must Read: PhD after MTech

Professional LOR for Master’s of Engineering 

The final sample of professional LOR for you is for Master of Engineering. You can give it a read here:

To Whom It May Concern, I’m Aman Oberoi, the branch manager for Apple Technologies Pvt Ltd., headquartered in Hyderabad. I want to recommend one of our firm’s employees, Neeti Sharma, for a place at your prestigious University, seeking a Master of Engineering program with the specialization of her choice. Hence, it gives me great pleasure and joy to draft this letter of recommendation in support of my subordinate and employee.  Neeti Sharma completed her BTech specialization in chemical engineering at one of India’s best-known colleges, IIT Madras. After completing her undergraduate studies, she joined Apple Technologies Pvt Ltd. in 2018 as a trainee. She completed the training and has since taken on the role of Chemical Production Supervisor.  Neeti is an honest, hardworking, ambitious individual I know. Her ambitions and targets are always very high, touching the sky. She enjoys meeting new challenges in life and overcoming these obstacles with a calm attitude. She aspires to complete a postgraduate in Master of Engineering to boost her career opportunities even more. I have worked closely with her as her mentor on various projects.  Based on all my past and recent observations, she is an instrumental human being who is always ready to achieve her targets and learn something new. She has been a significant asset to our organization in exceeding our turnover targets over the last two years.  She has excellent communication skills and is a proven team leader who is always committed to motivating and inspiring other fellow employees to excel. It is her dream to complete a master’s course in engineering from a renowned university abroad, and the University of ______ was her first choice. Hence, I would like to recommend Neeti Sharma for the Masters of Engineering course at your University and wish him/her all the very best for her studies and future.  Sincerely, Aman Oberoi Head, Production Apple Technologies Pvt Ltd. Email: [email protected]

Also Read: Reference Letter For Employment

Top 5 Common LOR Mistakes That Can Lead to Rejection

A Letter of Recommendation can strengthen your study abroad application—but only if done right. Even strong candidates risk rejection due to common and avoidable LOR errors. Here are five mistakes you must stay away from:

1. Inappropriate Recommender Choice: Selecting a senior official just for their title—without them actually knowing your work—can result in a vague or weak recommendation that lacks credibility.

2. Overly Generic Content: A one-size-fits-all letter with no specific details about your achievements, personality, or contributions fails to stand out and appears insincere.

3. Inaccurate or Misleading Information: Adding inflated achievements or incorrect academic records can backfire, especially if universities verify claims through interviews or background checks.

4. Language and Grammar Issues: Poorly written letters filled with spelling or grammatical errors show a lack of professionalism and can negatively affect your application.

5. Using a Personal Email ID: LORs must be submitted through the recommender’s official institutional or work email (e.g., [email protected]), not personal addresses like [email protected], to ensure authenticity and trust.

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We hope that the above samples for professional LOR will prove to be helpful for you all who are aiming for higher education abroad. Reach out to our study abroad experts and they will guide you in writing impressive LORs and SOPs to ensure that you get shortlisted for your dream course and university. Hurry up and book your free session today!