Recommendation letters may actually damage female applicants

Research from Rice University suggests that when it comes to females seeking new jobs or promotions, recommendation letters may harm more than help. The study found that wording in recommendation letters for women is often different from those for men. Researchers reviewed 624 letters for 194 applicants for eight university positions and found that women tended to be described as social and emotional, whereas men were more often described as assertive.

This data could dramatically affect the way women are able to find jobs and land promotions within finance, a male-dominated industry where independence and assertiveness are valued at a premium. In the study, hiring decision makers were asked to rate the letters with names blocked and decide which ones were stronger. The letters that used more communal adjectives (such as “helpful” or “kind”) were perceived as weaker, and those candidates were less likely to be hired.

Because stereotypes can taint our perceptions of even the people we are trying to help, women should take special care when choosing who will recommend them. Since it’s rude to ask to be described a certain way, never dictate how you want to be portrayed. Avoid giving a list of preferred adjectives.

However, it is acceptable to describe the position you are targeting and the qualities of the company’s ideal candidate. It’s then within bounds to say that if your recommender has observed these behaviors in you that you would greatly appreciate them including those details in their letter or phone conversation.

At the end of the day, it’s best not to be paranoid. While the Rice study may state that relational qualities are perceived as less valuable than assertive ones, many firms look for team players who can add value to the company’s culture.

The best thing to do is be honest and strive for a balanced application. If you are a woman who really is a team player, don’t discount those qualities. Find a way to project a well-rounded image that displays equal parts helpful and go-getter. That balance will make you a more attractive candidate to anyone, regardless of your gender.