“We no longer think these documents are relevant when evaluating candidates. It is as obsolete as the Objective Statement”

- TSR Writing Staff

The normal tactic used when producing a Resume/CV is to include the words REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST at the bottom of document. If requested, these references are nothing more than letters gratifying the personality and mannerism of the candidate. This is not the most critical information an employer would need when evaluating a candidate.

The TSR staff believes that Letters of Recommendation and references are no longer an important part of the recruitment process. They are nothing more than artificial enhancements of a person’s character. A candidate would never submit nor contact a person they feel would present any negative tendencies, characteristics, or behaviors to a potential employer. 

Second, Letters… from political officials or other popular figures replicate the content as those written from others. The name on the signature line is the only difference between their letter and those written by others. Candidates are sometimes under the assumption that being affiliated with someone ”popular” somehow enhances their chances of securing employment. (IMP:  Useful when Networking only)

Any employer who excites easily by the author of a Letter of …. should be removed from his/her position. The most appropriate method to evaluate a candidate is to contact his immediate and previous supervisor or manager. Both would have the most current interactions with the candidate, providing the most relevant evaluation of the candidates’ tendencies and proficiencies.