Declining a Job Offer

And Still Keeping Your Contacts

The most difficult time you will have declining a job offer is when the job is actually one you would have taken under different circumstances.

As I mentioned in How to turn down a job offer the way you decline the job will say a lot about your character. And, may even help or harm you in the future.

This is actually a question of networking. If the company and/or the interviewer is someone who is important to your network, your priority should be making sure this person stays in your network.

But here are three things to keep in mind for turning down an offer:

1.Be postitive
When turning down a job, thank the person for considering you and offering you opportunity to work with/for them. Make sure to compliment them or their company- tell them about something that impressed you.
Then explain that although you were impressed with their company you have decided to join another company the position was more in line with your career aspirations. Remember interviewers are human so make sure that you are not negative or derogatory towards them or their company.

2.Send a letter
Follow up with a letter (e-mail is fine) once again thanking the interviewer for his/her time. This gesture will be seen as gracious and will likely keep the doors open for future opportunities.

Click here to see sample job offer decline letters

3. Do you know someone who could do the job?
If you know that positions in that field are difficult to fill- suggest a friend or colleague. Even if the person is not ultimately hired you have offered assistance to the interviewer and helped out a friend!

Congratulations on receiving multiple job offers. You have found your perfect job!

Learn How to Manage Multiple Job Offers

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