Made me think, "Gee. I guess folks are asking for recommendation letters during their first week on the job."
I'll admit; I practically do this. I request letters usually after a few months of employment; not because I always plan to leave, but in case something amazing drops in my lap.
I also had to think, "How do those folks writing the recommendation letters do it?"
I mean, the writer has only seen the worker for a short time and likely has formed opinions about the employee that are both kind and not-so-kind.
I would assume that most letter writers try to put a positive spin within the whole recommendation letter, since not doing so would reflect poorly upon them.
Assuming that this might be difficult for some people to spin, I thought I could start a helpful chart:
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What you want to say.
|
What you should say.
|
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Wastes Time.
|
Possesses a strong sense of
personal prioritizing skills.
|
|
Gossiper.
|
Regularly conveys interesting
information.
|
|
Always calls off “sick.”
|
Always concerned about the health
of the rest of the team.
|
|
Frequently complains.
|
Possesses strong self-advocacy
skills.
|
|
Is never on time.
|
Maintains a healthy work-life
balance.
|
|
Dresses unprofessionally.
|
Is comfortable sharing personal choices.
|
|
Speaks unprofessionally.
|
Helps to maintain a high level of
lightheartedness in the workplace.
|
|
Never takes work seriously.
|
(see above)
|
|
Steals supplies.
|
Redistributes supplies regularly.
|
|
Never contributes in meetings.
|
Encourages input from other staff
in meetings.
|
|
Monopolizes time in meetings.
|
Takes leadership roles in staff
meetings.
|
|
Power-hungry and manipulative.
|
Always willing to take on
leadership roles.
|
|
A doormat.
|
Always willing to support the
leadership of others.
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