Help have been asked to recommend someone on Linked In and I don't want to

[theoriginalandbestrookie]

I am on linked in and someone who used to work for me has sent a request for me to write a commendation for him.

I haven't recommended anyone before and whilst there are a number of positive things I could say about this chap there were also a fair number of not so great aspects of his work. Therefore I don't feel comfortable having this as my first or indeed at all.

Fair enough I can just ignore it but I see the guy as he works in the same office as me. He is exactly the sort of person that would bring it up and I'm not sure what I should say in response. I certainly don't want to get into discussion about his performance for many reasons and would like to retain the nodding and chatting acquaintance that we have. What should I say?

We aren't allowed to give recommendations for people at work. Just say it might be difficult as you aren't sure its within the rules...

I would ignore the request, then if he brings it up just say, 'oh I never go on there' and then either change the subject or walk away. If he insists, then say you will take a look at your account 'sometime'. If he brings it up again, say, 'oh sorry, I don't really have time to be writing references for people - when I looked there were 3 requests on there so I won't be responding to any of them'.

Or what beachy said - good one!

Oh I like both of those tactics, we aren't allowed to give recommendations for people who have left so it might well be the same case for people still in the office so I think I will plump for that one.