I interviewed a LOT of candidates back in the day, BS level and higher. It was depressing how many had good grades and didn't appear to know anything about anything. I'd hold up a piece of glassware and ask them if they knew what it was. Or ask how a GC works, or if they had ever used a rotovap.
I had one recommendation by a professor at Ohio State for a graduate student that said, simply "X has enjoyed good health at Ohio State.". End.