Ever received a recommendation letter and had that sinking feeling? Sometimes those warning signs can be super subtle, but knowing them can save your application. Here’s what to look out for:
- Generic praise: If it sounds like they copied and pasted it from a template, that’s a bad sign.
- Vague details: When they can’t list specific projects or qualities, it could mean they don’t know you well.
- Reluctance: If they say things like, “I’m happy to recommend you for this,” it might show they weren’t excited about it.
- No personal anecdotes: Absence of stories or specific examples usually indicates not enough engagement with you.
- Last-minute rush: If it feels hurried or they're offering excuses about time constraints, rethink using that letter.
Keep your eyes peeled for these signs when you ask for a recommendation. Better to know beforehand than to be surprised later!