The question: Should I provide a lukewarm reference for my recently fired ex-manager to avoid awkwardness? Or should I tell him no, and if so, what is the code language to use? I can't say "Sorry, that won't be possible" for reasons outlined herein. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Mar 5, 2013 - 40 answers

Recommendations for an online Excel refresher course, preferably free, that will make me an Excel God Master Wizard user compentant enough not to embarrass myself in 72 hours? [more inside]
posted by Mitheral on Sep 29, 2011 - 7 answers

What Would You Do When A Professor Tells You to Draft Your Own Recommendation? [more inside]
posted by easilyconfused on Mar 18, 2011 - 25 answers

How should I approach my professors for recommendation/reference letters for a job that doesn't yet exist? [more inside]
posted by ElectricBlue on Feb 18, 2009 - 7 answers

How do I write a letter of reference for someone I previously supervised and am ambivalent about? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 - 21 answers

I have been asked to write recommendation letters for an undergrad who is applying to grad schools. Should I just automatically use a separate sheet, or should I use their form if they provide a lot of space? Any general tips for the structure of the letter? [more inside]
posted by 445supermag on Dec 28, 2005 - 11 answers

Is it true that it's illegal for an employer to give an employee a reference beyond confirming that the person worked for the company over a certain period of time? [more inside]
posted by bonheur on Jun 9, 2004 - 25 answers

I'm looking for recommendations for a reference cookbook to supplement my current bible, The Joy of Cooking. Your thoughts? [A list of what I've got already will greet you inside.] [more inside]
posted by me3dia on Mar 7, 2004 - 38 answers