There are many reasons why someone might have to decline a job offer. Perhaps you’ve received more than one offer at the same time and must pick one or the other; maybe the offer you’ve received isn’t something you want. In any case, there is an art to declining the offer in a respectful, appreciative way that doesn’t ruffle any feathers. Here’s how to do it:
Give a Good Reason
It’s a good idea to give a good reason why you’re not accepting the position. It makes the hiring manager and others involved in the interviewing process feel that, at the very least, their time wasn’t wasted. You don’t have to be overly detailed, but be clear. Say:
I’ve decided to accept a position with another organization.
I’ve decided to pursue another role that I believe will allow me to indulge my interests in social media work.
I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I’ve reconsidered leaving my current position.
If the position just seems like something you don’t want, a simple “I don’t think this position is the right fit for my career goals at this time” will always suffice.
Show Appreciation
Being appreciative is the next big part of declining a job offer in a respectful way. A simple “thank you” to the hiring manager or interviewer goes a long way. It’s important to let those individuals know that their time, effort, and hard work haven’t gone unnoticed. Try something like:
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me last week. I really appreciate the way you explained everything so clearly and answering my questions about the role.
Keep the Future Open
Finally, it’s a good idea to wrap up the interaction on a positive note by focusing on the future. You never want to burn a bridge, so do your best to keep options open with the company you’re declining the offer with. A good way to go about it is with something like:
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you and your company. I hope we cross paths again in the future.
At the very least, keeping it simple and short works well, like:
Thank you again for your time, and I wish you all the best.
All things considered, being able to decline a job offer is a good problem to have. Do it gracefully and respectfully, and you’ll feel good knowing that everyone went home happy. Learn more about making the most out of job interviews by calling High Profile at 972-991-7900, or by contacting us online.