How to turn down a job offer while keeping it classy

Karmjit shares her reflections and top tips on how to decline a job offer without damaging any relationships.

You’ve been searching for a new challenge, and think you’ve found your next step – that dream job, well at least you thought you had. But it turns out they won’t budge on the salary offer, you don’t like your potential new line manager, or the job simply isn’t what you had hoped for when applying.

We often get nervous about turning down a job offer, like we are obliged to accept a job because we’ve applied for it. But, just as an employer isn’t guaranteeing you a job by interviewing you, you are entitled to – and should – say no to something that simply isn’t right for you.

If you approach this in a professional and dignified way, you won’t be burning bridges. It’s also important to remember that employers are used to this – you won’t be the first nor the last potential employee to say thanks, but no thanks. Sure, there will be some employers who won’t react well but, is that a sign of an employer that you would want to work for?

Here are 5 tips from our own experience of turning down roles that just weren’t quite right – and just to assure you – we didn’t regret it!

1. Don’t dawdle

Make sure you’ve really thought through your decision and got all the information that you need, but once you’ve made the decision, it’s best to tell the prospective employer as soon as possible. This gives them maximum time to offer the role to someone else, or continue interviewing and it’ll be noted that you acted swiftly with the aim to minimise disruption to their timelines and decision making.

2. Give a reason

It is definitely better for any potential professional relationship going forward if you indicate a reason for rejecting the offer – but be brief and it can be high level. They don’t need to know the pros and cons list you did in the middle of night when trying to decide. Here are some examples:

• I don’t feel we can reach a mutual agreement on the salary. I would need £x to leave my current role and to reflect the experience and skills I’d bring to the role, but I know that is outside your range.

• On balance, I have decided that this is not the best time for me to relocate / manage commuting to X.

• Following our more detailed discussion of the role during the interview, I don’t feel that this position is the best match for the skills and experience I am looking to develop within a new role.

• I have decided to accept a position with a different organisation.

• I have a great amount of respect for the organisation and its goals, and I would love to stay in touch regarding more appropriate opportunities in the future.

3. Be respectful, but don’t over apologise

Early on in both of our careers, due to a number of factors including less confidence, imposter syndrome and unsupportive work environments, we have both felt we’ve had to express that we were so grateful for any opportunity that came our way. Remaining humble and measured is no bad thing, but, remember your worth and any decent employer are not going to react badly if you reject an offer. It’s important to express your thanks for their time in interviewing you, your respect and interest in the organisation, but don’t be over-exaggerated in any “apology” you might want to give as if you’ve committed a terrible crime. They will have experienced this before and it’s a normal thing to happen in most people’s careers. . It really is a two way process it is as much your decision to accept a role than it is for an employer to make you an offer.

4. Try to do it over the phone

Adding a personal touch and sharing your decision in a phone call shows respect and a willingness to take that extra step. A phone call isn’t always possible for a number of reasons, and in this case, an email is completely acceptable.

5. Be open to future opportunities

Certain industries, in particular, can be small – you never know where people will end up or how organisations will evolve. If you genuinely like the people who interviewed you, the recruiter, or other colleagues in the organisation, try to stay connected through industry events, Linked In, or other social media.

You may have closed the door on this opportunity, but another one may open in the future if you remain connected and open-minded!