Obtaining a good reference letter is crucial for any job application, but sometimes applicants receive bad reference letters. If you are in Switzerland, here are some tips for identifying and avoiding bad reference letters.
A bad reference letter can have a significant impact on your job application. It can prevent you from getting the job you want, or worse, damage your professional reputation. In this article, we will discuss bad reference letters in Switzerland and provide examples to help you avoid them. You can also find templates to edit as needed.
Tips
1. Vague Language
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [applicant name] for the job opening at your company. [Applicant name] is a hard worker and has excellent skills. I am sure [he/she] will make a valuable addition to your team.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
The above letter lacks specific details and uses vague language. It does not provide any concrete examples of the applicant’s skills or work experience. A good reference letter should be specific and provide evidence of the applicant’s strengths and abilities.
2. Negative Language
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [applicant name]. While [he/she] has some skills, [he/she] struggled with our company’s culture and did not fit in well with our team. I do not think [he/she] would be a good fit for your company.
Regards,
[Your Name]
The above letter uses negative language and could harm the applicant’s chances of getting the job. A good reference letter should focus on the applicant’s strengths and provide a positive recommendation.
3. Lack of Professionalism
Hi,
I am writing to recommend [applicant name] for the job opening at your company. [He/She] was okay at [his/her] job, I guess. You should hire [him/her].
Thanks,
[Your Name]
The above letter lacks professionalism and could harm the applicant’s chances of getting the job. A good reference letter should be well-written and use professional language.
4. Short Length
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [applicant name]. [He/She] is a good worker.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The above letter is too short and does not provide enough information about the applicant. A good reference letter should be at least one page long and provide specific details about the applicant’s skills and work experience.
5. Lack of Signature
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [applicant name] for the job opening at your company. [He/She] was a good worker.
Sincerely,
The above letter lacks a signature, which can make it appear less authentic. A good reference letter should include a signature and contact information for the writer.
6. Inconsistent Information
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend [applicant name]. [He/She] was a good worker and always completed [his/her] tasks on time. However, [he/she] did struggle with time management and often missed deadlines.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
The above letter contains inconsistent information, which can harm the applicant’s chances of getting the job. A good reference letter should be consistent and provide a clear picture of the applicant’s strengths and weaknesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I receive a bad reference letter?
If you receive a bad reference letter, you should contact the writer and ask them to revise it. If they refuse, you can provide additional references or explain the situation to the hiring manager.
Should I include a bad reference letter in my job application?
No, you should not include a bad reference letter in your job application. It can harm your chances of getting the job.
Can I sue someone for writing a bad reference letter?
No, you cannot sue someone for writing a bad reference letter. However, if the letter contains false information, you may have legal recourse.
How can I avoid getting a bad reference letter?
You can avoid getting a bad reference letter by carefully choosing your references and discussing what you would like them to highlight in their letter. You can also provide them with a copy of your resume and a list of your accomplishments.
Can I write my own reference letter?
No, you should not write your own reference letter. It should be written by someone else who knows you well and can provide an objective assessment of your skills and abilities.
What should I do if I suspect a reference letter is fake?
If you suspect a reference letter is fake, you can contact the writer and ask them to verify it. You can also ask the hiring manager to contact the writer directly to confirm the information in the letter.
Conclusion
Receiving a bad reference letter can be frustrating, but it is important to remember that it is not the end of the world. By following these tips and avoiding these examples, you can increase your chances of getting a good reference letter and landing your dream job.