How to Politely Decline a Job Offer
Get Hired by LinkedIn News
We talk about leveling up, about finding work and about excelling where you are right now.
The day will come when you need to decline a job offer. Whatever your reasons for declining may be, it’s important to do so in a professional and polite manner. I spoke with three job search experts here on LinkedIn, who all have great advice on how to politely decline a job offer (and maybe even expand your network).?
There comes a time in everyone’s job search when they need to decline a job offer.?
It can almost be intimidating or awkward … telling a potential employer “No.” But what if it didn’t have to be? Again, declining a job is a very normal part of the job search process. If you don’t start to get comfortable with it now, you’ll cause yourself more unnecessary stress and anguish.?
Job declinations, when done respectfully, are a great sign of character. You know your worth as a job seeker and recognize when a position doesn’t fit your desired needs or wants.
The pandemic and subsequent Great Resignation shifted the focus of what matters most to job seekers, who now strategically scour the market for opportunities that will treat them right. Even Beyonce supports the Great Resignation , recently releasing her single “Break My Soul,” referencing employee stress and leaving your job.
For the moments when you receive a job offer that’s not to your liking, knowing how to politely decline (no burnt bridges here) is key — whether you do so over the phone, in person or through email.
Reasons to Decline a Job
?Job seekers and professionals have been declining jobs for a long time. The reasons why vary from person to person, but there are few commonalities.
Reno Perry , co-founder & CEO of Wiseful , shares his thoughts on the most common reasons a job seeker may decline a job. The list includes:?
He cautions that every company isn't going to be a perfect match in all the categories above. “You'll want to rank what's most important to you to help with the decision-making process. This can be as simple as writing a list of the pros/cons of each job opportunity.”
Another valid reason a person may consider declining a job offer is that they’re still in the midst of an active job search. You may be overwhelmed with your job prospects and feel the need to immediately decline an offer, holding out for that more agreeable option.
Bernadette Pawlik , recruiting insider and career strategist, reminds job seekers that no company likes surprises. If you’re still interviewing for other jobs , you should make it known from the start.?
“If you are in an active search mode, make it clear from the first conversation that you are in an active search mode and will continue to be so throughout the process. Of course, repeating ad infinitum how interested you are in this opportunity and how grateful you are for the hiring team's time,” she says.?
Made it past the first round of interviews, but unsure about the opportunity? Consider asking for the salary band, per Pawlik, by saying “‘I know that the recruiting process is a huge investment of your company's time. I don't want to waste your time. Can you give me the salary band?’”
That way, if you don’t like the compensation, you can politely decline moving forward in the process, citing your active job search and need to pursue another role. Looking to negotiate salary or another area? “Wonder Woman” director Patty Jenkins supports negotiating that first offer:?
All that being said, you’re ultimately the one in charge who will decide when and why to decline an offer. Always try to do what’s best for you and trust in your judgment.
“If you don't think a job is going to be a good fit at the end of the day, it might make sense to decline the offer rather than drag the process out,” says Perry. “There are a variety of reasons people might decline an offer so it's important to decide which factors are most important to you in a job to help make that decision.”
Respectfully Declining a Job Offer
The time has come to decline that job offer (or offers), after determining what factors matter most to you in your next position.?
It’s a major decision , especially when you’re still actively looking for work and not seeing any other offers rolling in. But again, you know what you need in a job and should confidently go into the offer refusal.
The best way to decline an offer is by phone , though some people prefer email. A live call is personal and gives you a chance to verbally convey your appreciation for the offer, the opportunity to interview for the role and their time. Even if the interview process is atrocious, use the declination as an opportunity to provide respectful feedback.
领英推荐
“You don't need to get into the details or too deep into why you're declining the offer.”
Additionally, you should typically decline an offer within a timely manner because, as Pawlik shared previously, no company likes surprises. If an offer is extended and you already know it’s not for you, go ahead and decline. Need some time to think about it? As a prospective employee, it is acceptable to ask for an extra business day or two. If a company is rushing you to make a decision, that should be an immediate red flag .?
Crafting Your Response?
When structuring your gracious and professional declination, Perry offers up a useful prompt (for both call and email):?
“Hi [Hiring Manager Name],
I want to thank you for your time and for offering me the [Name of Role] role. I put a lot of thought into it and while I think it's a great opportunity, I've decided to pursue another opportunity better suited for me at this stage in my career. So unfortunately, I need to decline.?
That being said, I definitely enjoyed meeting you and the rest of the team. I have high hopes for [Company Name] and look forward to crossing paths down the road.
Best,?
[Your Name]”
The response is polite, direct, gracious and covers all your bases. You aren’t shutting the door on a future relationship with the company or any team members you’ve met along the way. Instead, you are showcasing a coveted ability to make tough decisions and communicate effectively.
Pro tip from Perry: “You don't need to get into the details or too deep into why you're declining the offer.”
Relationship Building?
“If the interview process has been something that was successful, exciting and thrilling but there are other reasons why the position or company isn't a fit for now … you don’t necessarily have to close the door on the employer, the company or the connections,” says Dr. Jasmine Escalera , a 2022 LinkedIn Top Voice and career and confidence coach for women of color.
She tells her clients to ask if it’s okay to connect with the hiring manager and any other individuals they met through the interview process on LinkedIn. Once you send that connection request, include a note further expressing your enthusiasm during the process and desire to stay connected with them, even if the role wasn’t a fit.?
And just like that, you’ve expanded your professional network and maintained a good relationship with the company, all while declining a job offer. You never know when another great opportunity will occur at the company, so don’t burn bridges.
Struggling with your job search or nervous about the current job market??
Andrew Seaman , managing editor for jobs & career development at LinkedIn News, explores all you need to know about the current job market in the latest edition of #GetHired .
Hopefully, with these tips under your belt, you can confidently decline whatever ill-fitting job offer comes your way next. “No, thank you” is a powerful phrase. Use it.?
Top Takeaways?
Declining a job offer is all about being respectful and to the point. Here’s how:
None at R. L. Whitehead, Jr., P.C.
2 年Please delete me.