Accepting a job offer can be quite an exciting time in a candidate’s life!
While everyone loves the thrill of accepting a job offer, there are going to be times you have to refuse the position.
There are some solid reasons as to why a candidate may seek to refuse an offer, especially after going through the trouble of sending in a resume and going through the interview process.
Reasons for Refusing a Job Offer
Doesn’t align with career goals
Sometimes when sending out resumes, you may find yourself sending applications for positions you may be overqualified for, or really have no interest in pursuing. As such, when the offer comes your way, you may clearly decide that position may not align with your career goals and thus you decide to pass.
You’ve received a better offer
This could potentially be the most common reason for refusing a position. Sure, you initially wanted the post and may even have taken it if another opportunity hadn’t come your way.
Unrealistic expectations
Very often, you may have an expectation of what a position or company entails, however, when going through the interview process, you may realise your expectations may have exceeded reality.
Whatever your reason may be for declining, it is imperative that you observe essential rules for refusing a job offer. Reason being, Barbados is a small island, you will likely encounter past recruiters, managers and colleagues again. One of the most professional and preferred methods of letting a hiring manager know you’re no longer interested in the position is through phone.
Refusing a job offer by phone
Phone conversations are more direct and intimate than a lot of other communication channels. It is critical that you come across as professional and sincere as possible. Often, your refusal may come as a shock or disappointment to the hiring manager. You therefore, want to sound as genuine as possible in your voice tone, pitch and diction, so as to not potentially burn any bridges for any future opportunities.
Start with gratitude.
The interviewer would have sifted and selected your application through hundreds of other applicants. As such, after greeting the interviewer on the phone, you would begin by saying you’re indeed thankful for their time in considering you to be a part of their organisation.
Decline the offer respectfully
Once you have expressed your gratitude, politely inform them that unfortunately, you would not be able to accept the position. You do not have to go into extensive details as to what your reasoning is. However, it is professional courtesy to let them know the specific reason behind your decision. Not doing so, may lead to uncertainty as to whether there is a problem with their organisation or if it’s your own personal issue.
End on a positive note
State something your clearly admire about their organisation, wish them the best of luck in finding the right candidate for the position and all the best in future endeavors. They will likely reciprocate the same courtesy and your career standing will not be compromised in any way.
Additional tips for declining an offer by phone
The phone conversation should be brief, sincere and professional. Speak in the same professional, conversational tone you would have adopted during the initial interviewing. At the same time, ensure your tone is audible and conveys a sense of genuine warmth.
If you have had interviews with a panel for example, it would be in your best interest to reach out to each member or at least more than one person. Don’t leave a voicemail but try a few times until you get through to the person. If multiple attempts by phone have failed, you can send them an email.
Declining an offer by email
You can still convey feelings with an email, therefore, choose words that seek to deliver in message in the most gracious and sincere way without again, burning bridges.
The subject line
Ensure your email has a subject line that pertains to your application. You do not have to necessarily state you are declining the job in the subject. A good idea would be to state, “Job Application for….” whatever the job position was, with your name in brackets. This way, the hiring manager would know what your email is in relation to.
Body of the email
Ensure that you include the hiring manager name in the beginning of the email with their correct title (Mr., Mrs. or Ms.). Again, your first paragraph should convey gratitude that they considered you for the opportunity. Indicate that you’ve decided to decline the offer due to a specific reason. Keep the reason specific, but keep the unnecessary details out.
End on a positive note
Similar to a phone conversation, end the email on a positive note, wishing them the best in finding a suitable candidate and good wishes for the future. End your email with ‘Sincerely’ under which you would include your full name and contact telephone number.
Tips for declining an offer by email
Remember your email must convey a sense of authenticity and professionalism. Ensure that the tone in your wording is conversational. Avoid the use of harsh language, exclamation marks and complex words. Keep your email concise to the point, where the language is flowing, easy to read and grammatically sound.
Job refusal email template
Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms.,______________
I would like to express my gratitude for offering me the opportunity to work at your company. I also appreciate the time you spent meeting with me to discuss the position and for considering me as a possible candidate.
However, I regret to inform you that I have been offered another career opportunity and as such, I will not be accepting the position.
I would, again, like to express my deepest gratitude for the offer. I do regret that it did not work out, however, I wish you the very best in finding a suitable candidate for the position. I also wish you and the company well in all future endeavors.
Sincerely,
Your name
Your contact information
