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When to Turn Down a Job Offer (and What to Say)

Thanks, but no thanks! Just got a job offer and you are not sure if it is the right fit for you? Here are examples of when and how to turn down a job offer. 

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Thanks, but no thanks! Just got a job offer and you are not sure if it is the right fit for you? Here are examples of when and how to turn down a job offer. 

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Congratulations, you have probably made it to the final stage of the interview process and the offer has been made but you are not sure if it is the right fit for you. Something along the way might have led you to question whether this is the job to take on. Today might be the day to decide whether to say yes or nay to the job offer after reading this article.

Job candidates are always torn between accepting an offer or refusing it for different reasons. The fear of saying no when you probably thought that it was a good career opportunity. However, in some situations, there is no other option than turning down the job offer.

 

Here is when you know you should turn down a job offer:
 

1. The timing is not right

Yes, timing is an important factor when deciding on a job offer at hand. You don’t necessarily have to reject a job due to a bad reason. Sometimes a job offer could find you in the middle of another project in your current role that you cannot let go of.

Faith, a Procurement Officer, shared with us her experience:

“I had been applying for jobs the previous year without much positive feedback. In early November I was invited for an interview which I passed but I was told they would get back to me two weeks later. I waited and followed up but all in vain. 

At the beginning of the year, I submitted a project proposal to my boss at my current workplace which he accepted for me to spearhead. As February was winding up, I received this call (from the November interview) telling me I had been given the job and had to start work in two weeks. I had to turn it down. The timing was not right as I had taken on a project that I had to see through. A lot happens between the time you apply for a job and when they call you for it. Sometimes the offer is good but the timing makes it hard for you to accept it.”

2. The job does not align with your long-term career goals

There is nothing that wastes time more than working in a position which will not help you grow. It's understandable for a fresh graduate to take on the first job they come across, but for an experienced professional,  it's important that you make calculated moves in your career. When the job in question seems like it won't push you further than you are, turn the offer down.

Looking for a company that offers career growth? Here are three key things to look out for in the interview.

3. The company’s reputation is questionable

Just as recruiters do background checks on you before you are hired,  you also need to need to do that. If adding company X on your CV as a former employer might spoil your future career goals, turn down the job offer.

4. Interview red flags

As you respond cheerfully to interview questions, you notice that the recruiter is not straightforward in their responses. Apart from that, they came in an hour late without apology, the staff look very demotivated while at work, and the director is in the hallway shouting with an employee. If you saw such signs during the interview, then it is time to turn down the job offer. 

Interviews will always give you 50% insight into the work environment and culture of that given organisation. If something turns you off, then you might want to turn down the job offer. 

5. When there are conditions attached to the job offer

"The job is yours, but you need to show how much you want it" 

If you ever find yourself about to sell something other than your qualifications and experience for the job, that’s reason enough to turn down the job offer. Jobs that come with unhealthy conditions and test your integrity are not yours to take. Due to high levels of unemployment globally, the job market is infected with ‘something for something’ recruiters and you have to be on the watch to not fall, victim. 

6. It just does not feel right

I am one of those people who trust their gut. Of course, you need to know when you are just being paranoid or anxious, however, when you are not excited about the job offer, then it is not yours to take. You do not want to hold onto something you will not keep for long.

 

What to say when turning down a job offer

After deciding to turn down a job offer, you need to act quickly so that the recruiting manager can proceed to take necessary action. Next, choose the best medium of communication. Should you write an email or make a call? For executive professionals, an in-person meeting could be the ideal choice.

Example of an email turning down a job offer:

Dear Charles,

I received the job offer yesterday. Thank you once again for considering me a good fit for the Business Associate role in your company. However, after careful consideration, I have decided not to take on the job. I am currently pursuing my MBA and looking at the work schedules, I might not be able to balance both sides. 

I regret all inconvenience caused.

Thank you
[Your Name]

Avoid getting too personal when communicating your decision. Be brief, and polite, and make your point clear as soon as possible with a precise reason as to why you are not taking on the job.

Written by

Mercy Mukisa

Hey there, I'm Mercy Mukisa, a Senior HR Officer writing to you from the lively heart of Uganda. Writing is my way of contributing to the professional community, grounded in the belief that knowledge is the key to empowerment. In the dynamic field of HR, I'm not just a participant; I see it as a privilege to share the insights and experiences gathered along the way. It's not just about the job; it's a commitment to enhancing your professional journey. So, let's navigate through the pages of my articles together, aiming for a balanced and insightful exploration of empowerment and growth.


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