Everything was easier when we were still in school. At the end of the year, every student received a report card, with a simple scale of A-F that measured his progress throughout the year. But in the professional world, things are handled much differently. Once you leave your position at a company, you’re given a pat on the back and letter of recommendation, filled with florid phrases and convoluted hidden meaning – is your ex supervisor lauding your praises, or is that a backhanded compliment?
Every employer has an obligation to provide a “pleasant” recommendation letter, but it’s important to know how to read between the lines before handing over a death sentence to your future boss. If you recognize that your employer has crossed any serious lines, or written anything truly offensive, you have the right to ask for him to alter, or at least explain, his comments. But take this as an opportunity for self-reflection.
Perhaps he has some valid points that could benefit you in the future. Before you leap headfirst into your job search, we’ve broken down some potential “problem phrases” that you may encounter in your last letter of recommendation, to give you the upper hand as you navigate the next steps of your professional journey.
Her colleagues considered her to be very cooperative.
Translation: First of all, by shifting the focus away from himself and onto the “colleagues,” your supervisor is distancing himself from his comments. Furthermore, the word “considered” suggests that he doesn’t necessarily agree, or at the very least, it’s up for discussion.
What you can learn from this: At your next job, work harder to earn the favor of your supervisor. To learn more tips and tricks on how, click here.
He uses many opportunities to demonstrate his skills, and he has a healthy self confidence.
Translation: What he lacks in actual talent, he makes up for in arrogance and ego. When your boss doesn’t explicitly list your skills as “good,” they’re probably not very good. Positive self confidence is typically described as such, to avoid misunderstandings about ego. In other words, if your supervisor mentions your “self confidence” in any way other than “healthy,” you probably need to take your ego down a notch.
What you can learn from this: If you want to improve your reputation at your next company, work harder to facilitate a positive work environment among your colleagues, full of respect and understanding.
She’s very capable of delegating tasks.
Translation: She’s not afraid of avoiding work and leaning on her team.
What you can learn from this: Delegation is a great skill, true, but do it well and do it right. Your coworkers are not there to do your dirty work. It’s important to know when to delegate tasks to accomplish a greater goal, but it depends on how and when you do it.
He was offered multiple opportunities to further his education and improve himself.
Translation: He had the opportunities, but he didn’t use any of them. Had you taken advantage of these chances for growth, these would be reflected in your letter of recommendation and make you shine.
So? What are you waiting for? Start studying your latest letter of recommendation, and get familiar with the points that will help you to become a better and more well-rounded employee. We wish you luck!
