Writing a letter of recommendation for someone can be a challenging task, especially when you don’t have much to say about the person. A lukewarm letter of recommendation can make it difficult for the individual to secure the position they are applying for. In this article, we will provide you with helpful tips and examples of lukewarm letters of recommendation that you can use to guide you when writing your own.
Tips for Writing a Lukewarm Letter of Recommendation
When writing a lukewarm letter of recommendation, here are some things to keep in mind:
Example 1: Lack of Experience
Dear (Employer),
I am writing to recommend (Name) for the position of (Position) at your company. (Name) worked for me as an intern for six months, and during that time, (he/she) showed a willingness to learn and was always on time. However, due to (his/her) lack of experience, I am not able to provide a detailed recommendation.
Thank you for considering (Name) for the position.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Example 2: Subpar Performance
Dear (Employer),
I am writing to recommend (Name) for the position of (Position) at your company. (Name) worked for me for a year, and during that time, (he/she) completed (his/her) tasks but did not exceed my expectations.
Thank you for considering (Name) for the position.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Example 3: Limited Interaction
Dear (Employer),
I am writing to recommend (Name) for the position of (Position) at your company. (Name) worked for me briefly, and during that time, (he/she) was able to complete (his/her) tasks. However, due to the limited interaction, I am not able to provide a detailed recommendation.
Thank you for considering (Name) for the position.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Example 4: Lack of Enthusiasm
Dear (Employer),
I am writing to recommend (Name) for the position of (Position) at your company. (Name) worked for me for two years, and during that time, (he/she) was able to complete (his/her) tasks. However, (he/she) lacked enthusiasm and did not take initiative.
Thank you for considering (Name) for the position.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Example 5: Inconsistent Attendance
Dear (Employer),
I am writing to recommend (Name) for the position of (Position) at your company. (Name) worked for me for six months, and during that time, (he/she) was able to complete (his/her) tasks. However, (he/she) had inconsistent attendance.
Thank you for considering (Name) for the position.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Example 6: Average Performance
Dear (Employer),
I am writing to recommend (Name) for the position of (Position) at your company. (Name) worked for me for a year, and during that time, (he/she) was able to complete (his/her) tasks but did not excel.
Thank you for considering (Name) for the position.
Sincerely,
(Your Name)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lukewarm letter of recommendation?
A lukewarm letter of recommendation is a letter that lacks enthusiasm or fails to highlight the individual’s strengths and accomplishments.
Can I decline to write a recommendation letter?
Yes, it is better to decline than to write a lukewarm letter of recommendation. You can politely decline by explaining that you do not feel comfortable writing a recommendation letter for that individual.
How important is a strong letter of recommendation?
A strong letter of recommendation can make a huge difference in the individual’s chances of securing the position they are applying for.
What should I include in a strong letter of recommendation?
A strong letter of recommendation should highlight the individual’s strengths, accomplishments, and skills. It should also be specific and provide examples of how the individual made a positive impact.
Can I provide feedback on areas that need improvement?
Yes, you can provide feedback on areas that need improvement, but make sure to do so in a constructive and tactful manner.
Should I ask the individual for information to include in the letter?
Yes, it is a good idea to ask the individual for information to include in the letter. This will help you highlight their strengths and accomplishments.
Conclusion
Writing a lukewarm letter of recommendation can be challenging, but with the tips and examples provided in this article, you should be able to write one that is honest and tactful. Remember to be specific, and provide examples of the individual’s skills and accomplishments. A strong letter of recommendation can make a huge difference in the individual’s chances of securing the position they are applying for.