What should you not do in a recommendation letter?

Asked by: Renee Rice  |  Last update: September 17, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes)

Follow these guidelines, and your letter recommendation will contain everything it needs—and nothing it doesn't.
  • Avoid Vague Introductions. ...
  • Use Facts, Not Opinions. ...
  • Paint a Picture Instead of Using Clichéd Descriptions. ...
  • Steer Clear of Personal Characteristics. ...
  • Eliminate Unnecessary Words with WordRake.

What not to include in a letter of recommendation?

A successful letter should avoid:
  • General language or overly broad descriptors of the student's performance in the classroom;
  • Focusing on a student's punctuality or ability to complete the readings. ...
  • Too much time and attention detailing the relationship with the student or the content of the course.

What makes a bad recommendation letter?

Letters may be problematic because they: discuss irrelevant things about the candidate (such as her looks), reveal personal problems the candidate may have without her permission, and use language which plays into stereotypes which may disadvantage the candidate, among other reasons.

What words should you avoid in a letter of recommendation?

Adjectives to Limit*
  • Caring.
  • Compassionate.
  • Hard-working.
  • Conscientious.
  • Dependable.
  • Diligent.
  • Dedicated.
  • Tactful.

What are the 6 details that should be included in a letter of recommendation?

In most cases, your letter of recommendation should include the following:
  • 1 Date. Provide the date you send your letter, especially if there are specific application cycles or deadlines to adhere to. ...
  • 2 Greeting. ...
  • 3 Introduction. ...
  • 4 Overview. ...
  • 5 Personal anecdote. ...
  • 6 Closing statement. ...
  • 7 Signature.

You're asking for letters of rec WRONG

25 related questions found

What is the best opening sentence of a letter of recommendation?

The introduction, which first and foremost includes your statement of recommendation (i.e. “it is my pleasure to recommend…”). It is common to also briefly state who you are and what your expertise is. The overview, or a description of the applicant's top skills, attributes, and strengths.

What are 11 impactful words to use in a letter of recommendation?

They do this by invoking the linguistic terms mentioned above: standout terms or phrases, such as “unparalleled,” “one of the best I have worked with,” “incredible,” “fantastic,” “prodigy,” “unrivaled,” “outstanding,” “rising star,” “as good or better than” (a well-known person), “amazing,” and others.

What are the dos and don'ts in writing recommendations?

What are the Dos and Don'ts of Research Recommendations?
  • 1- Be Specific. ...
  • 2- Support Your Recommendations with Evidence. ...
  • 3- Prioritize Recommendations. ...
  • 4- Consider Practical Applications. ...
  • 5- Be Concise. ...
  • 6- Provide a Rationale. ...
  • 1- Make Unsupported Claims. ...
  • 2- Overgeneralize.

What makes a letter of recommendation stand out?

Use concrete examples, not generalizations. Tell stories that illustrate the student's character. If you know what major the student is looking at, you can incorporate details of why that student would be a good fit for that major and career path. Make each letter unique.

How to end a recommendation letter?

The closing of the letter should briefly summarize previous points and clearly state that you recommend the candidate for the position, graduate program or opportunity they are seeking. The recommendation letter should be written in language that is straightforward and to the point.

How to tell if a recommendation letter is good?

Depth and detail: A strong recommendation letter is thorough and provides a clear, detailed picture of who you are as a student. It should go beyond your resume or transcript and discuss aspects of your character and work ethic that might not be apparent from other parts of your application.

What makes a reference unsatisfactory?

A bad reference usually comes in the form of a full reference, where the employer states elements of employment such as: Character traits of the employee that were relevant to their workplace. Disciplinary actions that were processed against the employee. If the employee was dismissed (and why they were dismissed)

How do you write a weakness letter of recommendation?

Keep it short and positive.

Reread it and ask yourself if there is anything that makes it sound more negative than it needs to be? Can you delete any random detail? Are you SHOWING how you are improving with an example or evidence?

What should you not say in a reference letter?

Follow these guidelines, and your letter recommendation will contain everything it needs—and nothing it doesn't.
  • Avoid Vague Introductions. ...
  • Use Facts, Not Opinions. ...
  • Paint a Picture Instead of Using Clichéd Descriptions. ...
  • Steer Clear of Personal Characteristics. ...
  • Eliminate Unnecessary Words with WordRake.

What 3 points would you like me to highlight in your letter of recommendation?

Leadership skills, dedication, ability to focus, and ability to learn quickly are all skills that are good to highlight in a recommendation letter. A great letter of recommendation balances describing both work that someone has done in the past and how it relates to their suitability for the position.

Do employers look at letters of recommendation?

References and/or letters of recommendation are usually a necessary part of your job search. In fact, once an employer narrows their list of potential candidates, references are often the determining factor for which candidate gets offered the position.

What is an example of a strong recommendation letter?

John is a very humble individual who gets along well with his peers and the entire medical team. It is therefore without reservations that I recommend him to you for any residency program that he may be seeking. I am sure he will be a valuable asset to your organization.

What are three important things to mention in a letter of recommendation?

A recommendation letter should include information on who you are, your connection with the person you are recommending, why they are qualified, and the specific skills they have.

What not to do when asking for a letter of recommendation?

Three Don'ts When Asking for Letters of Recommendation
  1. Do not give them short notice. Your recommenders have full-time jobs, personal lives, and potentially other recommendations to write. ...
  2. Do not give them an incomplete package of materials. ...
  3. Do not give them attitude.

Who is the best person to write a letter of recommendation?

This could be a teacher, a coach, a mentor, someone from your faith community, a boss, someone who you have volunteered with, etc. Pro Tip: Ask someone who has known you for a long time or who has seen you work hard at school, a job, or an extra-curricular activity.

What are the rules to writing a letter of recommendation?

Letters should be complete but concise, and they usually consist of three parts: introduction and background, specific assessments, and summary of recommendation. Letters from primary mentors, supervisors or close collaborators are generally somewhat longer than letters from others.

What are the 4 rules of writing?

Because the list of rules is so short and yet so insightful, it's a must-read for anyone interested in writing effectively:
  • USE SHORT SENTENCES. Short sentences are easier to digest. ...
  • USE SHORT FIRST PARAGRAPHS. See opening of this post.
  • USE VIGOROUS ENGLISH. ...
  • BE POSITIVE, NOT NEGATIVE.

What is a good sentence for recommendation?

When drafting conclusions, use the below phrases:
  • I highly recommend him/her without any reservations.
  • Rarely have I been able to recommend someone without reservation. ...
  • Seldom have I been able to recommend someone with such confidence.

What is the strong opening statement for a letter of recommendation?

The first paragraph should state how long writer has known applicant, in what context, and general “thesis” statement regarding applicant's abilities/suitability for position.

What are nice things to say in a letter of recommendation?

While they are often beneficial for students, they can also apply to more general recommendation letters for non-students as well.
  • Honored. Honored is an impactful word that gives an impression of an individual who is dignified and respected. ...
  • Pleased. ...
  • Delighted. ...
  • Acquainted. ...
  • Dependable. ...
  • Intelligent. ...
  • Valuable asset. ...
  • Driven.