More Tips for Declining a Reference Request It’s better not to give a recommendation at all than it is to give a wishy-washy one. Any hiring manager will pick up on the lack of enthusiasm in the reference. Don’t wait: When you need to decline a request for a recommendation, try to do so as promptly as possible.

How do you decline a reference?

– Keep it Short and Simple. If you don’t know the person well, or what you do know makes you hesitant to risk your reputation by offering a recommendation, let him or her down easy, but keep it brief. …
– Offer to Help in Other Ways. …
– Be Honest. …
– Tell a White Lie. …
– Focus on the Positive.

How do you politely decline a reference request?

– Keep it Short and Simple. If you don’t know the person well, or what you do know makes you hesitant to risk your reputation by offering a recommendation, let him or her down easy, but keep it brief. …
– Offer to Help in Other Ways. …
– Be Honest. …
– Tell a White Lie. …
– Focus on the Positive.

How do you politely decline a request example?

Firmly, but gently, decline the request Be clear and direct to avoid any chance of misinterpretation. For example, “I’m sorry, but I am unable to write a recommendation letter for you at this time” directly and politely indicates your position

Can I refuse to give a reference?

What should I do? There is no legal obligation to provide a reference except in a few sectors, such as financial services, but any reference that is provided must be true, accurate and fair. Your employer owes a duty both to you and any prospective employer.

What to say when you don’t want to give a reference?

– Keep it Short and Simple. If you don’t know the person well, or what you do know makes you hesitant to risk your reputation by offering a recommendation, let him or her down easy, but keep it brief. …
– Offer to Help in Other Ways. …
– Be Honest. …
– Tell a White Lie. …
– Focus on the Positive.

How do you say no to a letter of recommendation?

So be honest, and decline on behalf of the other person’s best interests: “Medha, I wish I could help, but I really don’t think I know you well enough to provide as strong a reference as you probably need and deserve. I’d encourage you to reach out to someone who knows your work style/product/ethic better

Can you refuse a reference request?

You Have the Right to Decline a Reference Request What to say when you don’t know the person well: “I am sorry, but I do not feel I know you well enough (or have not worked with you long enough) to provide you with an accurate and thorough recommendation.”

Do you legally have to give a reference?

There are no federal laws that address what an employer can or can’t say about a worker. Many states, however, have enacted legislation that gives employers a qualified immunity when providing information for a reference check

Can I decline to give a reference?

More Tips for Declining a Reference Request It’s better not to give a recommendation at all than it is to give a wishy-washy one. Any hiring manager will pick up on the lack of enthusiasm in the reference. Don’t wait: When you need to decline a request for a recommendation, try to do so as promptly as possible.

How do I refuse a referral request?

– Keep it Short and Simple. If you don’t know the person well, or what you do know makes you hesitant to risk your reputation by offering a recommendation, let him or her down easy, but keep it brief. …
– Offer to Help in Other Ways. …
– Be Honest. …
– Tell a White Lie. …
– Focus on the Positive.

What if I don’t want to give a reference?

To turn them down politely, you could write: “I’m sorry, I don’t feel I have worked with you long enough to provide you with an accurate and thorough recommendation, but I wish you all the best with your job hunt”

How do you reject someone nicely?

– Be honest. They don’t say that honesty is the best policy for nothing. …
– Prepare yourself. …
– Do it face to face. …
– Stick with “I” statements. …
– Know that what you’re feeling is normal. …
– Avoid putting it off. …
– Don’t give false hope.

Why do companies refuse to give references?

There are a lot of reasons a manager might decline to give you a reference, and not all of them mean that you’ve alienated your soon-to-be former boss. For example, it’s not unusual for companies to have a human resources (HR ) policy of only confirming job titles, dates of employment, and salary.

What happens if your references don’t answer?

If the person doesn’t respond to you, strike that person off your list of references. Either way, give the employer another reference. A prospective employer may not tell you that a reference can’t be contacted. He or she may simply reject your candidacy.

What can I do if my employer refuses to give me a reference?

Speak to your union rep and see whether something suitable can be agreed. If your employer categorically refuses to give you a reference, consider whether anyone outside your employer can be approached for a reference, for example someone you worked with in the recent past who no longer works for your employer.

How do you politely reject a request in an email?

Firmly, but gently, decline the request Be clear and direct to avoid any chance of misinterpretation. For example, “I’m sorry, but I am unable to write a recommendation letter for you at this time” directly and politely indicates your position

How do you give a negative reference in a positive way?

– Avoid a Lawsuit. You want to give a negative reference in a positive way, so a former or current employee doesn’t have legal grounds to sue you or your company. …
– State Something Positive. …
– Stay Professional. …
– Be Honest.

Can my boss refuse to give me a reference?

No legal requirements: Companies aren’t required to give references about their past employees. References developed as a tradition that companies would give, almost as a benefit, to their ex-employees.

Can a boss refuse to give a reference?

No legal requirements: Companies aren’t required to give references about their past employees. References developed as a tradition that companies would give, almost as a benefit, to their ex-employees.


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