Sorry, You Aren't Qualified

            In my last blog I discussed job interviews and some of the strange things that have happened in them.  Now there is another aspect of this process that can be a challenge for those who must write personal recommendations, especially for those who have been challenging employees.

            Here are some suggestions for such difficult recommendations.

-For the chronically absent:

"A man like him is hard to find."
"It seemed her career was just taking off."

 

-For the office drunk:

"I feel his real talent is wasted here."
"We generally found him loaded with work to do."
"Every hour with him was a happy hour."

 

-For an employee with no ambition:

"He could not care less about the number of hours he had to put in."
"You would indeed be fortunate to get this person to work for you."

 

-For an employee who is so unproductive that the job is better left unfilled:

"I can assure you that no person would be better for the job."

 

-For an employee who is not worth further consideration as a job candidate:

"I would urge you to waste no time in making this candidate an offer of employment."
"All in all, I cannot say enough good things about this candidate or recommend him too highly."

 

-For a stupid employee:

"There is nothing you can teach a man like him."
"I most enthusiastically recommend this candidate with no qualifications whatsoever."

 

-For a dishonest employee:

"Her true ability was deceiving."
"He's an unbelievable worker

One final suggestion.  Here is a sample reply letter for the person who receives nothing but letters of rejection from employers.

 

Dear [Interviewer's Name]: 

 

Thank you for your letter of [date of rejection letter]. 

 

After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your refusal to offer me employment with your firm.  This year I have had been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals. 

 

Despite [Firm's Name]'s outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, I find that your rejection does not meet with my needs at this time.  Therefore, I will initiate employment with your firm immediately following graduation.  I look forward to seeing you then. 

 

Best of luck in rejecting future candidates. 

 

Sincerely,

[Your Name]