Are you trying to tell someone that you can’t do something because it’s not in your job description?
Maybe you’re a bit worried that “this is not my job” seems rude or childish.
Well, you’ve come to the right place to learn more.
This article will teach you how to say “this is not my job” in an email.
Is It Rude to Say “This Is Not My Job”?
It is not rude to say “this is not my job.” However, it is unprofessional.
Generally, this is a decent choice when you’re trying to tell someone you can’t do a task or don’t want to do it. If it doesn’t fit your job description, you’re allowed to refuse the task.
With that said, there are more effective ways to say this in professional settings.
Still, you can use it informally! Check out this example to learn a bit more:
I’m afraid this is not my job! I’d like to help, but I don’t even know where to begin with this.
Pros
- It’s a great choice to show that you’re not able to do something.
- It’s simplistic and effective.
Cons
- It’s a bit unprofessional.
- If used incorrectly, it can seem flippant or rude.
It’s clear that “this is not my job” might not be the best professional choice. So, it’s time for you to explore some alternatives to see what might work better in an email.
Keep reading to learn how to politely say “this is not my job.” We’ve gathered a great list of synonyms to show you more about what’s going to work.
What to Say Instead of “This Is Not My Job”
- This is beyond my scope of responsibility
- This is not part of my job description
- I’m not tasked with this assignment
- It falls outside of my duties
- Handling this is outside my job description
- It’s not part of my designated role
- I’m not expected to complete this task
- My responsibilities don’t cover this task
- I’m not responsible for this
1. This Is Beyond My Scope of Responsibility
We recommend starting with “this is beyond my scope of responsibility.” This is a professional way to say “this is not my job” in more formal and serious settings.
Generally, it works best when writing to your employer.
After all, it reminds them that you’re not happy to do something because it doesn’t match your job description.
For the most part, this is effective if you lack the skill set or drive to complete a specific task.
So, you can review this email sample to learn a bit more about using it:
Dear Mrs. Graves,
This is beyond my scope of responsibility.
I’ll be happy to help if it fits my job role, but this is too much, I’m afraid.
Yours,
Melissa Fell
2. This Is Not Part of My Job Description
For something more simple, try “this is not part of my job description.” This shows you what to say instead of “this is not my job” when you want to be clear and direct.
Use it when you want to get your point across quickly.
For the most part, your employer will understand what you’re saying.
If they’re asking too much of you, it’s worth using this. After all, it suggests that you simply cannot do anything to help them because it’s not what you originally signed up for.
You can also check out this example to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Mr. Clark,
This is not part of my job description.
I’m afraid I don’t have the expertise in this field, so I cannot assist you any further.
Yours,
Bobby Willis
3. I’m Not Tasked With This Assignment
Next, we recommend trying “I’m not tasked with this assignment.”
It’s a suitable synonym if you’re trying to be respectful when declining someone’s work request.
You might want to use it when replying to a client. Perhaps they’ve sent you an email thinking you’re working alongside them, but that duty actually belongs to one of your peers.
It’s good to use something like this to remain polite and formal. Most clients will understand and appreciate it if you could direct them the way of someone who is tasked with the assignment.
Feel free to review this email example if you’re still confused:
Dear Miss Harrington,
I’m not tasked with this assignment, so I cannot assist you.
However, I will forward this to Rebecca, as she will be able to help you.
Best wishes,
Georgia Murphy
4. It Falls Outside of My Duties
If you’re still wondering how to professionally say “this is not my job,” try “it falls outside of my duties.”
Generally, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to be respectful and direct.
It shows that you can’t help someone with a task because it isn’t something that aligns with your listed job role.
So, you can use it as a reminder to your employer. Perhaps they’re asking too much of you lately, and this is a good way to remind them that you have a specific role to fill.
Also, you can check out this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Mr. Robinson,
It falls outside of my duties, so I can’t help you.
I will happily help you to find someone else if that will make your life easier.
Yours,
Bo Jensen
5. Handling This Is Outside My Job Description
We also think it’s good to write “handling this is outside my job description” instead of “this is not my job.”
It’s a direct and formal phrase that shows you’re not happy partaking in a task. Generally, this applies when the task falls outside of your job role or doesn’t align with your skill set.
So, it works best when writing to a supervisor. You can use it to remind them that you’re happy to help, but they’ve given you a task that doesn’t work for what you can do.
It’s also smart to review this example to learn a bit more;
Dear Miss Demi,
Handling this is outside my job description, I’m afraid.
Therefore, I’d appreciate it if you could find someone else to assist you.
Best,
Ryan Pickens
6. It’s Not Part of My Designated Role
You can also write “it’s not part of my designated role” instead of “this is not my job.”
This is a clear and direct way to remind someone that something doesn’t match your job description.
For the most part, you should only use something like this when you know your job description well. After all, the implication here is that you’ve looked into it and realized that a specific task doesn’t meet the criteria.
Feel free to review this sample email to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Miss Creed,
It’s not part of my designated role, so I can’t help with this.
I’ll let you know when I’ve completed the projects I’m working on, though.
Best regards,
Adam Reid
7. I’m Not Expected to Complete This Task
Next, it’s good to write “I’m not expected to complete this task.” This is a polite and respectful way to indicate that something is not your job.
Generally, you can use it when writing to a coworker.
They might have come to you asking you to complete a specific task for a project. However, if you know the task doesn’t apply to you or match your job description, it’s worth using this.
That way, you can make it clear that you don’t plan on doing something just because a coworker asked you to.
Here’s a helpful example to show you more about it:
Dear Michael,
I’m not expected to complete this task, I’m afraid.
So, you’ll have to find someone else who can get this done.
Yours,
Ryan Pickett
8. My Responsibilities Don’t Cover This Task
You can write “my responsibilities don’t cover this task” when replying to a colleague.
It’s a good opportunity for you to demonstrate your understanding of your job description.
So, if they’ve come to you asking for help with a project, this is a respectful way to turn them down.
It works really well when you know you’re not able to help someone because it’s not in your wheelhouse.
You can review this sample email if you still don’t get it:
Dear Rodney,
My responsibilities don’t cover this task.
I’m very sorry, and I hope you can find someone else to fill in the gaps.
Regards,
Sarah Sigmundsdottir
9. I’m Not Responsible for This
Finally, you can use “I’m not responsible for this” instead of “this is not my job.”
Generally, this is a great way to be formal and polite. It’s direct and shows that something isn’t your responsibility, so you don’t want to work on it.
For the most part, this works really well when refusing an assignment from your boss.
You can use it to keep things respectful without deliberately offending them.
Also, you can check out this sample email to learn a bit more:
Dear Miss Frederiks,
I’m not responsible for this, so I can’t help you.
However, I can think of a few people who might be interested.
Yours,
Georgina Nelson