Patrick,a former employee,has requested you to provide a letter of recommendation vouching for his skills and abilities to Quebec Systems,a prospective employer.However,you must turn down his request because your company only allows you to confirm employment dates and designation.Which of the following would be the most effective as the opening for a message refusing his request?
A)As you probably know, company policy only allows me to confirm your employment dates and designation, as this will reduce the company's legal responsibility.
B)In today's litigation-prone environment, it is very important for companies to place restrictions on what can and cannot be revealed in all business communications.
C)We cannot comply with your request because the legal department has advised us to reveal no more than your dates of employment and designation to Quebec Systems.
D)The legal department has authorized me to confirm your employment dates and designation to Quebec Systems.
E)Thank you for informing us about your job opportunity with Quebec Systems.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

E)A refusal to comply with an applicant's direct request for a recommendation letter may seem to be a personal slight and a threat to the applicant's future and is probably unexpected. Diplomacy and preparation can help readers accept your refusal. Therefore, an indirect approach, where the buffer aims to build goodwill, is the best choice.

Patrick,a Former Employee,has Requested You to Provide a Letter of Recommendation