On Sat, 17 Jul 2004 17:34:45 +0100, "tuin man"
wrote:

That said, over the years I've had a few and was left wondering is there
some special way of reading them, as in decoding.
The reason being that I can recall the distinct differences between
reference I've obtained from landlords and employers. (all horticultural
related)

When writing a reference, I am told you have to be careful not to
write anything which may be interpreted as preventing the person
getting a job, for legal reasons (ie you/your company could be 'done'
for damages). And if the employee really isn't any good, you want rid
of him/her too! Thus references have to be blandly positive, although
there must not be any outright lies, or the new employer may have a
case against you. As a result, there are a number of terms and phrases
which do need careful interpretation.

It is especially difficult to write a general-purpose reference (that
is not for a specific, known, potential employer), as you do not know
what is likely to be of most interest to a new employer.

As for the reference you got which mentioned following instructions,
do not be insulted! There is nothing more annoying in any employee
than one who decides to do what s/he fancies rather than what they are
asked to do, whether they know what they are about or not. I imagine
this is especially important to architects and the like who have
speciified clearly what they want (in agreement with the client).
Initiative has its place and time, but it takes gumption to know when
and where that is - something you obviously have, maybe if they had
credited you with that, you wouldn't have been quite so put out?

Regards, VivienB