If you are tasked to write a letter of recommendation but don’t have much to say about the person, you may end up with a lukewarm letter of recommendation sample. This type of letter may come across as insincere or unenthusiastic, which can harm the person’s chances of getting accepted for a job, scholarship, or program.
However, there are ways to write a lukewarm letter of recommendation that is still professional and helpful. In this article, we will provide tips and examples that you can use as a guide in crafting your own letter of recommendation.
Tips for Writing a Lukewarm Letter of Recommendation
Here are some tips to help you write a lukewarm letter of recommendation:
1. Be honest but tactful.
Instead of exaggerating the person’s skills and accomplishments, focus on their strengths and achievements that you can attest to. Be truthful but avoid making negative comments or criticisms.
2. Provide context.
Explain your relationship with the person and the circumstances under which you worked with them. This can help the recipient understand the context of your letter and give more weight to your opinions.
3. Use positive language.
Even if you don’t have much to say, use positive and enthusiastic language to convey your support for the person. Mention their good qualities, work ethic, and potential.
4. Offer to be contacted for further information.
If you feel that your letter may not be enough to support the person’s application, offer to be contacted for further information or clarification.
Examples of Lukewarm Letter of Recommendation
Example 1: Lack of Experience
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah for your Master’s program in Business Administration. Sarah was my student in Introduction to Management course last year, where she earned a B+. While I believe Sarah has a lot of potential and a great attitude, I must admit that I cannot speak to her experience in the field. However, I have no doubt that she will be a hardworking and dedicated student in your program.
Best regards,
Prof. John Smith
Example 2: Lack of Specific Skills
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Tom for the position of Graphic Designer in your company. Tom was a freelance graphic designer for my small business, where he designed graphics for our marketing materials. While Tom has a good sense of creativity and is courteous, I must admit that I cannot speak to his experience with specific software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. However, I believe that Tom has the potential to learn quickly and would make a great addition to your team.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
Example 3: Short Time Working Together
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend Alex for your scholarship program. Alex was my intern for the summer, where she helped me with research and data entry. While I only had the opportunity to work with her for a short period, I believe that she has a strong work ethic and positive attitude. Unfortunately, I cannot speak to her academic achievements or community involvement. However, I highly recommend Alex for your scholarship program and believe that she has the potential to succeed in her future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Dr. Peter Lee
Example 4: Lack of Enthusiasm
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Jack for your MBA program. Jack was my coworker for two years, where we worked together on several projects. While Jack is a competent worker and has a good understanding of the industry, I must admit that I cannot say that he is passionate about business or has a strong desire to pursue an MBA. However, I believe that Jack has the potential to be a successful student in your program and would make a valuable contribution to the class.
Best regards,
Samantha Lee
Example 5: Lack of Close Relationship
Dear Admissions Officer,
I am writing to recommend Lily for your Master’s program in Public Health. Lily was a student in my lecture class, where she earned an A-. While I didn’t have much opportunity to interact with Lily one-on-one, I believe that she is a diligent student and has a passion for public health. Unfortunately, I cannot provide more information about her community involvement or research experience. However, I highly recommend Lily for your program and believe that she has the potential to make a positive impact in the field.
Best regards,
Prof. Emily Young
Example 6: Lack of Knowledge
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend David for your PhD program in Biology. David was my lab assistant for six months, where he helped me with data collection and analysis. While David is a responsible and reliable assistant, I must admit that I don’t have much knowledge about his research interest or academic background. However, I believe that David has the potential to be a great researcher and would benefit from your program.
Best regards,
Dr. Robert Johnson
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it better to decline to write a recommendation letter if I don’t have much to say?
A: It depends on the situation. If you don’t know the person well or don’t feel comfortable recommending them, it’s best to decline the request. However, if you have worked with the person but don’t have much to say, you can still write a lukewarm letter of recommendation as long as you are honest and professional.
Q: How do I make a lukewarm letter of recommendation sound more positive?
A: Use positive language and focus on the person’s strengths and potential. Instead of saying what the person can’t do, say what they are good at or what they have accomplished. You can also mention any positive feedback or comments you have received from others about the person.
Q: Should I mention the person’s weaknesses or shortcomings in a lukewarm letter of recommendation?
A: No, it’s not necessary to mention the person’s weaknesses or shortcomings in a letter of recommendation, especially if you don’t have much to say. Focus on the person’s positive attributes and achievements instead.
Q: Can I use a lukewarm letter of recommendation for multiple applications?
A: Yes, you can use the same letter of recommendation for multiple applications as long as it’s appropriate for the positions or programs you are applying for. However, you may want to make some changes or adjustments to the letter to make it more relevant or personalized for each application.
Q: How long should a lukewarm letter of recommendation be?
A: A lukewarm letter of recommendation can be shorter than a more enthusiastic one, but it should still provide enough information and context to support the person’s application. Aim for one to two paragraphs or around 40 to 50 sentences.
Q: How can I improve my letter of recommendation writing skills?
A: You can read other examples of letter of recommendation, practice writing different types of letters, and ask for feedback from others. You can also research online for tips and guidelines on how to write a professional and effective letter of recommendation.
Conclusion
Writing a lukewarm letter of recommendation can be a challenge, but it’s possible to write a professional and helpful letter that supports the person’s application. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can write a letter that is honest, tactful, and positive, and help the person achieve their goals.