Ambiguous Statements for
Letters of Recommendation

inspired by an article written by Robert J. Thornton, titled "The Lexicon of Inconspicuously Ambiguous Recommendations, or LIAR."

*** To describe a candidate who is woefully inept:
I most enthusiastically recommend this candidate with no qualifications whatsoever.

*** To describe a candidate who you were happy to part company with:
I am pleased to say that this candidate is a former colleague of mine.

*** To describe a candidate who is not particularly industrious:
In my opinion you will be very fortunate to get this person to work for you.

*** To describe a candidate who is not worth further consideration:
I would urge you to waste no time in making this candidate an offer of employment.

*** To describe a candidate with lackluster credentials:
All in all, I cannot say enough good things about this candidate or recommend him/her too highly.

*** To describe a candidate who is so unproductive the position would be better left unfilled:
I can assure you that no person would be better for this job.