Job Discussion Forums

[mdoor]

As I have done in the past with my professional references for jobs in America, I will write the letters of reference and then forward them to my previous employers for them to review and sign.

Are there any traditions / quirks / area of focus I should keep in mind when writing a letter of reference for a Chinese employer?

Regards

[randyj]

Someone outside China has been forced to write their own reference letters? Well, I learned something new. It's always seemed a little awkward for me to compose such a missile, even though in China it's usually the only way to accomplish it. At a minimum, in writing one's own recommendation in China, I would not forget to mention the subject (moi) is (1) not only a colleague, but a personal friend, (2) cooperative and eager to please, (3) full of new and innovative teaching methods, (4) dependable, never missing a class, (5) always well-prepared, and (6) beloved by students. Did I leave out anything? Aw, shucks.

[mdoor]

I don't know how common it is, but I know it is not unheard of. I write the letter in the first person of the previous employer who will sign the letter as his/her own. It is just a convenience for my reference giver so they don't have to take the time to write the letter or guess what I am looking for in the letter.

An early employer of mine told me to write my own letter for him to sign as a convenience to him, I have just continued the practice over the years, only with reference givers that I have a good and close relationship with.

[Miasaurus]

I've always written my own reference letters in the US as well. I agree with randy on the important points to hit, particularly a perfect attendance record and being popular with the students.

Also, you may want to make your letter MUCH more flattering than you'd normally be comfortable with - remember, in China, "adequate" usually means "terrible" and "the best teacher we've ever had" usually means "pretty good."