I received a request to write a letter of recommendation for someone who was mediocre at best, but he’s a good person. I would never stand in the way of anyone getting a better opportunity. I also don’t want to lie, because it’s my reputation. How would you write it or handle the situation?

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I would just be nice and honest, or make up an excuse as to why you can't write one.

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Did you work with him long enough to recommend?

He was my intern for 4 months. He got better towards the end of the summer, but I spent a lot of time repeating myself and having him redo work. At the end of the summer, he wrote me an email expressing appreciation that I was so patient with him. He’s a nice kid, which is why I struggle with this.

I think you can just say that you don't have enough time with him to write it?

Say what you can say as nicely as you can say it.

See the best in people and just say some true, positive things. It may be a limited list of things and nothing spectacular, but should still be okay. Perhaps the person assessing the recommendation will feel the lack of stellar comments in a recommendation is a sign of mediocrity, but the candidate will probably still have a chance to represent themself too.

You can be good AND honest without sacrificing your reputation or the opportunities of others!

That’s what I was leaning towards. Thx

Honestly that is a tough situation to be in and I have been there. I think everyone has strengths though and in the past when someone has asked me for one, they had things about them that I was able to recommend. But if you don’t feel comfortable writing one then I wouldn’t. I would just be honest and let them know you aren’t comfortable writing them a letter of recommendation.

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