One thing that urgently needs to disappear are recommendation letters. They are meaningless and unproductive. Why not substitute them with a phone call, an email, or a Zoom? If you are serious about a candidate, isn’t it better to hear the recommendation in person? And ask specific questions?

Recommendation letters are a throwback to 1959 and they are kind of embarrassing. Let’s make them go away.

3 responses to “Anti-recommendation”

  1. xykademiqz Avatar

    It’s the paper trail. We generally always follow via phone in case the recommender has stuff they aren’t comfortable putting in writing.

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    1. Clarissa Avatar

      In academia, recommendation letters make sense. But I’m so tired of writing letters for jobs like part-time sales clerk and such.

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      1. xykademiqz Avatar

        Oh God, yes. Although IME, most of the time, industry folks who are considering hiring someone for whom I am a reference want to talk over the phone instead of have me send them a letter.

        Liked by 1 person

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