Why people create fake letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation are an important aspect of job hunting, college applications, and other professional pursuits. It serves as a way for the candidate to impress the potential employer or institution that they possess the necessary qualifications for the job or program. However, there are times when a person may feel that their qualifications or experience aren’t enough to get them the job or admission that they desire, and they turn to fake letters of recommendation to improve their chances.
One of the primary reasons that people create fake letters of recommendation is due to competition. The job market is very competitive, and many people are competing for limited positions. Therefore, some individuals try to gain an advantage over other candidates by creating fake letters of recommendation that exaggerate their qualifications, experience, and skills. They may also use fake letters to cover up gaps in their work history or to hide negative references from previous employers.
Another reason individuals create fake letters of recommendation is to gain admission to schools and programs. College admission is highly competitive, especially in top-tier universities, and students may feel that their academic achievements alone are not enough to secure a place in their chosen program. Therefore, they turn to fake letters, hoping that it will help them stand out from other applicants. It is not limited to college students only. Some people use fake recommendation letters to get admitted to specific programs in professional fields such as law and medicine.
Another reason people create fake letters of recommendation is to boost their egos or impress others. It is easy to find sites that offer fake letters of recommendation for a fee. Some novelty sites sell letters that are intended as a joke or for reference purposes only, while others fraudulently claim to be from reputable institutions. In such cases, people may create fake letters to impress their friends or families. They may also create fake letters to get social media approval or to give the impression that they have achieved a particular level of success.
Last but not least, people may create fake letters of recommendation due to their own insecurities and self-doubt. They may feel that they are not good enough or are not qualified for the job or program that they desire. Therefore, they turn to fake letters of recommendation to bolster their confidence and make themselves feel more secure or accomplished.
Creating fake letters of recommendation can severely damage an individual’s reputation. The consequences of using a fake letter can lead to losing a job or opportunity, a damaged reputation, and even criminal charges in some cases. Therefore, it is vital to be honest and transparent about your qualifications, experience, and skills. It is better to put in the effort and gain the necessary experience, education, and achievements legally than to resort to fake letters of recommendation and falsify one’s credentials.
Common Types of Fake Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are an essential part of job applications, college admissions processes, and scholarship opportunities. Unfortunately, not everyone who writes these letters is always truthful about the applicant’s qualifications. For many reasons, dishonest people fabricate fake letters of recommendation that may either hurt or enhance the applicant’s chances of success. Here are the most common types of fake letters of recommendation:
1. The Generic Letter
The generic letter of recommendation starts by the writer addressing it to “whom it may concern.” It does not mention the applicant’s name, nor the position they are looking to land. The writer doesn’t provide any specific detail about the applicant, nor their qualifications or skills. Instead, the letter only contains vague and flowery language, such as “this applicant is hardworking and dedicated,” which is prevalent in fake letters of recommendation.
2. The Fictitious Recommender
A fictitious recommender is one who doesn’t exist, but their names and credentials appear on the letterhead. The writer of the letter may have created fake email addresses or phone numbers to make it seem real. The fake letter may also come from a real person, but without the consent of that person. The individual did not write nor had any knowledge of the letter’s existence, and they have no good things to say about the applicant.
One of the reasons why people use fictitious recommenders is to hide their identify. For instance, those applying for senior positions in companies or for admission to colleges or universities may use this letter to make themselves appear more qualified for the position. This type of letter is easy to identify because the writer doesn’t provide any way of contacting the supposed “recommender.”
3. The Self-Written Recommendation Letter
Applicants who lack referees or have weak credentials have resulted in writing their recommendation letters. This act is unethical since it undermines the confidence that an employer, school, or scholarship committee has in the application they’re considering. In some cases, people use friends or relatives as referees, and they sign off as if they wrote the document themselves. This type of fake letter is dangerous, and one-day employers will find out, leading to terrible consequences for the individual.
4. The Exaggerated Recommendation Letter
An exaggerated recommendation letter may contain accurate information about the applicant, such as their qualifications and skills, but with a bias. It may contain opinions that are trialing or untrue, or statements that exaggerate the applicant’s abilities or achievements. These letters are usually created by individuals who feel obliged to write a letter, even though they don’t have much to say. It is also common among referees who want to help their friend or relative.
5. The Copy and Paste Recommendation Letter
The copy and paste recommendation letter affect applicants negatively because the text may not relate to the position at hand. This letter is created through copy-pasting previous submissions or available online templates. As a result, it’s usually full of irrelevant information that doesn’t support the applicant. This letter is easy to identify since the language may not sound like a recommendation letter, and it may contain a detailed to-do list, rather than the applicant’s qualifications.
In conclusion, it is vital to verify the authenticity of a recommendation letter before submitting it. Employers, schools, and scholarship committees are finding ways of identifying fake letters of recommendation. By doing so, they seek to maintain the honesty and integrity of the process, ensuring the credibility of their outcomes.