It can be nerve-racking knowing how to refuse a job offer and still be polite with the company. This article states the actionable steps to respectfully refuse a job offer while also ensuring that it is not the last one you will receive.
Why It Is Important to Refuse a Job Offer Respectfully
Refusing a job offer always has a lasting effect on your professional career. Taking a respectable and professional stance on the approach ensures that you leave a positive impression. Having good relations with the employer does allow for the possibility of working together in the future.
How to Declare a Job Offer as Refused: Tips
- Make Sure to Not Delay Your Response
Being slow with your response can create difficulties for the employer. Don’t keep them waiting if you have made up your mind.
• Tip: If you have made a decision, aim to respond in 24–48 hours to it.
• Example response: “I appreciate the offer to work at [Company Name] and I am grateful for it. After considering it thoroughly, I have decided to take a different route.”
- Express Your Sincerest Appreciation
It would be great if you could first express your appreciation for the hiring manager or recruiter for being able to make the offer and the time they spent in the hiring process.
• Example: “I genuinely want to thank you for the consideration that your team put into my application.”
- Explain Why You Have to Decline in a Polite Manner
There is no need to get into an in-depth explanation, but it may be courteous of you to at least provide some substitute reasoning.
• Example: “Given my career aspirations and my life’s situation, this position is not best suitable for me at this point in time.”
Declining a Job Offer via Email – Template
Subject: Thank You for the Job Offer
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I would first like to extend my gratitude for offering me the position of [Job Title] in your distinguished company [Company Name]. The amount of time and effort which you dedicated in the course of the recruitment exercise is sincerely appreciated.
Ultimately, I have made the choice to go for a different opportunity that better reflects my career objectives after a lot of consideration. This was tough for me since I hold [Company Name] and its vision in high esteem.
I hope to keep in touch and would be happy to know about any future roles that I could help with. There’s no need to hesitate in contacting me.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Useful Strategies For Always Securing An Offer In The Future
- Leave A Chance For Possibilities
Indicate adequately that you are willing to work with them in the future. This indicates your interest in the company and appreciation of the potential positions in the future.
• Indicative Statement: “I admire the innovative work at Company Name and would be thrilled to reconnect if a suitable role arises in the future.”
- Promise To Be Available For Future Contacts
Suggest that the contact will link on LinkedIn or other professional platforms and is soliciting such contacts.
• Indicative Statement: “Let’s connect on LinkedIn, and then we can both look out for opportunities that may be suitable for either of us.”
- Speak Positively About The Company
Cite some of the things about the company which you esteem and idolize.
• Indicative Statement: “Your company’s focus and concern on environment and resources is quite similar to what has been practiced in other global corporate social responsibility strategies.”
Do’s and Don’ts of Declining a Job Offer
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Respond promptly and professionally | Delay your response unnecessarily |
| Express gratitude for the opportunity | Criticize the company or its process |
| Be honest but tactful | Over-explain or be defensive |
| Keep the door open for future roles | Burn bridges or sever ties completely |
FAQs
Is it ok to accept a job offer if I’ve changed my mind?
Of course, yes, but it is important also to be extremely careful. Apologize properly, give short explanation, and make sure all ends are amicable.
How do I make the company understand that this is something not personal?
Avoid being blunt, be appreciative and emphasize on the good side of the company.
Should I mention why I’m declining the offer?
It is at your discretion. You could provide a broad explanation or generalize the reason if it’s strictly personal to you.
But what if I want to get back to the same company in the next few years?
Foster the relationship and emphasize that you appreciate their business. And if you get back, make sure to give them a refresher about the last time you engaged.
Is it more polite to decline over the phone or through an email?
Except for the wish of the hiring team, email is generally fine however when emotions were invested and the hiring team was very engaged, an over the phone might be the most appropriate.
May I suggest someone else for the position?
When an opportunity arises and if you have someone in your mind with credentials, you could always recommend their name for consideration, it can make a good impact.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, you received a letter of regret from a possible employer, and if you are open to any collaboration in the future, you need to present it in a more emotional and rational way, Politely. This indicates that you are thoughtful and considerate and can take constructive measures for any potential cooperation. By saying thank you, doing the right things first, and waiting for an appropriate timeframe, you can also foster a good relationship with the company. Guarantee all attempts are taken to ensure, a great first impression is made with them and that cooperation can be possible later on.
