[tab name=’Guidelines’]

Guidelines : Declining to Give

Declining to Give References

Guidelines and Alternate Phrases

• Acknowledge the request in a neutral tone.
• I received your letter asking for a recommendation on Harold Snow.
• As you requested, I’ve reviewed your employment record for the two years you were with our company.
• I am happy to hear you think you’ve found a job of interest to you in the Houston area.
• The prospective job you mentioned in your recent letter sounds perfectly suited to your interests and aptitudes.
• State your refusal in a positive manner.
• I don’t feel I know you quite well enough to comment on the qualities the new position would require.
• I wasn’t in a position, while you were employed here, to observe your work firsthand, and, therefore, I feel hesitant to give unknowledgeable opinions.
• Perhaps you might prefer to contact your direct supervisor about the new position. I think she could probably give a more accurate judgment of your work than I.
• Wish the former employee success in the job search.
• Good luck with the new job.
• I hope you find something you really enjoy.
• I am glad this new job interests you. Best of luck with it.
• I hope this new job meets your needs.
• I hope this new job provides the challenge you are seeking.
• Best wishes as you seek employment in Colorado.

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[tab name=’Example 1′]

Example 1: Decline to give job reference

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Jack:

I received your phone message asking I write you a letter of recommendation as you seek a new job in the New York area.

Through the five years we worked together, as you remember, we did not often see eye-to-eye on the department’s goals and accomplishments. Therefore, perhaps you could find someone who could write you a stronger letter of recommendation than I. I will, of course, verify your years of employment here and salary history if you’d like the new company to contact me for that information.

Best wishes in your job search.

Sincerely,
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[tab name=’Example 2′]

Example 2: Letter for declining to give references

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Barbara:

I’m pleased you thought of me in seeking references for your new position. However, in thinking of our association here, I’m reminded because we worked together for such a short time, I feel incapable of offering any meaningful evaluation of your work. Would you please forgive me for not being able to be more helpful to you?

I do hope you find a job you enjoy.

Sincerely,
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[tab name=’Example 3′]

Example 3: Samples of refusing to give a reference letter

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State Zip

Dear Ms. Bono:

Shirley Jackson in our department took your phone message asking I write you a letter of reference for the prospective sales job.

Because your work with us was so far removed from anything a job in sales would require, I am reluctant to pass on any comments that may interfere with your efforts in landing the new position.

I do wish you the best, however, in finding a position that allows you the flexible work schedule for which you have always wished. Good luck in whatever job you decide to pursue.

Sincerely,
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[tab name=’Example 4′]

Example 4: Letter for decline to give recommendation letter

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State, Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Ms. Juniper:

I recently received your request for a referral. While I have heard many good reports of your performance while in our employ, I must admit that I would find it difficult to write a strong letter as I did not work directly with you.

I realize your dilemma as your immediate supervisor, Phillipe Ortega, has taken a position with another company. If it is acceptable, you should ask if he can submit a letter for you. His number at Ortech is (213) 334-7593 ext. 65936. I can recall several favorable comments he made concerning your work, and feel sure he could furnish you with the sort of reference you deserve.

Good luck with this new opportunity.

Yours Truly,
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[tab name=’Example 5′]

Example 5: Decline employment refernce letter

Company Name or Letterhead
Address
City, State, Zip

Date

Addressee
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Elena:

I received your email asking for a reference for a teaching position. While I realize that you have achieved a great deal while in our department, and know that you have received excellent reviews of your teaching, I feel that the theoretical differences we had in regards to teaching styles and writing would make it difficult for me to write you the kind of reference you would like to receive. While I respect your positions, I cannot agree with them.

I suggest you contact some of the other professors that you worked closely with while you were working on your dissertation. Your teaching supervisor and dissertation head could probably provide you with excellent referrals.

I wish you well in your future teaching endeavors.

Sincerely,
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