SAMPLES OF WEAK LETTERS OF RECOMENDATION
Sample 1.
NAME was one of my students for three years. During that time he has showed food progress in studies
of economics and financial system of Ukraine in particular. He also has written good article on the
financial system of the State owned enterprises. He has good manners, thinks and speaks logically, he
never had any problems in attendance of my lectures and in passing exams.
Problem: To many generalizations and ideas in one paragraph. No justification of opinions.
Sample 2.
NAME has worked as an engineer in Research and Project Institute. He had shown himself as a good
specialist of mathematics application to oil and gas industry. He has an invention in field of industrial
equipment. In addition to this he is a reliable friend and careful person.
Problem: No justification of: good specialist of mathematics, reliable friend or careful person. What
invention?
Sample 3.
I have known NAME since 1985. She had often executed jobs for our firm, always in time and at a high
professional level. NAME is a fair-minded person. It is pleasant to have to deal with her.
Problem: No justification of: high professional level, fair-minded person. Why is it pleasant to deal with
her? What kind of jobs did she execute?
Sample 4.
I know NAME for 3 years. It had been a young fellow with serious intentions when I saw him for the first
time. And my first impressions were well founded. Concerning him, I am a father of his friend. NAME has
all abilities for the studying of foreign languages. I think he will finish the University very well.
Problem: Is this the right person to be writing a letter of recommendation? Can someone -with such
English comment on this persons studying of foreign language? No justification of: serious intentions or
finish University well. No logic in thought.
Sample 5.
NAME worked from September to March for me international company NEW as a Marketing Consultant.
During working period she demonstrated enthusiastic individual qualities with pioneering spirit and self
motivation.
Problem: No justification of qualities. Generally bad English and use of qualities that "sound" good.