LOR tips

this is from another site. hope it helps

Hello Folks,
This are some points which your LOR writer should focus. Hope it will be helpful for IMG's as Sometimes difficult what to expect from writer.

How long they have known you
how their experience was in working with you
on what activities they have worked with you
how their assessment about your personality/intellectual capability
how they rate your possible success in accomplishing residency program
what they think you can offer to a residency program
History Taking/ physical examination/work ethics/medical Knowledge/team Leader/Clinical Skills
Academic Performance- Presentation/Publication/ Teaching/Audit

Initiative, dedication, integrity, reliability, etc.
Willingness to follow school policy
Ability to work independently
Previous positions held
Summary of job responsibilities
Strengths, skills, and talents
Ability to work with a team

1. Explain how you know the applicant. How long have you known the person and in what relationship or circumstance?
2. State your qualifications for writing the recommendation letter. Why should the reader be interested in your recommendation? How many other people of the applicant's caliber have you known, and why does the applicant stand out?
3. List the applicant's exceptional qualities and skills, especially those that are specific to the applicant's field of interest or job requirements. For example, competency in his/her field or prior experience, organizational and communication skills, academic or other achievements, interaction with others, sound judgment, reliability, analytical ability, etc.
4. Emphasize key points that you want the reader to note on the applicant's resume or job application. Be sure to meaningfully elaborate, don't simply restate.
5. Give your judgment of the applicant, his/her qualifications and potential. Why should he/she be considered over other people? How does he/she compare to other people you have known? Do not state weaknesses
6. Give specific examples to back up what you have said about the person's qualifications and character. Remember, generalized praise is a waste of space.
7. Unless it is absolutely relevant, do not state (directly or by implication) the applicant's race, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender or marital status.
8. Don't be too brief. One or two short paragraphs are death to a recommendation letter. On the other hand, be succinct. Make every word count. Here is a rule of thumb: a letter of recommendation for employment should be one page; a letter of recommendation for school should be 1-2 pages.
9. Make the ending statement strong without overdoing it. Undo praise can be viewed as biased or insincere.
10. List your contact information if you are willing to field follow-up correspondence.
11. Proofread! The letter of recommendation represents both you and the applicant.