[Rob Stuart]

Originally Posted by Chris O'Carroll

No 4284
By Leonora Casement
We want a letter supposedly providing a reference for someone that, while seeming to praise the subject, reveals the true nature of his or her failings.
Max 150 words by 18 July comp@newstatesman.co.uk

Good God, I do this all the time for real!

[Ann Drysdale]

Alas, Rob, your bluff is called.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-23160583

[Rob Stuart]

No bluff, Ann. I'm thinking about references for university, really. You're not allowed to say 'so and so is a lazy toerag', so you have to say things like 'has managed to attend three lectures this year' and 'has had some issues acclimatising to the expectations of the course.' It's quite an art.

Interesting article, though.

[Graham King]

1)
Mr K. has many original attributes distinguishing him from everyday candidates for employment. Not only was his timekeeping here sufficient, but he frequently arrived or left outwith his contracted paid hours in order to pick up what he could, without charge: enhancing his store of proprietary knowledge and personal familiarity with our equipment. Regarding teamwork, he has a remarkable facility for observation and swift emulation, and often was able to stand in for colleagues in writing or by telephone, ad hoc and entirely on his own initiative; with suppliers, customers (or even staff’s family members) not realizing the substitution. This innovative adaptability led to remarkable results, as our figures for sales, orders (and inventory) after his arrival reached levels previously unseen. His contribution to morale has been electric, and with great regrets now we wish him success seeking employment elsewhere, whether in another field entirely or with our competitors.