Dear

Having been away from the office for a few days, I didn’t
read your letter of May 19th until today.

While I am sure the young man you wrote to me about
wouldn’t warrant the recommendation you gave unless he is
truly exceptional, I believe it would be unfair to him to
set up an interview at this time.

We have just had to lay off twenty four employees and there
is no way that I could justify hiring someone new under
those circumstances. We anticipate that business should
improve over the next six months, but for now, the timing
is off.

I am sorry to have to disappoint you. You know, under the
right circumstances, we are always looking for bright young
people with potential.

Thank you for thinking of us.