When searching for a job, it sometimes happens that a company invites you for an interview, you meet with them (perhaps even several times), and then at some point they inform you that they are ready to hire you. But the situation has changed, and you are forced to decline. How do you do this properly?
Let’s explore this together.
Why is It Important to Communicate Your Decision to the Employer Correctly?
1. Your behavior at all stages of the hiring process should be professional.
After all, you don’t like it when employers don’t call back after a job interview, or even disappear completely. How would you be any better than them if you just disappeared?
2. Good relations with the employer may be useful to you in the future.
Perhaps you will eventually decide to work for them after all. And even if not, having connections at another company can be beneficial. For example, your contacts at that firm may one day become clients, partners, or provide advice, recommendations, and so on.
What could happen that would make you decline a job offer? We hope your decision is completely logical and well-thought-out.
Possible Reasons for the Applicant’s Negative Decision
1. A more attractive offer from another employer.
Another employer offered you a higher salary, a higher position, or better working conditions.
2. Unsuitable office location or inconvenient work schedule.
You may be concerned about frequent business trips or the need to work in a distant office (rather than the one where the job interview took place).
3. Personal circumstances (perhaps just arisen) that prevent the job seeker from accepting the offer.
For example, the need to care for a sick relative or move to another city.
4. Mismatch with the company’s culture.
After visiting the office and talking to employees, you may realize that you won’t fit in with the team.
Now, here are some tips on how to convey your negative decision about employment to the employer.
How to Properly Decline a Job Offer?
1. Quickly and politely.
Inform the employer of your decision immediately after making it. This will help the company find another candidate faster.
2. In person.
It’s best to decline the offer in a personal meeting or phone call. An email or message is also acceptable, but may seem more formal and cold.
3. Explain the reasons.
As much as possible and appropriate, briefly explain the motives for your refusal. This will help the employer understand your decision, not doubt your adequacy, and maintain a good relationship in the future.
4. Express gratitude.
Express your appreciation for the offer and the time spent on you. This will demonstrate your politeness and respect for the company’s hiring efforts.
The higher the position discussed and the longer your communication (many meetings, communication over a long period), the more attention you need to pay to the employer, demonstrating more sincerity and goodwill. Especially if the hiring process has reached the stage of a formal job offer.
Your further behavior will depend on the employer’s reaction.
Possible Employer Reactions to the Refusal and Applicant’s Actions
1. The employer understands the applicant’s decision and thanks them for their honesty.
In this case, you should, in turn, thank your counterpart for the offer, explain the reasons for the refusal, and wish the company success.
2. The employer tries to persuade the job seeker to reconsider.
In this case, you should politely but firmly insist on your decision, not succumbing to persuasion. Of course, if the reason for the refusal is very compelling (and we are talking about such a situation).
3. The employer reacts negatively to the refusal (surprised, annoyed, or even outraged).
In this case, you should remain calm and professional, not getting into a conflict. Try to explain the reason again in more detail, show sincere regret and sympathy.
4. The employer offers alternative options or conditions.
For example, the employer is willing to discuss a higher level of pay, work in a more conveniently located office for you or remotely, part-time options, etc. In this case, evaluate the attractiveness of these offers and make a decision based on your needs and goals. And don’t forget to thank your interviewer again for their willingness to compromise.
In general, regardless of the employer’s reaction, you need to act professionally, politely, and with sound reasoning. And if the employer behaves inappropriately, that’s their problem. Then, perhaps, it’s better that it didn’t come to employment. The main thing is that you yourself are not labeled as inadequate.
Declining a job offer is a normal part of the job search process. It’s important to do it with respect and professionalism to preserve the possibility of future cooperation. Remember that every employer and situation is unique, and your behavior should be adapted to the specific circumstances.
We wish you fewer refusals and, if possible, not to refuse good employers.
