Management Tip of the Day: How to Say No to a Reference Request

 

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January 09, 2014 How to Say No to a Reference Request Saying "no" is rarely easy, but if you're asked for a reference letter you have no interest in writing, or can't in good conscience provide, use these tips to decline: If you don't know the requester well enough, decline in the other person's best interests: "I wish I could help, but I don't think I know you well enough to provide as strong a reference as you deserve. I think you'll be better served with someone else who knows your work style/product/ethic better." If you simply can't provide a good reference, bow out. Tell the requester that the letter of reference you'd provide likely wouldn't reach the level of praise he's shooting for. This makes for a tough conversation but shows that you have his best interests at heart. Adapted from "Three Ways to Say No to a Reference Request" by Jodi Glickman.

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