Although the thought of turning down a job during the Great Recession just a few years ago might have seemed unimaginable, there are plenty of employment opportunities in today’s economy. If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve been offered a job but simply feel it isn’t a good fit for you, it’s OK to turn it down.
However, you should be gracious for being given the opportunity and maintain your poise. Here’s how to turn down a job offer the right way (and without making it awkward).
Be Prompt in Stating Your Decision
Don’t waffle over your decision and waste a hiring manager’s time. This is bad etiquette and can make a pleasant situation turn ugly in a hurry. Instead, contact the hiring manager, or whoever is in charge, as soon as you’ve made up your mind to explain the decision.
Ideally, you’ll call because this is the most courteous way to go about it. However, it may be acceptable to send an email in some cases.
Show Your Appreciation
It’s important to remember that a recruiter’s time is valuable and they’re doing you a favor by offering you a job. That’s why you should be gracious and show your genuine appreciation for the consideration they’ve given you. Say you’re grateful for the offer, but unfortunately it’s not right for you and briefly state why.
Be Professional
Maintain the utmost level of professionalism and respect when turning down a job offer. If it’s because a competitor can pay you considerably more, there’s no reason to rub it in the employer’s face. Conduct yourself with tact.
Give Compliments if Applicable
If you applied with a company in the first place, there was obviously something about them that was appealing. Giving a sincere compliment lets a hiring manager know you were legitimately interested in a position initially and they haven’t wasted their time. It can also help you go out on amicable terms and reduce any potential tension.
End With a Thank You
To close, it’s a good idea to give a final thank you. This way, both parties can move forward, and there’s unlikely to be any bad blood afterwards.
The bottom line is that it’s perfectly OK to turn down a job offer. However, you should conduct yourself with class and follow proper etiquette.
Looking for more advice or guidance in your job search? Check out our blog for plenty of helpful information.
