Navigating workplace responsibilities can be tricky, especially when faced with tasks that fall outside your job description. Expressing that a task is not your responsibility without sounding dismissive or uncooperative is essential for maintaining professionalism and a positive work environment. Here are 22 professional ways to say “This is not my job,” complete with scenario examples for each.
List of Professional Ways to Say “This Is Not My Job”
- I believe this falls under [Department/Person]’s responsibilities
- This task is outside my current role, but I’m happy to help find the right person
- I would recommend speaking with [Person/Department] about this
- My expertise lies elsewhere, but I can point you in the right direction
- This isn’t within my job scope, but I’m happy to support you in another way.
- I’m not the best person to handle this, but I know someone who can help.
- This request is beyond my current responsibilities, but I can assist in finding the right person
- I suggest contacting [Person/Team] who specializes in this area.
- I recommend reaching out to [Person/Team] as they handle these tasks
- This falls under [Person/Department]’s purview, and they can assist you better
- While I don’t handle this, [Person/Department] would be the best point of contact
- This isn’t part of my job duties, but [Person/Team] can help you
- I don’t manage this area, but I can introduce you to someone who does
- This task is outside my expertise, but I know someone who can help
- I’m not responsible for this area, but [Person/Team] can assist
- This isn’t within my job description, but [Person/Team] would be able to help
- While this isn’t my responsibility, I can connect you with the right person
- I think this is better handled by [Person/Team] who has more expertise in this area
- This is not within my current scope of work, but I can help you find the right contact
- I’m not the right person for this task, but [Person/Team] can help you
- This isn’t my area of expertise, but I can direct you to someone who specializes in it
- I don’t handle this, but [Person/Team] should be able to help
1. I believe this falls under [Department/Person]’s responsibilities
I believe this falls under the Marketing Department’s responsibilities. They have the expertise and resources to handle this more effectively.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Redirecting Task to Appropriate Department
Hi Leo,
I hope you’re doing well. I believe this falls under the Marketing Department’s responsibilities. They have the expertise and resources to handle this more effectively. I suggest reaching out to Jane in Marketing for further assistance.
Best regards, Henry
2. This task is outside my current role, but I’m happy to help find the right person
This task is outside my current role, but I’m happy to help find the right person who can assist you with this.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Assistance with Task Assignment
Dear Leo,
I hope this email finds you well. This task is outside my current role, but I’m happy to help find the right person who can assist you with this. Let me know if you need me to connect you with someone in the appropriate department.
Best, Henry
3. I would recommend speaking with [Person/Department] about this
I would recommend speaking with the IT Department about this issue. They are better equipped to address and resolve it.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Recommendation for IT Assistance
Hi Leo,
I would recommend speaking with the IT Department about this issue. They are better equipped to address and resolve it. Please let me know if you need any help in contacting them.
Best regards, Henry
4. My expertise lies elsewhere, but I can point you in the right direction
My expertise lies elsewhere, but I can point you in the right direction to get this matter resolved efficiently.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Redirecting to Appropriate Expertise
Hello Leo,
My expertise lies elsewhere, but I can point you in the right direction to get this matter resolved efficiently. You might want to contact Emily in Operations for more detailed assistance.
Best wishes, Henry
5. This isn’t within my job scope, but I’m happy to support you in another way
This isn’t within my job scope, but I’m happy to support you in another way if needed.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Offering Alternative Support
Dear Leo,
This isn’t within my job scope, but I’m happy to support you in another way if needed. Perhaps I can assist with gathering some preliminary information before you consult with the designated team.
Best, Henry
6. I’m not the best person to handle this, but I know someone who can help
I’m not the best person to handle this, but I know someone who can help you effectively with this task.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Directing to Qualified Personnel
Hi Leo,
I’m not the best person to handle this, but I know someone who can help you effectively with this task. I’ll introduce you to Sarah in Compliance, who is more suited to address this issue.
Best regards, Henry
7. This request is beyond my current responsibilities, but I can assist in finding the right person
This request is beyond my current responsibilities, but I can assist in finding the right person who can handle it.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Assistance with Task Delegation
Hello Leo,
This request is beyond my current responsibilities, but I can assist in finding the right person who can handle it. Please let me know if you need any further help from my end.
Best, Henry
8. I suggest contacting [Person/Team] who specializes in this area
I suggest contacting the Finance Team, who specializes in this area. They will be able to provide the detailed information you need.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Referral to Specialized Team
Dear Leo,
I suggest contacting the Finance Team, who specializes in this area. They will be able to provide the detailed information you need. Feel free to reach out if you need any further guidance.
Best regards, Henry
9. I recommend reaching out to [Person/Team] as they handle these tasks
I recommend reaching out to the HR Team as they handle these tasks regularly and will be able to assist you.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Recommendation for HR Assistance
Hi Leo,
I recommend reaching out to the HR Team as they handle these tasks regularly and will be able to assist you. Let me know if you need any help getting in touch with them.
Best, Henry
10. This falls under [Person/Department]’s purview, and they can assist you better
This falls under the Legal Department’s purview, and they can assist you better with this matter.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Redirecting to Legal Department
Hello Leo,
This falls under the Legal Department’s purview, and they can assist you better with this matter. I’ll be happy to facilitate an introduction if needed.
Best wishes, Henry
11. While I don’t handle this, [Person/Department] would be the best point of contact
While I don’t handle this, the Sales Department would be the best point of contact for your query.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Redirecting Sales Query
Dear Leo,
While I don’t handle this, the Sales Department would be the best point of contact for your query. I’ll inform them about your request and ensure they follow up with you soon.
Best regards, Henry
12. This isn’t part of my job duties, but [Person/Team] can help you
This isn’t part of my job duties, but the Customer Service Team can help you with your inquiry.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Customer Service Inquiry
Hi Leo,
This isn’t part of my job duties, but the Customer Service Team can help you with your inquiry. They have the necessary information and expertise to assist you properly.
Best, Henry
13. I don’t manage this area, but I can introduce you to someone who does
I don’t manage this area, but I can introduce you to someone who does and can provide the assistance you need.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Introduction to Appropriate Manager
Hello Leo,
I don’t manage this area, but I can introduce you to someone who does and can provide the assistance you need. Please let me know if you’d like me to arrange a meeting with them.
Best wishes, Henry
14. This task is outside my expertise, but I know someone who can help
This task is outside my expertise, but I know someone who can help you complete it effectively.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Seeking Expertise
Dear Leo,
This task is outside my expertise, but I know someone who can help you complete it effectively. I’ll connect you with Mark in Technical Support who can assist you further.
Best regards, Henry
15. I’m not responsible for this area, but [Person/Team] can assist
I’m not responsible for this area, but the Project Management Team can assist you with your request.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Project Management Assistance
Hi Leo,
I’m not responsible for this area, but the Project Management Team can assist you with your request. I’ll notify them about your needs and ensure they get in touch with you promptly.
Best, Henry
16. This isn’t within my job description, but [Person/Team] would be able to help
This isn’t within my job description, but the Compliance Team would be able to help you with this issue.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Compliance Issue
Hello Leo,
This isn’t within my job description, but the Compliance Team would be able to help you with this issue. They have the expertise to handle such matters efficiently.
Best wishes, Henry
17. While this isn’t my responsibility, I can connect you with the right person
While this isn’t my responsibility, I can connect you with the right person who can assist you.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Connecting with the Right Person
Dear Leo,
While this isn’t my responsibility, I can connect you with the right person who can assist you. Please give me a moment to find the best contact for your needs.
Best regards, Henry
18. I think this is better handled by [Person/Team] who has more expertise in this area
I think this is better handled by the Engineering Team, which has more expertise in this area.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Engineering Expertise Required
Hi Leo,
I think this is better handled by the Engineering Team, which has more expertise in this area. Let me introduce you to John, who will be able to assist you with your request.
Best, Henry
19. This is not within my current scope of work, but I can help you find the right contact
This is not within my current scope of work, but I can help you find the right contact to address this matter.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Finding the Right Contact
Hello Leo,
This is not within my current scope of work, but I can help you find the right contact to address this matter. Please let me know if you need any further assistance from my side.
Best wishes, Henry
20. I’m not the right person for this task, but [Person/Team] can help you
I’m not the right person for this task, but the Accounts Team can help you with this issue.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Accounts Team Assistance
Dear Leo,
I’m not the right person for this task, but the Accounts Team can help you with this issue. I’ll inform them about your request and ensure they reach out to you.
Best regards, Henry
21. This isn’t my area of expertise, but I can direct you to someone who specializes in it
This isn’t my area of expertise, but I can direct you to someone who specializes in it and can provide the assistance you need.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Specialized Assistance Required
Hi Leo,
This isn’t my area of expertise, but I can direct you to someone who specializes in it and can provide the assistance you need. I’ll connect you with Lisa in Quality Assurance.
Best, Henry
22. I don’t handle this, but [Person/Team] should be able to help
I don’t handle this, but the Logistics Team should be able to help you with your request.
Scenario Example:
Subject: Logistics Team Support
Hello Leo,
I don’t handle this, but the Logistics Team should be able to help you with your request. Please let me know if you need any assistance reaching out to them.
Best wishes, Henry
These 22 alternatives provide professional and polite ways to communicate that a task is outside your responsibilities while offering solutions to ensure the task is addressed appropriately. By suggesting alternative contacts and expressing willingness to assist in other ways, you demonstrate cooperation and maintain a positive workplace dynamic.
