Letter of Recommendation
jennifer jo
58 Posts
I know, we shouldn't do such things! However, my boss got in a sticky situation and as part of a severance package agreement, must include a letter of recommendation for a less than stellar employee. Oh, I know...but...any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Comments
I would say so-so worked here for x dates. In that time, so-so was well liked by coworkers, friendly, etc. If this employee was less than stellar work wise, that should suffice. You should be able to find something to comment positively on.
Good luck!
Dear Sir/Madam:
Mr. John Doe was employed by A-One Carpet Cleaners between April 1, 2000, and June 4, 2005. During his tenure with A-One Carpet Cleaners, Mr. Doe served (in several capacities, with his most recent position being) (as) a Carpet Cleaning Specialist.
Sincerely,
The Boss
Lucky Larry worked for us for the past two years and nine months, leaving, pretty much of his own volition. I can tell you with certainty that during the entire time, he kept his desk and work area tidy and uncluttered, rarely made offensive noises and oggled females far less frequently than most of the other men in his work area. His telephone conversations with his mother were always pleasant. Larry enjoyed the Christmas Committee.
Jennifer, Don's sample letter, although as silly as it seems, is the right way to go. I've written some letters of recommendation that are very complimentary.....at first glance. I mean, the people that I've done them for are so happy about what I wrote about them. A keen mind will notice some pretty important omissions.
Back to you, Don! Don't EVER let it be said that I oggle any less than ANYONE!!
I'm reminded of a story an instructor told me once - a high-ranking management employee had been disciplined for sexual harassment and was being asked to resign and go gracefully. As part of the deal, he wanted a letter of recommendation. Moreover, he wanted it specifically stated in the letter that he did NOT sexually harass anyone! 8-|
His attorney talked him down from that one. x;-)
We wish him and his next company the best of luck.
:oo
But, to the subject at hand, I would be hard pressed to let somebody about to be fired blackmail me into guaranteeing him a letter of recommendation, especially when that is against company policy, as it should be. They are simply a slippery slope and can be just as easily challenged as comments made over the phone for some but not for others. Very dangerous. And I suspect most of what the questioner will include in the letter will either be untrue or exaggerations that cannot be backed up. At minimum you will be doing a disservice to the employer who reads the letter.
Just occuring to me is this one: You know Marc, for someone who spent years in college studying accounting principles, you seem to have turned out fairly sharp anyway.
On a related note, when I want badly to tell a caller not to hire someone, I ask something like, "Do you have other applicants?"
Is that left field or right field? I think the saying usually goes "out in left field" but from personal experience, I believe in your standard softball leagues, right field sees far less action and is much more conducive to picking dandilions, looking at clouds, and chasing butterflies.
Like Don said below, it's one of those phrases that would tell more than it appears once given some thought. :>)