received recommendation letter with error-what to do?

[Cindy B]

Hey there.. I asked one of my former principals to write me a recommendation letter so I can look into other teaching positions.

He wrote a wonderful three paragraph letter with my correct name in the address line and my correct name in two of the paragraphs. As well, he had the correct job title in the introductory paragrapn However, one of the paragraphs has a incorrect name (another long term sub) that was in my school during that same time.

The principal asked me to contact him once I received it. Should I point out the error? I noticed it right away.

How does one say thanks-- but redo it in a nice and gracious way?

 

[ontariomonkey]

If he specifically asked you to let him know when you got it then that is the perfect oppotunity to let him know about the error. His secretary obviously has the letter saved on her computer (seeing as it seems to be a bit generic!) and should have no problem fixing one up for you. Good luck with your job search!

 

[PelletierBears]

I agree. You should call him and thank him for his time and efforts and you hate to inconvenience him but...

If I had written a letter for someone I would want to know so I could correct any mistakes.

 

[Imzadi]

Yes. Make sure you start off by praising and thanking him for such a wonderful recommendation. Then make it sound like there are Oops! typos, that the other sub's name was accidentally used.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Umm, can I offer an opinion on the other side of this. I guess the fact you are a teacher means you are comfortable with correcting other people but the truth is no-one likes it. Normally the letters are followed up with a phone call, do you really want to risk offending someone that your career depends upon.

From my perspective, his letter is a professional courtesy and whether or not it is perfect is no reflection on you, its a reflection on him. Letters like these are written to show that you are likable and can get along with other people, the principal already has a job. Do you really want your parting conversation with this person who can make you or break you to be one where you make him feel badly and defensive? Right or wrong I think people are petty and the higher they go up the food chain the bigger the ego and the less tolerant the person is of critisism. Personally I think you are better off with a glowing recommendation from a not so perfect principal than a irritated recommendation with a perfect letter in your hands.

Just my opinion, good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[IMissEd]

Definitely call him. I write letters of recommendation several times/yr. I have three or four that I use and I simply change the names, dates, and details. I'm sure it was a similar mistake.

 

[Maddle]

...his letter is a professional courtesy and whether or not it is perfect is no reflection on you, its a reflection on him. ...Personally I think you are better off with a glowing recommendation from a not so perfect principal than a irritated recommendation with a perfect letter in your hands.

BUT - how glowing can it be if it has TWO different names in it? "Alice did a great job. We just loved having Betty on the team."

If I was the prospective employer and I received that as a recommendation, my first thought would be "how sincere can this be?"

I think, if possible, it should be brought to the attention of the secretary.

Maddle

 

[dicar123]

Umm, can I offer an opinion on the other side of this. I guess the fact you are a teacher means you are comfortable with correcting other people but the truth is no-one likes it. Normally the letters are followed up with a phone call, do you really want to risk offending someone that your career depends upon.

If the mistake was a small spelling mistake or a missing end punctuation, I would agree with you. However, it sounds like the letter for Jane Doe has a mistaken reference to Sally Jones. It is an awfully big mistake and more than likely a very easy thing to fix.

I would ask for it to be fixed, in the most apologetic way that I could think of.

 

[Cindy B]

It would have been fine if it was just punctuation or a pronoun error he/she--however this had a male name Mr. So and So instead of my name. I actually would have still used it it if the pronoun was different and in the middle of the paragraph. Since this is a totally different name and in the beginning of the paragraph, I feel I need to say something.

He is a really casual "Call me by my first name" principal who was in fact younger than me. He is the only principal in the building so I know that he is usually pretty busy.


I will email something like this: (corrections/editions are welcome!)

Principal:

Thank you so much for the recommendation letter. I received it in the mail yesterday. I appreciate the time you took writing such a kind and thoughtful letter on my behalf.

However, upon review I noticed that in the opening sentence of the second paragraph Mr. X's name was used instead of my own. I am certain it was just a typing error. Is it possible to receive a second copy of this letter?

Thank you again for your assistance.

Cindy