Dealing with Weak Recommendations

[serementnatalya]

I would like to get your opinion on a question I have. What should you do if you cannot provide a strong recommendation for an applicant?

[musclesolo77]

Hello! If you find yourself unable to provide a strong recommendation for an applicant, it's essential to be honest and transparent. It's unethical to write a misleading or insincere letter. Instead, consider having a candid conversation with the applicant. Explain your reservations and discuss whether there are areas they can address or improve upon. If possible, offer guidance on how they can strengthen their qualifications or seek out alternative recommenders who may be in a better position to provide a stronger endorsement. Ultimately, it's crucial to prioritize integrity and fairness in the recommendation process. If you're looking for a practical example, you can refer to a residency recommendation letter sample, which often includes guidance on addressing various situations in recommendation writing.