Write a Weak Recommendation For a Job Candidate • Example Letters, Guides and Samples
Guides
This letter is written when you can neither honestly recommend a job candidate nor easily refuse to write a recommendation. Carefully control the wording and tone so that the reader will get the message while the writer is protected from the threat of litigation. If at all possible, it would be better to refuse to write a letter of recommendation.
How to write this recommendation letter:
- Identify the person you are endorsing, and indicate that the candidate asked you to write the recommendation.
- Discuss your relationship with the candidate and indicate how long you have known him or her.
- Give your recommendation in language that is properly limited and modulated to convey reservation without direct condemnation. Discuss positive qualities in minor or irrelevant areas and say little or nothing about the problems in areas of major concern.
- Close with a final assertion of recommendation and offer to provide more information, if you wish. Such a statement is often a way of suggesting that there is more to be said about the person.
Example Letter #1
I am writing today in response to your request for a professional recommendation on behalf of (Name of Applicant). Having supervised (First Name of Applicant) for the last few years, I have witnessed his concerted efforts to improve the daily performance of his tasks, and I have observed his desire to meet the demands and expectations of his co-workers and environment. Given the integrity and strength of commitment demonstrated by his past performance, I would like to recommend (Name of Applicant) as a suitable candidate for the position of (Name of Position) at your company.
Example Letter #2
John Doe asked me to write him a letter of recommendation. I have known John for about two years and currently act as his supervisor. He always completes his work on time and seems to get along well with his co-workers. I hope he finds success in his next job. If I can provide you with any further information, please feel free to call me in my office at 555-5555.
Example Letter #3
I support John Doe's application for employment with your company. I am the secretary of the mathematics department at State University, where John was a math major for two years in the late '80s. During the time I knew him, John was a serious student, always pursuing new interests. I would be glad to answer any pertinent questions about John's record in this department. It is always rewarding to see students find work in positions they deserve.
Example Letter #4
Jane Doe has asked that I write you in support of her application for employment with your department. Jane has been a manager in our department for the last two years. During this time the department has experienced no major problems, and Ms. Doe's performance has been perfectly adequate. I have no reason to believe Jane's work in your department would be anything other than satisfactory. If there are any specific questions I can answer about Jane Doe's record here, please contact me in my office, at extension 555.
Example Letter #5
Jane Doe, who was my student last semester in Technical Writing, has asked me to write a recommendation for her application as a writing tutor. Jane earned a B+ in the class largely because of an impressive group project. Jane is very likable, and she prefers to work at her own pace. I am sure Jane would get along well with others in the Writing Center. If I can answer any other questions, please give me a call.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1 Identify the person you are endorsing, and indicate that the candidate asked you to write the recommendation.
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- John Doe has asked me to write a letter of recommendation for him.
- At John Doe's request, I have prepared this letter of reference.
- John Doe has requested that I prepare this letter for him as he leaves Doe Corporation to pursue other career opportunities.
- Jane Doe has asked that I provide a letter of recommendation to accompany her application.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
- has asked me to
- letter of recommendation
- at the request of
- at his request
- I have prepared this response on his/her behalf
- has requested that I
- as she leaves
- to pursue other opportunities
- to accompany his application
2 Discuss your relationship with the candidate and indicate how long you have known him or her.
Sample Sentences for Step 2
- John worked at Doe Corporation for five years, during which time I was his immediate supervisor.
- John was hired by Doe Corporation right out of graduate school, and he has always performed satisfactory service for us.
- John and I were in graduate school together at Springfield University in the late '70s. We both worked in the real estate business in the Springfield area after we graduated. I lost track of him for about a decade, but we recently ran into each other at a restaurant.
- Jane took a physics class that I taught several years ago. I keep good records of my students, so I am able to respond to these requests.
- We served together in the military for several months in Vietnam.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
- first came to work for
- for the past five years
- has been with us since
- has worked at
- has been employed by
- has worked under my supervision
- we have worked together for
- we have known each other for
- lost track of him for
- served together on
- was one of our associates
- was my assistant
- was my manager
- was my colleague
- was hired by
- was one of my students
- was employed by
- we were at school together
- worked for us
3 Give your recommendation in language that is properly limited and modulated to convey reservation without direct condemnation. Discuss positive qualities in minor or irrelevant areas and say little or nothing about the problems in areas of major concern.
Sample Sentences for Step 3
- Jane is a steady worker.
- John dresses very well.
- Jane is always polite.
- John is a very likable person.
- John is a quiet and reserved person who prefers to work by himself and at his own steady pace.
- John is a quiet and reserved person who prefers to work by himself at his own steady pace.
- John has the independence of mind to dress and speak according to his own judgment. He is not one to back down from a controversy.
- John's personnel reviews clearly show that he is a satisfactory employee in many ways. ? John was always willing to help with our company socials and was a good worker.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
- always dresses well
- good attendance record
- great firmness of mind
- has many different interests
- has taken on many assignments
- has a friendly attitude
- is very sociable
- is very likable
- is not one to back down
- is very independent
- is consistently courteous
- is well-liked by her
- is always polite
- is always willing to try
- is always respectful
- is very punctual
- is very fastidious
- not afraid of controversy
- personnel reviews show that
- prefers not to get involved with
- presents a smart appearance
- shows independence of mind
- works at his own pace
4 Close with a final assertion of recommendation and offer to provide more information, if you wish. Such a statement is often a way of suggesting that there is more to be said about the person.
Sample Sentences for Step 4
- We sincerely hope he will find the kinds of professional opportunities he seeks.
- John is very consistent. I expect that he will work for his next employer in much the same way as he worked for us.
- Please let me know if I can answer any further questions concerning his work habits.
- You will find John to be a very trustworthy employee who gets along well with others.
- If I can answer other confidential queries concerning John's work habits and performance record, I will be happy to do so.
Sample Phrases for Step 4
- a trustworthy employee
- any other information
- gets along well with others
- has always been congenial
- expect that
- I hope that he will
- if I can answer
- in her future career
- is usually consistent
- please let me know
- sincerely hope that
- will find success in the future
- I will be happy to
- will find the right niche
- will be happy in his next job
- I wish her the very best
- work environment he seeks
