Subject: Response to Inquiry of Former Employee — Colorado Sample Letter (without reference) Dear [Inquirer's Name], Thank you for your recent inquiry regarding one of our former employees, [Former Employee's Name]. We appreciate your interest in obtaining information about this individual but regret to inform you that we are unable to provide a detailed reference without their explicit consent. As a responsible company, we adhere to strict confidentiality policies to protect both our employees and business. This prevents us from disclosing any personal or professional information regarding our former employees without their explicit authorization. Therefore, we kindly request that you seek the individual's consent before proceeding with your inquiry. We understand that conducting background checks or obtaining references is a crucial component of various processes, including hiring decisions and academic research. In this particular situation, we recommend taking the following alternatives to gain a better understanding of the former employee's qualifications and experiences: 1. Character & Professionalism Assessment: Encourage the inquirer to conduct interviews or assessments aimed at evaluating the character, work ethic, and professionalism of the former employee. These assessments could involve speaking with colleagues, mentors, or other individuals who have interacted with the individual in a professional context. 2. Publicly Available Information: Direct the inquirer towards publicly available information that may shed light on the former employee's qualifications, such as their LinkedIn profile, professional portfolio, or any published articles or papers they contributed to. Encourage the inquirer to review these sources for a holistic understanding of the individual's expertise and skills. 3. Credential Verification: Suggest the inquirer to rely on official channels for verifying academic qualifications or professional certifications earned by the former employee. This can be done by reaching out to the respective institutions or organizations directly to confirm the information provided. By utilizing these alternative methods, you can gather substantial insights into the former employee's capabilities and professional background while adhering to the guidelines set forth by our company. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Should the former employee grant their consent, we would be more than willing to provide a comprehensive letter of reference or further information. Please feel free to contact us directly if you require any further clarification or assistance. Thank you again for reaching out to us. Warm regards, [Your Name] [Your Position] [Company Name] [Company Address] [Phone Number] [Email Address]