One thing I think about is the way that other fields, where honest recommendation letters are not done, are much worse off in interviewing/hiring culture. The one I know best is software engineering, which for various reasons attempts to check if you can actually do the basics of the job in the in-person interview. I worry that giving up one of the true advantages that academic hiring has is worth it, even if we aren't sure exactly how it will go wrong.
My professional work involves reading and writing lots of recommendations for undergraduates and young alumni. I really appreciate the sentiments you express in today's piece. I do think those of us who rely on recommendations can do a better job guiding writers on what would be considered "added value" to an application through their letters.
One thing I think about is the way that other fields, where honest recommendation letters are not done, are much worse off in interviewing/hiring culture. The one I know best is software engineering, which for various reasons attempts to check if you can actually do the basics of the job in the in-person interview. I worry that giving up one of the true advantages that academic hiring has is worth it, even if we aren't sure exactly how it will go wrong.
My professional work involves reading and writing lots of recommendations for undergraduates and young alumni. I really appreciate the sentiments you express in today's piece. I do think those of us who rely on recommendations can do a better job guiding writers on what would be considered "added value" to an application through their letters.