Writing a [non-rush] letter of recommendation
 

I need to write a letter of recommendation for someone and for various reasons, I don't feel they're a necessarily strong candidate for what they're applying. How can I portray this in my letter without saying it outright (they will be able to read the letter before sending in the application).

Would it be possible to tell the person you don't feel comfortable writing such a letter?

Agreed. If I wasn't going to get a glowing review, I wouldn't want the person to spend the time.

You say you "need" to write the letter, but I think you shouldn't.

I "need" to because I'm the adviser (one of the letters has to come from an adviser) and no one else has worked with them.

I think I may just write about what they did in their position. Other that that, they have no additional extracurricular activities of which I'm aware.

Give The Facts only. do not imbeslish it with How Great they are!

Black and White, no red roses.

Unless You know them personaly and feel comfortable then discuss it with them or not!

I think I'm going to ask them to tell me exactly why they're applying, why they feel they're best suited for the position and what other campus activities they've been involved in (not including other chapters' philanthropies, which I have a feeling is going to be overplayed like no other in their application).

I've never had to write a letter of recommendation before, so that in itself is a new experience, and it's not like I think they're a bad person, having gone through this process myself, I just don't know that they have the right kind of qualifications for the position. But I also think going through the entire application process would be beneficial for them, which is why I don't really want to tell them I won't write a letter.

Can't you send it in to whomever needs it? Usually if an awards committee, job, or organization is serious about the use of recommendations, they keep them confidential to the person asking for it.

In my experience, whenever an organization I was in asked for rec's but did not have the person send them straight to us, we didn't really take them for face value, especially in circumstances where there is a specific person you have to acquire it from.

I would say if that is the case a highlight of what they have done is enough. No need to say that this is a qualified candidate. Just that the committee should give a look to this candidate.

A recommendation is an endorsement. If you can't endorse this person, then you can't write them a recommendation.

And if your letter will not be favorable, this takes them out of the running for whatever they are applying for-- so why not just stop now before the person goes through all the effort, hoping and waiting?

LOL can you write an "information only" recommendation?

Absolutely, especially when its a mandatory letter from a specific person. Basically, the letter goes:

It has come to my attention that [] is interested in [] and is required to seek a letter from their advisor. I wanted to take the time to exhibit some of the experiences [] has had....

If you have any questions or comments or which to discuss this candidates qualifications more specifically, please do not hesitate to call me...


If they are concerned about the letter, the people who want it can call if they want clarification or for more information.

I've been asked to write recommendations in the past and don't give the applicant a copy because of the rare possibiilty it could be passed around with a name change.

In this case since the applicant will see the letter, I would do as you say and try to figure out why they think they are qualified.

I've tried to tell the truth because if the person turns out to be a wonderful employee or whatever, that's terrific. But if I write a nice recommendation, esp. knowing the person isn't qualified, then the person/company on the receiving end won't be so quick to accept any great recommendations if they feel I didn't tell the truth on the first one.

If this is for the GLO, it is very important that the GLO know upfront if you think the applicant can handle the job, if not, it may make the entire GLO look bad and/or hurt feelings for a long time.

This is pretty much what I'm looking for, thanks. :)

I've talked to the person about it, and they're sending me their resume along with an explanation of why they're applying for the position. I'm also going to email the person who gets the applications and see if I can't send them my letter directly, or at least put it in a sealed envelope. I applied for the same position a few years ago and can't remember if the adviser sent the letter to me or directly to the person who gets the applications.

And to reiterate, I don't think they're a bad person or would necessarily be bad in this position, I just don't know if their activities and experiences are as strong as others who may apply. In all honesty, as I'm not on the board who chooses which applicants to go further in the interview process, I can't definitively say that they aren't a strong candidate. I just know, based on my own application, I had a broad range of achievements and activities which I feel helped me in the process. Maybe I'll feel differently once I receive their resume and letter.

These should really be called letters of reference as opposed to letters of recommendation because I'm sure there are other people who are in a similar situation as I.