Pretend You Are Sitting On an Interview Panel

[Averageman]

I look at it as a history of service, good decision making and decorum.

[jpmuscle]

Proper yes. Relevant sure.

Such letters are rubber stamped to entities in jurisdictions hosting visits and the like however.


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[AndyLate]

A 15 year old letter brings nothing to the table. It wouldn't be a negative, perhaps, but it would be on the applicant to show some relevance. I retired from the military 11 years ago, and it is only mentioned on my resume, not emphasized.

[Jsp10477]

If it is relevant to the position, or answers a specific question, include it. If it’s completely unrelated, pass on the applicant.

[JediGuy]

Irrelevant.
If the interview goes well and has solid experience and clean background (as necessary for the position) it doesn’t matter.
If he is equally qualified with another candidate, based on his presentation in his interview, it might be a clue about how he relates with people.

It’s not something I would do in most circumstances. As others have mentioned, my immediate thought is “semi-desperate,” but that absolutely doesn’t have to be a bad thing. The greatest motivator in the world is hunger.

[MegademiC]

From outside that business, i would say it depends on context.

If it supports other achievements or a proven record good.
A one-off as the only thing with “merit” id pass.

I look for people with a trail of achievements (size and number depends on career-time).

For example, someone with 3 years experience may have 5 good small victories that increase in importance over time- good sign. A dude with 10 years experience and a few small things and 1 letterhead- no-go. Gotta take the full context into account.

[cd228]

It depends on what the letter says and if it's the only thing presented or if it's part of a series of supporting documents. If the Officer quarterbacked a Presidential visit for the local organization, I'd say that shows the ability to coordinate/supervise a complex multiagency effort. If said officer is good at it, they should have newer instances that shows that proficiency as well.

[SteyrAUG]

to select a candidate for a supervisory public safety position. Along with his resume one candidate includes a copy of a 15 year old letter on white house letterhead signed by the POTUS thanking him for his assistance during a presidential visit. Would you view the inclusion of the letter as proper, improper, useful or irrelevant in making a decision?

Would very much depend what kind of "supervisory public safety position." Will impress some but seem desperate for others. If it's related to Federal government, I'd personally include it just to show you have played on this field before and understand a lot about the environment as a result.

But most importantly, you are the candidate and you have to sell yourself, letters of recommendation are just supporting documents. And I'm sure you knew that already.

[tb-av]

What Circle 10 said. Reeks of "insider/team" as well.

[tb-av]

Would very much depend what kind of "supervisory public safety position." Will impress some but seem desperate for others. If it's related to Federal government, I'd personally include it just to show you have played on this field before and understand a lot about the environment as a result.

Were it worded as a personal reference and personal letter, I might agree with you. But 'thank you' notes are basically etiquette documents. The "t-shirt" for the upper crust. A participation award.

The inclusion of the letter gives me the impression of someone that is concerned about being believed. OR.. maybe they thought it would keep their resume from being tossed and that was it's only purpose. In that case, it got them in the door which is the desired goal.