Who does not want a job? Well, some people turn down some jobs, and for valid reasons. While there are many stories by job seekers regarding the uncertainties and intrigues surrounding clinching their dream job or any job at all, there are equally genuine reasons to turn down some job offers. A person might feel some buyer’s (or job seeker’s) remorse at the proposed conditions of work and halt the preparations towards assuming duty at an organization if another job offer comes with greater appeal. An unanticipated move away from town could propel a change of mind, family emergencies and commitments, matters of the heart such as the presence of an ex with whom one has not had closure or even a love interest, could be upsetting and are factors that could potentially affect commitment to work adversely; they are best averted by declining certain job offers. Whatever it is, jobs can be turned down. Lets know How To Turn Down A Job Offer.
How to turn down that job offer?
Step One: Be sure of your decision to turn down the job offer
Do you, in honest consideration and fair judgment, really want to turn down this job offer? I mean, there are probably several people who would give anything to have the offer you are thinking of rejecting. But then again, be sure you are making the best decision for yourself which you most likely won’t regret later. Ask yourself: Are my reservations about the job genuine and strong enough to make me reject it? Can the terms of engagement be renegotiated to address my worries and accommodate my propositions? Be sure your choice is not merely a whim: sleep on it if you can afford to, make consultations if need be, and you get the drill. Do all you can to avoid making a hasty choice; that way, you can in good conscience move on confidently when you follow through with your preference.
Step Two: Appropriately communicate your decision to the employer
After you have thoroughly examined the proposal and chosen to turn it down, you need to communicate it appropriately. Utilize the best medium possible, usually the established line of correspondence. If the offer was made via email, phone call, a recruitment agent, or any other means, make known your decision to decline the offer promptly and politely through the proper channel. Do not leave it to chance that the employer or organization will know your reasons for rejecting the job offer. Also, it is only fair and proper to duly inform them that you will not be accepting the offer instead of having them stand up. This might be costly in more ways than one: there might be an urgency to fill the position, there could be some arrangements in full swing to accommodate you, and customized to suit you, anything. The would-be employer will most likely appreciate that you make your resolution known on time. Clearly and calmly refusing the job is a better option than just refusing to show up. The latter suggests ineptitude, disregard for the organization, or lack of credibility. In your correspondence, you might state your concerns about not being able to deliver optimally as a result of the issues you have identified. Such feedback could help them improve as a company or brand and it also ensures that they avail someone else the opportunity to fill that position as soon as possible. Promptly and courteously notifying the right person(s) via the right channels about your declination of the job communicates professionalism and regard for corporate standards.
Step Three: Do not allow yourself to be pressurized
Sending the proposed employer, hiring manager, or whoever is acting in that capacity a heads-up about your rejection of the offer should be taken in good faith. However, do not be shocked if they think your choice to refuse their offer is ridiculous or irrational and say so. What appears to the employer as an irresistible offer might just not be right for you. Do not allow your reasoning and judgment to be trivialized. Of course, they might propose a review of the offer, benefits, or terms and conditions. Except you are largely or entirely convinced otherwise, do not rescind your decision. That being said, if a revised proposal appeals to you, by all means, accept it. If you are not persuaded, firmly but politely maintain your standpoint. Also note that in some instances, people are tagged ungrateful or unreasonable for saying no to job offers. For civility, ensure you do not burn your bridges with inappropriate comments or an unseemly attitude. Who knows, though you are unwilling to accept their offer at the moment, there might be an opportunity to work for or with them sometime later. Just know that in the end, the decision is entirely yours to make and you should not be made to feel guilty or awkward about it.
Step Four: Move on
Chances are you are looking out for more suitable job opportunities, attending to the obligations, commitments, and demands that made you decline the job offer, or just taking a breather to assess and reevaluate your life. Whatever it is, stick to your decision to say no, and live with it. This is why a clearheaded choice is pertinent; you are less likely to complain later, and blame yourself or someone else. You should not spend time brooding over what could have been. Rather, focus on what lies ahead to be accomplished: set your heart on making progress, whatever that means to you, and commit to being productively engaged and self-fulfilled.
Conclusion
In conclusion, turning down a job offer is not bad; just be sure it is the right choice for you, and that you decline it properly. Ensure that your reservations about accepting the offer are not ignored by the employer or their representative. If the terms are renegotiated and suit you, you can reconsider. Otherwise, move on, happy and fulfilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When turning down a job offer, should I talk to someone about it, a family member, or a friend?
Answer: By all means, you can. If you trust someone’s discretion and sincerity to give you sound advice, you can seek their opinion on the decision to be made with the caveat that you have the final say. After all, the job offer is YOURS, so the call should be yours to make.
2. If the employer thinks rejecting the offer is unreasonable, should I just take it?
Answer: You should not be harassed into taking what you are convinced is not right for you. Except for the terms of engagement are revised and suit you, or you realize the choice to decline was merely impulsive, do not take the job. This spares everyone involved the agony of half-hearted commitment, burnout, job dissatisfaction, or self-pity. Choose what is best for you.
3. Can I accept another job offer from the same employer in the future?
Answer: Yes, you can. You can accept a (more) suitable offer at another time when you are physically, mentally, and otherwise ready. This is why tact is important when turning down a job offer.
Remember, the next job offer might be just what you want, and you might be more than willing and ready to accept it.
