Recommendation Letters - Fixing Grammar

  • Thread starter Thread starter minger
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Recommendation
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the dilemma of handling a poorly written letter of recommendation received just before an important interview. The individual is concerned about the letter's numerous grammar mistakes and its overall clarity, feeling embarrassed to present it. They contemplate whether to correct the errors themselves and seek permission from the author or to request a new letter altogether. The conversation highlights the ethical considerations of altering someone else's work and the potential impact on the author's pride. Additionally, some participants suggest simply obtaining a new recommendation from a different source, emphasizing that many recommenders may not realize how many letters are needed. The key takeaway is the importance of presenting a polished recommendation while navigating the sensitivities involved in requesting revisions or replacements.
minger
Science Advisor
Messages
1,494
Reaction score
2
OK, this might be a little weird question:

I am interviewing in two days. I am finally getting some letters of recommendation from some of my former co-workers. The first was very nice. The format is pleasing to the eye, and it was well written.

The one I 'just' got, was from someone with a nice title at my former company. Unfortunately, it is riddled with grammar mistakes. I would honestly be embarrassed to show it to someone. I'm not talking like, "That should be a semi-colon instead of a comma", rather it's more like, "I'm...um...I really have no idea what this 1/2 page long sentence is trying to say".

My question is what is ethically the proper thing to do, along with what is typically done. I'm leaning towards fixing (or trying) the grammar and just sending it. However, deep down, I feel as though I should fix it, send the draft to the author and ask for his permission to send it. Although, with that, it seems would come with a slap to the man's pride.

Anyways, if anyone has any thoughts, I'd appreciate it. Thanks,
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can you get a new one, and don't send it? I've done that in the past. I say thank you, and get a new recommendation letter from someone else. They are likely to not know how many of these letters you need.
 
Hello, I graduated from undergrad a few years ago with a Major in Physics and minor in Electrical Engineering. I tried to get experience working on and testing circuits through my professor who studied Neutrinos, however covid caused the opportunity to go away and I graduated with no experience or internships. I have attempted to break into the engineering industry with no success. Right now I am considering going for a Masters in Electrical Engineering and I need advice on if this would be...
I don't know if anyone on here works for any of the well known defense companies of your country, whichever country you are from?? Also, if you choose to work in one, do you think the engineering education provide from your school would adequately prepare you for the job. What do I mean by that? Well if you work at say Lockheed Martin and you work in the latest iteration of a missile or if you work at Pratt & Whitney, they assign you to work in the team helping out with building the jet...
Back
Top