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Submitted by bhart2 on
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I solicited and received a written professional reference via email as a word document from a former manager.  The content is great but it contains several grammatical errors.

Example "He attend many workshops throughout the year".  Plus many other obvious grammatical mistakes.  What is the Etiquette for pointing out the mistakes or should I keep it as is?  

Your time and consideration greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Brian

 

afmoffa's picture

Brian:

The reference letter is a courtesy; the former manager took the time to write something he or she thought would be helpful. To criticize such a letter would be to look a gift horse in the mouth.

If it were egregiously bad, to the point where you doubted its authenticity or couldn't even make sense of it, then it would be appropriate to tell the candidate: "I'm sorry, but the letter your reference provided was not up to our standard. You're still a viable candidate for the position, but please provide us with another reference." After all, your goal is to gain insight into the applicant. Your goal is not to show the letter-writing executive the error of his ways; he or she doesn't owe you anything. You can bet that applicant will never ask for a reference from that person again!

Everything I just wrote in the paragraph above would apply only if the letter were appallingly, shockingly bad. The snippets you quote, while disappointing, don't seem to sink to that level.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but I counted six errors in punctuation/ capitalization in your own post. I'm not trying to zing you. Heck, I'm not 100% sure I handled the subjunctive correctly in P2 up there. My point is that we all make mistakes, especially when we're pressed for time or communicating casually. It's a shame the former manager didn't take more seriously the task of writing a professional reference. But it's not a big deal.

 

 

bhart2's picture
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Thanks for the prompt reply and feedback.  The reference is for me; not someone I'm hiring/interviewing.  While applying for a teaching position we are asked to provide three letters of reference. 

afmoffa's picture

Sorry, I completely misread you there. Egg all over my face. I'll think it over and see if I can come up with some applicable advice.

jhbchina's picture

BHart2,

You wrote "email as a word document". So, here's what you do.

1) Correct mistakes and print out.

2) Ask him to sign it - tell him his signature ensures it authenticity. Thank him for his time.

3) Happily digitalize the reference and forward as needed

That's being effective and not mentioning his mistakes and getting what you want.

JHB  "00"