Decline Recommendation Request Letter

A decline recommendation request letter is to politely and diplomatically decline the request without offending the person who asks you, a trick to that is to make the refusal sound like a personal criticism or a professional rejection.

How to politely decline a request for recommendation?

Here are some tips for writing a decline recommendation request letter:

• First is to keep it short and simple - if you don't know the person you were sending the letter keep it brief and offer a recommendation not to her/him down easy.
• The second is to make an offer to help in other ways - suggest that you'd like to be assistance in other areas, keeping an eye out for job opportunities.
• The third is, to be honest - provide a reason you're not jumping in to assist and also give your contact and idea of how his/her behavior is perceived by others.
• Fourth is to tell a white lie - blaming a busy schedule is the easiest way in addressing if you want to be nice but also clear that a recommendation won't come anytime soon.
• Fifth and the last is to focus on the positive side - write a recommendation or go into the reference conversation concentrating on the person's positive traits.

Sample guide for decline recommendation request letter:
Below is provided a sample letter. You can download it and use it after making changes as per your requirements and criteria. We are not only providing you tips, but also a sample cover letter that you can use after certain edits. Here is a sample letter for your guidance:

• Dear Mr.,Mrs. {{Name}}
• It does not fall within our guidelines and priorities make it difficult to respond favorably to all requests.
• Not being willing or able to spend the time I regret I cannot write the requested reference, due to the fact that I am busy coming month, preparing for: {{travel/family}}.
• I simply have no ability to serve as a worthy reference giver, because I lack time to write an adequate reference letter in time.
• It takes too much effort away from what I’m currently focused on.

Or:

•  Not knowing someone well enough “{{Name}}, 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 however would encourage you to reach out to someone who knows your work style/product/ethic better.
• As much as I’d like to help, I think you’ll be better served with someone else.”

Or:

• Not being able to provide a glowing review “{{Name}}, I wish I could help, but I really don’t think I can provide a letter that can reach the level of praise that you are shooting for.
• “{{Name}}, 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 wish you good luck in your new chapter and hope to stay in touch.
• Yours sincerely,

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