Depending on the program, LoR has several formats:
- A narrative letter of recommendation supposes personal and academic information about an applicant. Choosing the factors to prove the capacity and positive features of the candidate lay on the author entirely. This type of format remains widespread, although many authors make many content mistakes, e.g., the absence of the perspectives of an applicant, disagreement of terminology through the letter, mentioning the characteristics that do not relate to the available position, and many more. Many authors believe: the lengthier the letter, the more persuasive it is. But it is an incorrect judgment. The content of the letter has a more weighty meaning than the length. Therefore, narrative LoRs are unwelcome without the efficient evaluating skills of an applicant.
- Standardized LoRs. This format is more welcome due to increased readability and significant improvement of the task performance. Convenient in interpretation, these contain three primary compounds: working skills, level of education, and personal characters. Creating common principles makes the selection process quicker and more reasonable.
A recommender should write the LoR strictly according to the program requirements. Do not neglect LoR for a pediatric residency sample if the program suggests it.