How do you turn down a friend’s request?
As a recruiter, it can be challenging when a friend approaches you for a job recommendation, especially if you feel they may not be the right fit. How do you communicate this delicately?
I have a friend whose qualifications don’t quite match what I’m looking for. He spent a year as a product manager at a local bank, followed by a year at a small software company as a business developer, but that’s the extent of his experience.
I’m currently recruiting for well-established, well-funded startups and organizations, and I can’t simply forward a CV without genuine confidence in the candidate’s abilities.
RCadmin
It can be tough to navigate these situations, but honesty and compassion are key. Here’s a way to approach it:
Acknowledge Your Friendship: Start by expressing your appreciation for your relationship. Let them know you value them as a friend and care about their career.
Be Honest yet Tactful: You could say something like, “I really appreciate you thinking of me for this opportunity, and I want to be honest with you. After considering the role and the requirements, I feel that it may not be the best fit for your current experience.”
Provide Constructive Feedback: If you feel comfortable, give specific reasons that are constructive. For example, you might say, “The role requires a more extensive background in [specific skills or experiences], and I think it would be beneficial for you to gain more experience in that area before applying for similar positions.”
Offer Support: End on a positive note by offering to help in other ways. You could suggest they look for other opportunities to build their skills or even offer to review their resume for other positions that might be a better fit.
Be Ready for Reactions: Understand that they may be disappointed or upset, and it’s important to be empathetic. Reassure them that this doesn’t diminish their value or potential.
By approaching the conversation with honesty and care, you can maintain your friendship while also being true to your professional responsibilities.