Receiving a job offer is an exciting moment. However, even after interviewing and reviewing the offer, you may not be sure that the position is right for you. Maybe something unexpected happened during your meeting with the hiring manager that gave you doubts. Perhaps the pay rate was lower than you expected, and the company isn’t open to negotiating.
Regardless of the reason, settling for a position that isn’t a great fit isn’t a wise choice. Finding an opportunity that gives you long-term job satisfaction, boosts your career, and meets your financial needs should be your goal.
If you get an offer for a role that doesn’t measure up, turning it down may be your best bet. If you aren’t sure how to handle that conversation, here are three tips that can help.
Three Tips For Turning Down a Job Offer
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Start with a “Thank You”
No matter why you’re ultimately choosing to turn down the job, the first thing you should always do when speaking with the hiring manager is thank them. They dedicated time and attention to consider you as a candidate and craft an offer. Acknowledging that effort is simply the polite and professional thing to do.
Plus, by showing your gratitude, you’re making a better impression. That can keep your reputation intact, ensuring that the door stays open. Then, if a right-fit role comes along in the future, you’re more likely to still be a contender, even if you turn down this offer.
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Offer a Reason, But Stay Concise
Giving the hiring manager a quick reason regarding why you’re declining streamlines the conversation and gives the hiring manager some closure. If you don’t offer one, the chances are high that the hiring manager is going to ask for one. They’ll be curious about why you don’t want to join their team and make ask some difficult questions in order to find out.
Usually, you want to be honest but concise. If the role isn’t the best fit for your career, saying something like, “After a great deal of thought, I’ve decided to pursue other opportunities that better align with my long-term career goals” can do the trick. It’s clear without being too revealing or involved, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings or further questions.
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Use the Right Closing
After you give a reason, you may want to bring the conversation to a quick close. If you’d like to remain connected, then expressing that idea is fine. However, leave the ball in the hiring manager’s court. For example, you can say that’s you’d be happy to connect on LinkedIn and offer to send the request. If they decline, accept their choice.
If you’d prefer not to remain in touch, then you don’t have to extend that offer. Instead, thank them again for the time and wish them all of the best with finding the right candidate for the role.
Find The Right Job For YOU! TempStaff Can Help!
Ultimately, by following the process above, you can turn down a job offer gracefully. If you would like to find out more or would like assistance with finding a right-fit opportunity that can boost your career, the team at TempStaff can help. Contact us today.
