How to Write a Recommendation for Someone You Barely Know

Best avoided when possible, but sometimes unavoidable (a manager inherited late, a brief collaboration).

1. Be honest about the limited scope of your interaction within the letter itself.
2. Focus narrowly on what you did observe directly, rather than inflating familiarity.
3. Suggest they also seek a letter from someone with deeper, more direct knowledge if possible.
4. Avoid generic praise that could apply to anyone — it undermines credibility more than admitting limited context does.

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