Rejecting a job offer is never comfortable. After being interviewed for months, you wake up to a congratulatory email informing you that you have been hired. Such a message would make most people sing out loud and do a happy dance in the living room.
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But what if after due consideration, you decide that it’s not the right job for you? Maybe the work culture doesn’t suit you, the salary is too low, or you spotted other red flags during the interview process. If that’s the case, how do you go about rejecting a job offer without burning bridges with the company or hiring manager?
Here are five tips to respectfully reject a job offer without destroying the relationship.
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Make Your Intention Known Fast
Once you conclude that you won’t take up the role, the last thing you would want to do is failing to let them know. By informing the hiring manager you aren’t accepting the offer, you’re showing them professional courtesy. Additionally, responding quickly gives them time to move on with an alternative candidate.
Express Gratitude
In your offer rejection email show appreciation for the opportunity. Remember the hiring manager invested time and effort in creating the offer, reviewing your CV, and interviewing you. They may also have recommended you to other people within the company, you never know. By showing gratitude, you let them know that you acknowledge and appreciate their efforts.
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Provide a Brief Explanation
It’ll be unnecessary to start narrating a long story about why you’re not accepting the offer. However, it’s crucial to be truthful, concise, and clear.
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Be specific as it relates to the salary, position, or responsibilities. Additionally, try to be respectful without being overly emotional. Just outline the reason why you’re not accepting the role. You can do this in a few sentences. You can get one or two of these books on Amazon to learn how to write clearly and concisely.
Offer to Stay in Touch
Rejecting a job offer doesn’t mean eliminating all contact with the employer. The truth is that it’ll benefit you to keep in touch with the employer. Nobody knows tomorrow. At some point, things can change or a better offer might pop up. You remain open to the possibilities when you offer to stay in touch.
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Be Polite and Professional
Even if you decide not to take up the role, it’s essential to be courteous. Avoid saying any negative things regarding the role, hiring manager, or company. Instead, leave positive feedback. Thank the hiring manager and the company for considering worth for the position. Promise to stay in touch with them for any possible future collaboration. Here are books on Amazon that can teach you how to communicate professionally.
The five tips shared here can help you reject a job offer without burning bridges with the hiring manager and the company. Check out these books on Amazon if you would love to learn how to build professional relationships.
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