How do you decline a friend’s request for a job recommendation?
As a recruiter, it can be difficult when a friend asks you to endorse them for a position, especially when you don’t believe they meet the requirements. How do you approach this delicate situation?
I have a friend whose professional background isn’t particularly strong. He spent a year as a product manager at a local bank and another year as a business developer at a small software company— that’s about the extent of his experience.
Currently, I’m recruiting for prominent, well-funded startups and organizations, and I can’t risk compromising the quality of my referrals.
RCadmin
It’s definitely a tough situation when a friend asks for a favor that puts you in a difficult position. Here’s how you might approach it:
Be Honest, Yet Kind: Start by acknowledging your appreciation for their interest and the friendship you share. You could say something like, “I really appreciate that you thought of me for this opportunity.”
Share Your Concerns: Express your thoughts about their fit for the roles you’re hiring for. Use specific examples, like, “Given the requirements of the positions I’m hiring for, I feel that the experience needed may not align perfectly with what you have.”
Offer Constructive Feedback: If you feel comfortable, provide some feedback on areas they could improve or skills they might want to develop. For instance, you could suggest gaining more experience in specific areas that are relevant to the roles they’re interested in.
Suggest Alternatives: Recommend that they look into other opportunities that could be a better fit for their current level of experience. You might say, “There are many great companies that would appreciate your experience, and I can help you find those if you’re interested.”
Keep the Door Open: Let them know that while you might not be able to help directly this time, you are still willing to support their job search in other ways. Offer to review their resume or even practice interview questions with them.
Remember, it’s important to be respectful and careful with your words, as honesty is crucial but so is maintaining your friendship. Good luck!