5 Effective Tactics to Say "No" to A Job Offer

You are applying for an endless number of positions, attend interviews, and finally, you get the job offer. Wonderful, Right?

But wait, you have received multiple offers, or the job offer you have received isn't as per your expectations.

Now you've to turn down at least one of them, and this is always challenging. Whether the job offer isn't the "right" fit or you've received a better one, here are tactics to turn down a job offer appreciatively. 

5 Tactics to Say "No" to A Job Offer

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Declining Isn't Burning Boats

As it's very common and normal that employers reject job applicants, it's also totally normal to reject a job offer or an employer. Recruiters ultimately realize that your interview's attendance doesn't mean that you will accept the position if you got selected.

It's merely an implicit sign that the employer "may" hire you.

Bear in mind that receiving any bad reaction to your rejection letter or call doesn't mean that the relationships have entirely cut. It's a turmoil sign on the employer's part.

He may also react badly if someone asks for an increment or if someone asks for a vacation. Acceptance or rejection is a door that swings both ways.

Be Prompt

Once you decide to turn down the offer, contact the hiring manager, and inform him immediately.

Don't postpone because this may negatively affect his hiring process for the position (this may burn the boats). Moreover, he may have other candidates on hold who would happily accept the offer if you reject it.

Do It By Phone

Although turning down a job offer by email is acceptable in some cases, to be more respectful, do it over a phone call. Call the hiring manager directly.

If you feel that reaching this person over the phone will delay the process, send an email and add a note that you've tried to reach him by phone, but you couldn't, so you send an email to save time.

It gives the recruiter a space to ask you follow-up questions and knows why you've accepted another position. He may offer you more benefits or shortlist you for another future job that meets your requirements.

Give Reasons Honestly But Be Vague

This may seem unfair because employers always turn down applicants without giving justifications, but it works in your favor to maintain a good relationship with the employer. Your reasons don't have to be detailed.

You can say, "thank you for offering me the role, but after a long thinking, I take a decision to apology and move to a position with another company that I find more suitable for my qualifications and requirements."

Or, you can state your reasons, if you're declining for a salary range, job responsibilities, or career goals, in one or two simple sentences.

The company may work with you to find some compromise. Sometimes companies leave doors open for more negotiations.

Avoid Ghosting

Ghosting is disappearing after having a long concrete communication with someone without following up or replying to any other communications. Although recruiters always do this to applicants, it's not right.

Staying in contact and providing feedback early will push the recruiter to appreciate you and keep doors open for any future potential vacancies.

Show Appreciation

When you decline a job offer, thank the recruiter by saying, "I value your efforts interviewing me, and I hope we can collaborate in the future." Maintaining a tone of gratitude will show your appreciation for the recruiter's offer and time.

Thanking the recruiter for his effort and time is the most important. Yes, it's his work, but he also has spent a lot of time reviewing your resume, checking your social media platforms, and interviewing you.

He also may have missed a chance to meet another suitable candidate while interviewing you.

You can say: Thank you so much for accepting me for the accountant position. It was a pleasure to meet you and see your company. I've enjoyed the interview process, and I truly appreciate your efforts.

The job market is an apple cart, a very small world, especially in some fields, so leaving a good impression before and after declining an offer is always a smart option. Mention something you've discussed with the recruiter or end by wishing him a bright future.

For example, "I would like to thank you for your careful consideration, and may success be with you always."

Finally,

While refusing a job offer can be unpleasant, in the end, you're rejecting it because you've made the right choice for you. If you evaluate your options in advance and prepare a well-structured answer, there's no reason why you can't say no to a job offer.

You may assume that rejecting the offer will annoy the recruiter, but informing him as soon as you've decided is always a wiser decision. He will feel upset at first, of course, but he will also understand the reason behind your decision.

Yet, this disappointment may turn into frustration if you delay informing him of your decision. Turning down job offers Professionally always keeps the doors open for any possible future opportunities to join the organization.

Read also:

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