Harsh letter of reference - what to do???
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09 Sep 2010, 21:22
Hi everyone,
Has anyone had this problem? My boss has rediculously high standards and is not prone to hyperbole when writing a letter of reference. In fact, he has given me a really supportive reference, but, in the minds of the adcom, I'm concerned that they will consider it as a lukewarm reference?
For example, if he says that you are 'good' at something, he is comparing this to the McKinsey standard, not the average person on the street... hence, the reference has the tendency to sound less enthuisastic than what is the case.
Does anyone have any experience on how to handle this? Is having a very candid mediocre sounding reference (that details significant achievements but does not 'talk it up') a disadvantage or would the adcom see through this and appreciate the honesty?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated?
Many thanks.