“How to turn down a job offer” may seem like a strange topic to discuss given our current job market. However, to succeed like an executive means there will be times when you will get more than one job offer at the same time, even in today’s economy. In that case, it’s important to know how to turn down a job offer gracefully.
It’s not as simple as writing a short note to say you cannot take the job. You should take a longer term view. Every job offer is an opportunity to build a relationship with the hiring manager even if you don’t plan to take the offer. You never want to burn a bridge just because you are turning down an offer. Instead you want to leave the hiring manager a great impression of you and a desire to want to hire you again in the future in not just his current company but potentially in the next company he or she works for.
- Let them know what you like about the opportunity – there must be something you liked, otherwise, you wouldn’t have applied. It’s always good for building relationships to start positive.
- Provide reasons why you cannot take the offer – It’s important to share at least one reason why you are not taking the offer. For example, “it’s not the best fit given my current goals and explain.” Focus the reason on you and not on them. This way, you are not saying what’s wrong about the offer, but more that it’s not right for you right now.
- Never point fingers or find fault – Even if you are turning the offer down because of a red flag you see in the hiring manager’s working style or nature of the job, you never want to come out sounding like you are passing judgement on them or the job opening when you turn down an offer. Nobody ever wants to hear criticism even if they ask for it directly. You should always be diplomatic when you communicate, otherwise, you do risk burning a bridge permanently
- Proactively communicate you want to keep the relationship – say it when you turn down the offer and also connect with them on Linkedin. Obviously only do this if you geuninely liked them and want to keep in touch.
- Keep in touch – Now with Linkedin, you can keep a tab on where this hiring manager goes next. Next time you look for work, look out for where he or she is. They could very well be at another company and could refer you into a job opportunity there.
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Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope we can keep in touch.
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Your comments: Did the example and these tips help? I look forward to your comments below. Thanks.
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Lei
Well indeed it’s a strange topic but sometimes you got in situation where you get two job offers at the same time and you don’t know which one to select and don’t know how to decline a job offer where you don’t fit so at this time you these tips will be more helpful so thank you.
Its hard to reject or decline a job offer after getting it. Many candidates find unfit due to several reasons and as they don’t want to burn bridges. So it is always good know how to decline a job offer gracefully. You have shared great tips and information here which will be helpful for many candidates. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Glad to hear this helps
you guys are such pessimist, Look at th ebrite side of things. This country was founded on optimism.“If you exclude the sub-prime, or the financials, things look good.â€â€œIf you strip out food and energy, inflation is not a problem.†“You can never underestimate the resilience of the American consumer.â€â€œThe earnings are way down, but the earnings are above Wall Street estimates!â€
Thanks very much. This was really helpful I have just begun my career and this will enable me settle many issues as l advance