How to Decline a Recommendation Request: 16+ Templates & Tips for a Graceful Exit

I'm honored you asked me for a recommendation, but I must respectfully decline. I don't feel I know your work well enough to write a strong, persuasive letter.

I suggest finding someone who can speak directly to your recent skills and accomplishments. Wishing you the best!

Thank you for your request. While I support your goals, I must unfortunately decline writing a recommendation. Due to our limited interactions, I'm not in the best position to highlight your strengths effectively.

I encourage you to seek a recommender with more direct knowledge of your recent work. Best of luck in your pursuits.

Thank you for considering me to write a letter of recommendation for your [application/opportunity]. While I'm flattered by your request, I'm unable to provide a reference at this time due to [Reason for decline - e.g., lack of familiarity with work, time constraints, etc.].

I appreciate you reaching out to me for a recommendation letter. Unfortunately, I don't feel I'm the best person to provide a strong reference for your [application/opportunity] because [Reason for decline]. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Thank you for considering me for a recommendation. While I'd like to help, I'm not the best person to write this letter. Since we don't work closely, I wouldn't be able to provide specific examples of your skills.

For a stronger recommendation, consider asking [someone better positioned to comment on your work]. Best of luck with your job search!

While I appreciate you considering me, I must respectfully decline your request for a recommendation. My interactions with you have been limited, and I wouldn't be able to provide a comprehensive assessment of your qualifications.

While I cannot provide a formal letter, I'm happy to offer some general advice on your application/interview. Please let me know if you'd like to discuss this further.

Thank you for your request for a recommendation letter. While I am unable to fulfill your request due to [Reason for decline], I would be happy to assist you in finding an alternative reference who may be more familiar with your qualifications. Would you like me to connect you with someone else who could potentially provide a stronger recommendation?

I appreciate you asking me to write a letter of recommendation. Unfortunately, due to an extremely busy schedule with [Reason for being busy], I'm unable to dedicate the time and attention needed to write a strong, thoughtful letter. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and wish you the best in your application.

I am unable to fulfill your request for a recommendation due to a potential conflict of interest. I believe it's important to maintain impartiality in this situation.

Thank you for your request. While I admire your work, I specialize in [your field of expertise] and don't have enough knowledge of [applicant's field] to provide a credible reference.

Thank you for thinking of me, but I must decline your​recommendation request. Since it's been a while since you were in my class,​I'm not familiar with your current work.

Medical schools usually prefer letters from recent instructors. I recommend approaching professors from your last few years of study.​Best of luck with your applications!

I value our friendship and would love to support you. However, I believe a professional reference would be more suitable for your [application/opportunity].

Please don't hesitate to ask if I can help in any other way.

I appreciate your asking me, but I believe [other person's name] would be a more suitable reference. They have worked with you more closely on [project/area] and can offer a more detailed evaluation.

I'm truly sorry, but I must decline your request for a recommendation letter. Due to [reason], I am unable to provide a reference at this time.

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, I have a strict policy of not accepting last-minute recommendation requests. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

While I remember you as a [positive attribute], I typically only write recommendations for students/employees I've worked with in the past [time frame].