Many job seekers feel lucky to receive any job offer, especially when
unemployment levels are high. But whether the compensation is too low, the
location is inconvenient or the job is not the right fit, sometimes you need to
say, “No thanks.”
In a stress-filled job search, it is tempting to turn down an offer only
verbally; however, it is more professional to decline the offer verbally and in
writing. Keep these four tips in mind:
- Be Prompt: As soon as you have made your decision, call
the hiring manager and write a letter declining the offer. The company will
need to offer the position to someone else, and you do not want to hold up the
process.
- Be Courteous: Your letter should be professional and courteous. You may be
turning down this position, but you might want to be considered for future
opportunities. Smart job seekers use every possible chance to network, so
thank each person with whom you interviewed and wish them and their company
continued success.
- Be Diplomatic: If you have received another, more
generous offer, avoid mentioning the details of the position you are
accepting. Let the hiring manager know that you were impressed by the company
and carefully considered the offer, but you are accepting a position that
better suits your career objectives.
- Be Concise: This is not the place to tout your
credentials and career accomplishments. The company already realizes your
value, so keep your letter short and sweet.
Reneging on Offers
Reneging (i.e. changing your mind after acceptance) on offers is a dangerous
thing. If you receive an offer from an employer, and have decided to accept it,
then you will be expected to honor that commitment. Once an offer is accepted,
the employer is now counting on you to start work on an agreed-upon date and
time. At that point, you should consider yourself “off the market” when it comes
to any subsequent interviews and/or offers that may be forthcoming.
If you find yourself in a position where you are have multiple offers in hand
(and have not yet accepted any of them), or are expecting them within a few
days, then it is critically important that you do the following:
- Buy as much decision time as you can get from the potential employer
(don’t expect more than 1 week) in order for you consider other offers that
are pending.
- Immediately contact the other companies who have indicated they would be
moving forward with an offer (but have not yet presented it to you). Politely
let them know that you have an offer in-hand from another company, and that
you have a decision to make very quickly.
- Take time to really weigh the pros & cons of each offer using the
Offer Evaluation process listed in the “Multiple Offers” section. Once you
have decided on a specific employer, you should accept the offer in good
faith, notify other employers of your decision, and withdraw yourself from the
recruiting process. If you renege on a job offer, you may be “burning your
bridges,” and it could come back to haunt you later.
Not treating any offer or future employer with full respect can mean that two
job offers quickly turn into none, and you may create bad feelings along the way
with potential employers. It is safe to say that industries are small enough to
have a close knit group of recruiters, and you do not want to be the name that
everyone remembers; especially when it is not for a good reason.
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