How to turn down a job offer with professionalism?

You've done all the hard work to get the job—but what happens when you no longer want it?

There are many reasons why a candidate would turn down a job offer but it often boil down to 3 main areas: 1) the money 2) the job itself 3) the people at the company/the culture. It is okay to say no. Whatever your reason is, be professional about it. The golden rule is not to burn any bridge as you never know when you would need that bridge again.

As a recruiter, I have come across candidates who went MIA (missing in action) after an offer was presented to them. I would understand if the person is young and inexperience but many a times, these are senior candidates with decades of work experience, in a leadership role. So, what is so difficult to say "Thanks, but no thanks"?

I am writing this article to share how you can turn down a job offer gracefully and not burn any bridge.

#1 - Be prompt. Once you have decided it is not an offer you want to accept, inform the hiring manager of your decision. Life still goes on, no company is going to collapse just because you turn down a role with them. There is no need to play hide-n-seek and go missing.

#2 - Show your appreciation. Give a good and brief reason. By 'good', I mean be sincere and honest. Some of the absurd reasons I have heard from candidates include "The work place is too far from my house" (Hey, my client did not move their office when the offer came out!), "My wife/girlfriend doesn't like me to travel so much" (Shouldn't this be something you consider before you continued with the interview?), "I'm not prepared to lose out on my year end bonus" (OUCH!), "I feel bad leaving my company after so many years with them" (Err... Then you shouldn't be looking!), "I'll need to prove myself all over again in a new environment" (YAWN!)...

#3 - Do not bargain for a higher package if you have no intention to accept the role. You need to know that the hiring manager will need to seek approval from the HQ and HR to give you what you ask for. I once had a candidate who insisted on a 30% increment, got what he wanted and disappeared. You don't need this to prove your self worth!

#4 - Thank everyone for their time. The market is small, especially for certain industries. If you can recommend someone for the role, do so. Otherwise, just make a simple mention that you would like to stay in touch and wish the person all the best in the hiring.

Going through interviews can be a painful process to both interviewers and interviewees. Every genuine job opening has a timeline to meet. Do not go for interviews to find your "market value" or just to polish your interview skills. If you need to rub your ego, there are better ways to do that!