In today’s employee shortage market, many candidates are finding themselves in a situation where they are receiving multiple job offers, and declining some is necessary. For some people, this may be their first time in a fortunate position with more than one job offer, and they get to choose which to decline.
The need to decline job offers leaves many candidates unsure how to approach it formally and professionally. You don’t want to burn bridges. You may need to revisit that offer in the future. Here’s the how-to and everything you should know about declining a job offer.
Rules to Decline a Job Offer
There are no set rules to decline a job offer, but if you want to maintain a good relationship with the organization, some unspoken rules are to follow.
Give a Timely Response: Of course, you don’t want to decline a job offer until you weigh your options and are sure you don’t want to accept the offer. It’s courteous to let the hiring manager know you will decline the job offer as soon as you know. Letting the organization know you’re not accepting the offer allows them to continue their candidate search or offer another candidate the position without delay.
Remain Professional and Courteous: When declining a job offer, it’s best to show the same level of professionalism that you had when applying for the position. Being courteous and respectful will help maintain a good rapport with the organization.
Call to Decline: Unless the hiring manager specifically said to email, a call to decline the job offer is best. It may be easier and less intimidating to send an email rather than call, but a voice is much easier to understand the tone of the message than in email.
Also, if a conversation needs to be had, over the phone is much easier to do so. A hiring manager will appreciate the call and remember that you were genuinely grateful for the offer and opportunity. If you decide to send an email instead of calling, be sure to send it to the
Tips to Decline a Job Offer
There are many things you could say to decline a job offer. While there’s not a written right or wrong way to decline a job offer, here are the best practices for doing so.
1. Don’t Burn a Bridge
Just because you are turning down this job offer with a company doesn’t mean you won’t accept any future offers from them. You never know what might happen in the future or with the new job offer you plan to accept, so it’s critical not to burn a bridge with any of the companies you will decline their offer. Maintaining a good relationship may help you with future opportunities. While this company might not be a good fit now, it may help you get your dream job later.
2. Keep It Simple
The hiring manager doesn’t need a long, drawn-out message, rejection letter, or phone call. A straightforward rejection email to let them know you will be declining the offer is best so they can move on with the interview process to another candidate and get the position filled. They don’t need to know the specifics of the different company or different role you’ll be taking, nor do they need to hear details about your long commute or their work environment.
3. Show Appreciation
Express gratitude to the recruiter or hiring manager. Thanking them for the offer goes a long way. Remember, not everyone is privileged enough to get an interview, little known an offer, and it does take a lot of effort and resources for a hiring manager.
4. Apology not needed
While it’s important to be considerate of the hiring manager’s time and effort during the hiring process, you don’t need to apologize for declining a job offer. Although they are now at an inconvenience, business is business. You have to do what’s best for you if you have another position that may be a better fit, provided a more generous offer, or has a better company culture. You save the company time by declining the job offer rather than taking a position that isn’t a great fit.
5. The explanation
Explaining why you are declining the job offer is entirely up to you. A brief explanation is best, so the hiring manager is not wondering where you stand. You could use a general reason such as “I have decided to move in another direction,” rather than detailing your specific circumstances.
If you want to explain your reasoning for the decline, remember not to insult or offend the hiring manager or company. Sometimes the brief reason you are declining a job offer may come off as offensive if not worded right. Here are some tips for wording common reasons for declining a job offer:
Low salary: You need a certain salary to support yourself and your family.
Lack of career advancement opportunities: You were looking for a role with broader responsibilities and room for long-term growth.
Lack of history or sustainability: You have decided to go with a different organization with a bigger footprint in the market.
6. Network
Plan to end the call to decline a job offer on a high note. Mention that you would like to stay connected and ask if you could keep in touch. Ask if it’s OK to follow the company on LinkedIn or other platforms, and offer your contact information such a phone number. You never know when another job opportunity will pop up, so creating a solid network is an excellent way to move your current career path forward.
Should you not want to keep in touch with a specific company, you could end the call by saying something like:
Again, thank you so much for all your time and effort. I wish you all the best.
The below templates and sample letters can help as a possible voicemail, call, or email example as you prepare to decline your job offer.
Sample Script for Declining a Job Offer: Taking Another Position Somewhere Else
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
This is [Your Name], I appreciate you taking the time to go over the details of your [Position Title] position and offering it to me. While it was a difficult decision to make, I have decided to take a position with another company at this time.
I enjoyed learning all about [Insert Company Name] and what you do there. I would like to follow your company on LinkedIn and stay in touch if you don’t mind.
Again, thank you for your time and effort. Best wishes.
Sample Script for Declining a Job Offer: Future Career Goals
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
This is [Your Name], thank you so much for offering me the [Position Title] position. It was a tough decision, but I’ve decided to accept a position with another company that aligns more with my future career goals.
I greatly appreciate your time and enjoyed learning about the opportunity and your company. If it’s OK with you, I would like to stay in touch and follow your company on LinkedIn.
Again, thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards.
Sample Script for Declining a Job Offer: Salary
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
This is [Your Name], thank you for taking the time to interview me and offering the position as [Position Title]. After much thought and consideration, I will have to decline the offer as I need a salary of at least $____/year to support myself and my family.
I appreciate your time and careful consideration and am sorry it didn’t work out. I wish you the best in finding the right fit for the position.
When the Job Offer is Too Low
You may be faced with a job offer for a position you desire, but the pay is too low. In this scenario, rather than just declining the offer, negotiate for a better offer or compensation package. Politely address this issue with the hiring manager, letting them know you are truly interested in the position but need a higher salary.
Sometimes a company will come back to you with another offer of a higher salary to try to retain you. If the salary offer is still too low, be prepared to counter the offer. There is a chance the company may decline your counter-offer.
Suppose their new offer doesn’t sweeten the deal enough for you to take the position. In that case, you can decline by saying something like, “I appreciate the new offer with the higher salary, but, unfortunately, it’s still not what I need to make, so I will have to decline.”
Think Before You Speak
Plan what you will say before you pick up the phone to call the hiring manager. Write it down on paper if needed. You want to make sure what you say comes across as genuine, polite, and appreciative.
Open New Doors for Your Career
Declining a job offer can be intimidating. It’s best to contact the hiring manager to let them know you will be declining the offer as soon as you know so they can move on and offer the position to another candidate. Keep the communication concise.
Stay professional and polite as you never want to burn a bridge if you need to come back to the offer in the future. A job decline isn’t always the end, but it might be the beginning of accepting the job of your dreams.
Are you ready to receive a job offer that you want to accept? If so, contact The Pocketbook Agency today!
Sources:
How to Grow Your Professional Network | BusinessNewsDaily.com
The Exact Words to Use When Negotiating Salary in a Job Offer | Money.USNews.com