How To Turn Down A Job Offer

This isn’t a topic widely discussed because usually I’m advising you how to get and maintain a job, not turn one down. However, far too often people take the first job opportunity they get either because they’re desperate to get out of their current job, they feel bad for turning it down or because they’ve experienced a slight ego boost and it feels good knowing an employer wants them on their team.

These aren’t reasons to say yes to a job offer and you should be thinking really carefully before you make your final decision. Your current role may feel like the worst job in the world, but if you don’t carefully consider your new offer, you could find yourself in an even worse position because of misinterpretation. This could include misunderstanding the business culture, the main responsibilities of the role or the benefits associated with the business.

If you’re not happy with any aspect of a job, turn it down. You spent most of your time working, it’s really important you’re doing something you enjoy. If you find yourself in this situation, use it to your advantage. Tell the employer why you have reservations and you may find, because they see something in you they really want, they present a counter offer.

I was headhunting somebody as a chief executive for one of my businesses once and offered him the position. He turned it down. I really, really wanted this guy; he was basically a walking talking version of my job ad, so I left it a week, rang him and said;

“Hi Gavin, I understand you’ve turned the position down. I totally understand the situation, and I am quite happy to accept it. I suppose we’ve both moved on now, because you’re going to stay where you are, and I’m interviewing other people…’" I paused and then asked, "What was the key reason you turned it down?"

He said it was all to do with the share options. I never saw that one coming. He explained that he already had some options in his current business he felt he couldn’t walk away from.

Once I asked him if he had any certainty what they were worth and he admitted not, we both came to the conclusion that the stake he held in his current business couldn’t outdo the equity I was offering him.

I hired him after that and he’s been working with me for 10 years.

It is really important you address any issues you may have about the business or position you’re applying for straight away. That way, you discuss ways to tailor certain aspects to fit your needs. At the end of the day, you’re the one doing the job day to day so it should always work on your terms.

So next time you get a job offer you’re not quite certain of, don’t rush into it. Think about your options and remember you’re in a much stronger position than your potential employer.

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