Have you ever been asked to write a reference letter for someone, but struggled with finding the right words to say? Writing a reference letter can be a daunting task, especially when you don’t have much to say about the person in question. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some examples of the worst reference letters ever written, and provide some tips on how to avoid them.
Introduction
When it comes to reference letters, the worst thing you can do is write a generic, impersonal letter that doesn’t say anything of substance. This kind of letter not only fails to help the person in question, but can actually hurt their chances of getting the job or opportunity they’re applying for. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some examples of the worst reference letters ever written, and provide some tips on how to avoid making the same mistakes.
Tips for Writing a Good Reference Letter
When it comes to writing a reference letter, there are a few things you can do to make sure it’s effective:
- Be specific: When writing a reference letter, it’s important to be specific about the person’s skills, experience, and accomplishments.
- Use real examples: Providing real examples of how the person has excelled in their field can be a powerful way to support their application.
- Make it personal: A good reference letter should be personalized to the person in question, and should reflect your relationship with them.
- Be honest: It’s important to be honest when writing a reference letter, even if that means acknowledging areas where the person could improve.
Examples of the Worst Reference Letters Ever Written
The “I don’t really know this person” letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position]. While I have not had the pleasure of working with [Name] directly, I have heard good things about them and believe they would be a valuable addition to your team.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The “I’m too busy to write a real letter” letter
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position]. [Name] is a hard worker and would be a valuable addition to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The “I don’t really like this person” letter
Dear [Recruiter’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position]. While [Name] has some strengths, I believe there are other candidates who would be a better fit for the role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The “I’m not really sure what to say” letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position]. [Name] is a hard worker and has good communication skills.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The “I can’t be bothered to customize this letter” letter
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position]. [Name] is a hard worker and would be a valuable addition to any team.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The “I’m just going to copy and paste this letter” letter
Dear [Recruiter’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position]. [Name] has excellent communication skills and is a hard worker.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The “I’m just going to make stuff up” letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to recommend [Name] for the [Position]. [Name] is the best candidate for the job and has consistently demonstrated their ability to exceed expectations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a reference letter?
A good reference letter should include specific examples of the person’s skills, experience, and accomplishments. It should also be personalized to the person in question and reflect your relationship with them. Finally, it’s important to be honest when writing a reference letter, even if that means acknowledging areas where the person could improve.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a reference letter?
Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a reference letter include being too generic or impersonal, failing to provide specific examples of the person’s skills and experience, and being dishonest about the person’s abilities. It’s also important to avoid including irrelevant or inappropriate information in the letter, such as personal opinions or information about the person’s personal life.
Can I decline to write a reference letter?
Yes, you can decline to write a reference letter if you don’t feel comfortable doing so or don’t have enough information about the person in question. It’s better to decline than to write a letter that doesn’t say anything of substance and could hurt the person’s chances of getting the job or opportunity they’re applying for.
Can a bad reference letter hurt someone’s chances of getting a job?
Yes, a bad reference letter can definitely hurt someone’s chances of getting a job. If the letter is too generic or doesn’t say anything of substance, it could make the person in question look bad to the employer. Likewise, if the letter contains false information or includes irrelevant or inappropriate information, it could reflect poorly on the person in question and hurt their chances of getting the job.
How long should a reference letter be?
A reference letter should be long enough to provide specific examples of the person’s skills, experience, and accomplishments, but not so long that the reader loses interest. Generally, a reference letter should be no more than one or two pages.
Can I provide examples of reference letters for people to use?
Yes, you can provide examples of reference letters for people to use as a template, but it’s important to make sure they understand that they need to customize the letter to fit their own situation. Using a template without making changes can result in a letter that looks generic and doesn’t say anything of substance.
Conclusion
When it comes to writing a reference letter, it’s important to take the time to write something that’s personalized, specific, and honest. A good reference letter can help someone get the job or opportunity they’re applying for, while a bad reference letter can hurt their chances. By following the tips we’ve outlined in this article, and avoiding the mistakes we’ve highlighted, you can write a reference letter that truly helps the person in question.