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Letters of Recommendation Resources

Considerations for letter readers

  • Many applicants can look similar on paper, leaving it difficult to discern who is the standout.
  • It should be apparent that the letter writer is acquainted well enough with the applicant, has observed them in their academic or professional role, and conveys that they can recommend the individual.
  • Watch for ambiguous language describing work habits or character traits. Using a particular lexicon, the writer may convey genuine, though unfavorable, information about the applicant.
  • Be suspicious if the resume, CV, and skills do not match what is mentioned in the LoR; it could be a purchased or fabricated letter.
  • Information often sought from letters by potential employers to distinguish qualified from unqualified applicants include:
    • employment dates (This may be the only information former employer may provide, along with job title)
    • verbal and written communication skills
    • general academic performance (though grade inflation may hinder distinguishing good from mediocre students)
    • relational ability among coworkers
    • job qualifications/rehire eligibility
    • work habits (motivation, reliability, attendance)
    • personal traits (intelligence, safe behavior)
    • problem-solving abilities
    • sales production
    • driving record (if job requires driving)

 

 

Resources for letter readers

  1.  Perlmutter, David D.. (2021)  “Admin 101: How to Interpret Reference Letters: Be Wary of Rock-Star Recommenders, Over-the-Top Praise, and Glaring Omissions.” The Chronicle of Higher Education. Vol 67 (24), p. 42-44.
  2. Varagur, Krithika. (26 April 2021) Careers & Leadership - At Work: When a Job Reference Still Makes Sense. Wall Street Journal Eastern edition. New York, N.Y.
  3. Roberts, Laura Weiss and Gabrielle Termuehlen.(2014) "(Honest) Letters of Recommendation.” Academic Psychiatry, vol. 37, no. 1, Springer-Verlag, 2014, pp. 55–59, https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.11100185.
  4.   Cook, Mark (2016). Personnel Selection : Adding Value through People (6th ed.). Wiley Blackwell, Malden, MA
  5.  Thornton, Robert J. (2005) L.I.A.R.: The Lexicon of Intentionally Ambiguous Recommendations. Barnes & Noble Books, New York, N.Y.
  6. Thornton, Robert J. (2010) "Muted Signals in Academe: Letters of Recommendation and Grade Inflation". In Variations in Economic Analysis. (J. R. Aronson, H.L. Parmet, R.J. Thornton, eds.) Springer. New York, N.Y.
  7. Engstrom, Erin.(N.D.)  #FirstInHR: How to Screen Candidates Based Off Their Recommendation Letter. Hire. https://hire.trakstar.com/blog/firstinhr-how-to-screen-candidates-based-off-their-recommendation-letter