When refusing an applicant's direct request for a recommendation, ...

[james]

When refusing an applicant's direct request for a recommendation, which of the following is the best format?
 
  A) The message should be detailed and indirect.
  B) The message should imply the refusal, suggest an alternative and use a polite close.
  C) The message should directly state the refusal, suggest an alternative and use a close that encourages questions if necessary.
  D) The message should be brief and direct.
  E) The message should be brief and indirectly imply the refusal.

Question 2

When refusing to send information about employees, which of the following is the best way to handle the message?
 
  A) The message should be direct.
  B) The message should be detailed, but direct.
  C) The message should be brief and direct.
  D) The message should be detailed and objective.
  E) The message should be detailed and indirect.

[Kedrick2014]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: B
Explanation: B) When refusing an applicant's direct request for a recommendation, the message should tactfully avoid hurting the reader's feelings. It can include positive comments about the reader's recent activities, imply the refusal rather than specifically state it, suggest an alternative, and use a polite close.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: C
Explanation: C) Managers may get requests for recommendations from other employers and from past employees. When sending refusals to other employers who have requested information about a former employee of yours, your message can be brief and direct.

[james]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[raenoj]

Great answer, keep it coming