Most people (in Malaysia) don’t seem to take letters of reference seriously.

If you need a reference, you should look for a referee who
(1) knows you sufficiently well such that s/he can write/speak about you with authority;
(2) holds you in good, if not high, esteem;
(3) is someone who is well regarded and whose opinion would be valued and respected.

If you have been approached for a reference, you should:
(a) write/speak honestly - do not lie or make up facts/stories - you do yourself and the applicant no favours;
(b) write/speak with respect and professionalism - you would only demean your own reputation by being rude, vengeful, sarcastic, writing with bad command of language etc.;
(c) keep the reference in confidence - this allows you the freedom to be honest;
(d) kindly decline to act as referee if you think your reference (bearing in mind above points) would only jeopardise the applicant’s chances of success.

I’ve come across far too many cases (in Malaysia) where people who need letters of reference turn indiscriminately to the next Tom, Dick and Sally who happen to be there and ask, if not force, for a reference. I’ve also seen far too many cases where the applicant ends up writing his/her own reference for the referee to sign because the latter is far too lazy to think for him/herself and/or does not have a brain and/or an opinion. Either case does not bode well for either the applicant or the referee.

Today, I chanced upon two letters of reference from the same referee for two different applicants for the same “thing”. One ended with something to the effect of “I doubt the applicant would be able to fully benefit from the opportunity.” The other ended with something to the effect of “I think this applicant is the best candidate for the opportunity being advertised.” It was obvious the referee was speaking her mind in an honest but diplomatic manner - and she did write authoritatively. But I also wished she could have turned down the former applicant’s request for a reference.

*sigh*

Posted on January 11th, 2005 by jl
Filed under: My Malaysia