Please choose the correct ending to complete the given sentence: Work World: [header] How to give a negative employee reference [title] Consider refusing to write a reference. [step] You aren't obligated to write a reference unless it says in the employment contract that you will give one. For that reason, you should consider saying " no.

Ending1: " negative references can be more trouble than they are worth. [substeps] If the person asking for the reference is a former employee, you can tell them they would be better off choosing someone more familiar with their recent work. Ending2: " however, all managers understand that a negative reference cannot be construed as positive. [substeps] Many employers use this simple affirmative defense or bad behavior to back out an employee's repayment. Ending3: " if you've evaluated a current employee and probably saw them fail and can't mention the specific reason, you'll have to give them as much information as you can. [substeps] If you don't know someone with a good reputation already, don't write a reference for this employee. Ending4: " [title] Do not withhold letters of reference. [step] Your hiring manager may ask you to give your letters of reference.

Answer format: ending1/ending2/ending3/ending4