{"id":2975,"date":"2022-04-27T13:41:50","date_gmt":"2022-04-27T12:41:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/?p=2975"},"modified":"2022-11-01T12:10:42","modified_gmt":"2022-11-01T12:10:42","slug":"how-to-turn-down-a-job-offer-or-reject-a-counter-offer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jobsrmine.com\/blog\/how-to-turn-down-a-job-offer-or-reject-a-counter-offer\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Turn Down A Job Offer (Or Reject A Counter Offer)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Photo by \u611a\u6728\u6df7\u682a cdd20<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, it\u2019s decision time. You have been offered a job opportunity you do not want to take (or you have a counteroffer). What to do? How to respond once you have made up your mind? Would you like to learn techniques for declining an opportunity to work you have been offered? This article was born from my experience <\/strong>doing just that myself, and even though it will be in memory, I felt it would be appropriate to write it down and pass the information on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank the person for the offer and the opportunity to interview.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s essential to keep your tone appreciative and kind, even if you are unhappy. When declining an offer, it\u2019s customary to thank the person<\/strong> for their time and the opportunity to work with them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you very much for taking the time to speak with me about this opportunity today. I appreciate all of your consideration, and I\u2019m grateful for all that I learned about [company name] during our conversation.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to be too specific<\/strong> about what you liked about the company or position, but you want to show them that you appreciate their time. Again, this is where it\u2019s essential not to be overly effusive with praise. Instead, keep your note brief and professional:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you so much for taking the time to interview me yesterday; I enjoyed learning more about [company name]<\/em>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

If you are declining a job offer, be sure to do it within a week of receiving the offer.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you decline<\/strong> a job offer, sending the rejection letter is best to do so quickly. The hiring manager will want to move on with the hiring process and find another candidate if they don\u2019t hear from you within a week or two of the offer being made. So try to get in touch within a few days. If possible, respond within 24 hours after careful consideration, but waiting until the next day is acceptable. It\u2019s never appropriate to wait until the deadline for accepting an offer has passed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be clear, direct, and respectful.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you turn down the offer, be clear that you won\u2019t accept the new terms<\/strong> while writing to the hiring manager. It would be best if you also were direct in stating your reasons for turning it down\u2014be it a job<\/a> in another company or an unwillingness to take a pay cut. Be prepared to explain this concisely and politely. A cookie-cutter response like I don\u2019t think I can accept those terms<\/strong><\/em> is vague and slightly disrespectful to the hiring manager who made the offer (and got their hopes up!). Saying something like,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnfortunately, After careful consideration I cannot accept these terms. While I am excited about the position, my salary expectations are substantial for this level of work<\/em>, After much thought, I\u2019ve decided that now is not the best time to leave my\u00a0current position<\/em>\u201d <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Use positive language whenever possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with any professional communication, I am using positive language is vital in writing emails<\/a> or a rejection letter. This includes avoiding phrases such as \u201cI am sorry<\/s>\u201d or \u201cI don\u2019t think I can<\/s>\u201d that can make you sound unhappy\u2014even if you are! Instead, consider replacing these phrases with neutral expressions such as \u201cunfortunately\u201d or \u201cregretfully.\u201d Again, the goal is to deliver bad news with a polite tone but firmly not to offend anyone involved in the hiring process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respond directly to the offer.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it\u2019s good form to avoid saying you\u2019ve accepted or declined a job in your initial response, you should acknowledge any specifics they mention in their offer. For example: \u201cI\u2019m thrilled with the base salary and benefits package you have offered me, but I would like to revisit the signing bonus<\/strong><\/em> to consider this a good fit.<\/strong><\/em>\u201c<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Andy T<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Be direct and honest<\/strong>. You may be tempted to sugarcoat your counteroffer, especially if the company seems eager for you to accept immediately. Too much sugarcoating confuses your message, and the\u00a0hiring manager\u00a0is left wondering exactly what your intention is. But making a solid case by citing specific reasons both sides will benefit will increase your chances of getting what you want (or at least getting closer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t get greedy. Like in real estate, more is not necessarily merrier when negotiating salary\u2014especially when dealing with small companies that don\u2019t have bottomless budgets. It\u2019s OK to ask for a little more than what\u2019s being offered, but asking for double is likely to get a firm no. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Show enthusiasm for the company or organisation.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You want to be as transparent as possible<\/strong> about why you decided to decline the job offer via a refusal letter. Remember, the people at the company or organisation that made you an offer aren\u2019t your enemies. You may be working with them in the future! That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential to keep your tone professional and show enthusiasm for their organisation, even if you\u2019re not interested in this particular position or opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we politely dismiss a job offer, it can positively impact our future supporters and colleagues. Here is an example of polite ways to turn down a job:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks for letting me know about the counteroffer. I\u2019ve decided to decline the offer, but I want you to know how grateful I am for your generosity and patience throughout this process and the opportunity to play an important role in [company]\u2019s future.<\/em><\/p>

I\u2019ll be taking some time off before finding my next job search<\/a> to concentrate on my health and spend time with family. Then, when I\u2019m ready, I will look forward to getting back into the field and using my skills at [skill].<\/em> Lets stay in touch<\/a> for future opportunities<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Do not give a reason unless you have a good reason<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is best not to explain unless you have a good reason<\/strong>, such as the job being contingent upon something that did not happen. However, if you give a reason, be sure it is true. For example, \u201cI am no longer interested in making a career change at this time<\/strong><\/em>\u201d is true, but \u201cI have been offered another job<\/strong><\/em>\u201d is false.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your reason for rejection should sound like an excuse, defined as \u201ca ground offered for excusing or justifying some act or omission<\/em><\/strong>.\u201d Therefore, expressing why you are turning down an offer may be insulting unless your reason is legitimate (such as their salary is significantly lower than what other companies were offering).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember that the way you decline the job may influence your reputation.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a professional, it\u2019s not just about clinching the deal\u2014you should always be mindful of how you present yourself in the world. Those who are rude when turning down offers or counteroffers risk burning bridges with people they could work with in the future. People talk, and word gets around fast\u2014so if you want to be known as someone pleasant to do business with, make sure that you\u2019re representing yourself well when declining an offer or counter offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep the networking door open. Some of the best advice I\u2019ve ever received from a mentor was this: \u201cYou\u2019ll never know when your paths will cross in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Hello, I\u2019m Nik<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Do not give in to pressure to accept the job.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you receive an offer or counteroffer from a company, you must consider the time involved in keeping the conversation going. If you are not interested in pursuing that opportunity, don\u2019t waste your time by making them think otherwise. Also, don\u2019t waste their time\u2014if you know you do not want the job, cut them off in the first instance and politely turn down the offer. It can also help avoid missing a more lucrative opportunity if you are upfront with companies and let them know that you are still considering other opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do not get into too much detail.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A simple \u201cthank you for the kind offer, but I have chosen to accept another offer<\/strong><\/em>\u201d will suffice in most cases. You want to balance being polite and firm in your refusal. However, it is essential not to make the person feel they have wasted their time by making or considering a counteroffer if you are not interested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There could be a chance to work with this company in the future, and not burning bridges<\/a> is always a good idea! Keeping in mind your long-term career goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Restate your appreciation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A simple way to say \u201cThanks, but no thanks<\/strong>\u201d is by restating your appreciation<\/strong>. This allows you to thank the other party politely and professionally for their offer and reiterate that it was a privilege to have been considered (or even offered) the position\/residency\/contract in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m so grateful for this opportunity, and I enjoyed learning more about your company during our conversation. Thank you so much for speaking with me and walking me through your offer in detail. I appreciate it.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If they offer an invitation to apply again in the future, accept it graciously. If they don\u2019t extend this invitation, you may want to add something like, \u201cI appreciate being considered and hope my qualifications will be of interest again in the future.<\/strong><\/em>\u201d This is especially true if you have strong feelings about how close you are now (or could be) to meet their criteria. Don\u2019t forget that politeness should always be your guiding principle when drafting these kinds of messages (and all messages).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus on your response.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It may be tempting to avoid the topic altogether by saying, \u201cI appreciate you considering me for the role<\/em>,<\/strong>\u201d but it\u2019s better not to leave things up. Instead, you can tactfully decline while opening the door for future opportunities. Express your disappointment honestly, but don\u2019t get too personal about it (no crying or cursing). Instead, your response should gracefully indicate declining a job offer.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you very much for letting me know about your decision\u2014I\u2019m disappointed that I won\u2019t be joining [Company Name], as I was excited about the opportunity to contribute to this new job<\/em>. Best wishes\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This is an excellent way to affirm how much passion and interest you had in being involved with this company without stating that your life will be over now that they\u2019re dropping out of it. The hiring manager might ask why you\u2019ve chosen to decline their offer\u2014whether they\u2019re hoping to persuade you otherwise or want feedback on the experience so far\u2014so have your reasons ready (e.g.,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy career goals have changed since our initial conversation<\/em>\u201d; \u201cI am looking for something more full-time than what was originally discussed<\/em>\u201c. Best Wishes<\/em> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In addition, suppose there are other aspects of an offer that might make you pause. In that case, this is also an opportunity to address those concerns with your would-be employer before making any final decisions (e.g., <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI noticed that my start date has been delayed by a week from what we initially discussed; is there any room for flexibility there?<\/em>\u201d).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Maintaining good relationships with companies you hope to work with in the future is crucial.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be vague or use ambiguous language when declining an offer. For example, \u201cI\u2019m excited about my options\u201d doesn\u2019t tell the recruiter or hiring manager<\/a> about your decision-making process. Likewise, you don\u2019t need to discuss your other opportunities (or lack thereof). Still, it\u2019s OK to say, \u201cThe type of work at this company is closer to my interests than other things I\u2019m considering.\u201d Remember: this is a business conversation, first and foremost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Palden Gyamtso<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Politely explain that your decision isn\u2019t related to anything at all about their company or its offer \u2014 simply that it doesn\u2019t align with your goals. If they ask why not (and they might!), say something like <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThank you very much for offering me the role. I\u2019ve decided that I\u2019d like more time before taking on a full-time position<\/em>\u201d or \u201cInline with my career goals<\/em>, I\u2019d prefer an opportunity where I could focus on sales over marketing<\/em> in my new job<\/em>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Ask to stay in touch.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re interested in a similar role, you may want to check back in with the recruiter to inquire about it. You can also refer me if you know someone who would be a good fit for a job. It\u2019s always helpful to have a relationship with recruiters you meet, so don\u2019t hesitate to ask to stay in touch after declining an offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about leaving your contact information<\/strong> to keep in touch and remain open to future opportunities- leave your contact information and tell them that you\u2019re willing to stay in touch to discuss future opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takeaway points<\/strong>: There are several ways to turn down a job offer and know that you have handled it correctly. But, whatever you do, stay calm, keep the door open for future