WHAT YOU DO NOT WANT WRITTEN IN A LETTER OF REFERENCE

Some faculty make an art out of writing letters of reference and state negative comments in subtle and interesting ways.

Here are some of the things you do not want written in your letter of reference.

For a student who is so unproductive that you would not notice if they did not attend class:	“I can assure you that no person would be better for this position.”
For a student with no ambition that is trying to get through the program with the least amount of effort:	“They could not care less about the number of hours the had to put in.” or “You would indeed be fortunate to get this person to participate in your program.”
For a less than intelligent student:	“There is nothing you can teach this student.” or “I most enthusiastically recommend this candidate with no qualifications whatsoever.”
For a dishonest student:	“This student’s true ability is deceiving.” or “This student is unbelievable in everything they do.
For a student who is not worth further consideration as a candidate:	“I would urge you to waste no time in making this candidate an offer in your program.” or “All in all, I cannot say enough good things about this candidate or recommend them too highly.”
For the chronically absent student:	“A student like him is hard to find.” or “it seemed that her career was just taking off.”
For the school alcoholic:	“I feel his real talent is wasted here” or “We generally found him loaded with projects to do” or “Every hour with him was happy hour.”

Stop and think about how you have impressed the faculty member that you are asking for a letter of reference. Do you think you might find some of the above phrases embedded in your letter?

Adapted from: Landrum E. R. & Davis S. F. (2003). The Psychology Major: Career Options and Strategies for Success, 2^nd ed., Pearson Education Inc.: Upper Saddle river, NJ.