You are done with your final semester of your academic studies and are awaiting your results, which should be out in another week or so. In the mean time, you take up the task of preparing your resume and cover letter, looking up for openings, following up with companies, and setting interviews for positions you are interested in. Interestingly, you get through most of the companies. Well, first congratulations for the success you've had but know that this success is but a tricky one. For, you now need to figure out which is the best amongst all and what to do about the rest. After much speculation, you find one that best suits your need and interest. Are you now thinking what to do about the rest? The best option, in such a case, is to reject other job offers, though politely and in a proper manner, as you never know when you might be called upon by the same company or when you might need to approach it in future for a different opening. A proper and gracious rejection will ensure the company that you can be looked upon favorably in the future when required. For, if you decline the offer in a harsh manner, you will result yourself landing in the blacklist, by certain business houses. Following certain steps to decline a job offer can help you maintain positive relationships with the employer concerned, even after declining the offer. Read on.
Declining A Job Offer
Respond in Time
Do not wait for the employers to contact you about your decision of agreeing or declining on working with their company. Also, don’t wait for ages to pass on your decision, if they haven’t contacted you. Be courteous enough to inform your decision as soon as possible, so that they can start hiring another suitable candidate for the position. You may have topped the list of five candidates suitable for the said position, but the other four candidates may be in need of the job more than you, bearing to the fact that you have found a better opportunity somewhere else. By replying back in time, you’ll be helping others; thus, doing a good job than a bad one.
Be Grateful
Even if the position was not suitable for you, no matter how low salary you were offered, and irrespective of whether you liked or loathed the office or staff, be grateful to the company that they gave you a chance to work with them and become a part of their team, unlike companies who didn’t even bother to give you a call. Express your gratitude for giving you an opportunity to work with them and selecting you from the large list of candidates who were looking for the same job. While being thankful to them to short-listing you, express your denial for not joining the company. This gracious denial would set a positive impression in the mind of the employer and help you get a better offer from the same company in the future.
Be Clear and Honest
Don't even think of lying to the company about your refusal to join them, as this would land you in a bigger mess than you can even imagine. Remember, for you these are different companies, but in actuality, every company has some sort of connection with each other and lies like this spreads like wild fire. And once caught, your reputation might be at stake and you may be blacklisted. Instead, clearly state and explain the reason for not accepting the offer. Probably, they can help you, especially if you have plans of working with the same company in the future.
Stick To Your Decision
If you’re not sure about declining a job offer, do not put the company in a dilemma either. First, decide what you want to do with the offered job and pass on the same decision to the company. Stick to your decision and clearly communicate the same to your potential employers. Avoid using words like “maybe in the future” or “I don’t know”. Also, after refusing, don't call up to state that you are ready to join as this would only show your lack of consistency and decision-power.
Communicate Properly
A job refusal can be passed on through a verbal response or a written one, though a combination of both is ideal. Let the company know about your decline first on phone and then, mail them for an official refusal. While writing a rejection letter, make sure you write in proper format. Think about what you will include in it and sketch it with precision and politeness. Do not start blurting out reasons instantly. Instead, thank them for offering the job in the first place and then start off with the reasons for declining the same. Avoid using slang while speaking and grammatical mistakes while typing.
Express Professionalism
After you have faced the interview but have no plans of joining the company, exhibit professionalism while declining the offer. Since you must have discussed things in the interview, giving excuses, like “less salary” or “office too far”, make no sense. It is understood that you must have negotiated the salary at the time of interview and mentioned that the workplace is too far from your place. Speaking out the truth might help the company arrange a quarter for you to live nearby or other benefits, like bonus, perks, increments, incentive, and so on. Besides, if you are rejecting the offer because you’ve been offered a better position and salary by the rival company, revealing the truth can help you earn a higher package and an even better position.
Now that you know how to decline a job offer, things will be easier for you on accepting the offer or looking for better options. Though there is nothing as a perfect job in a perfect company, but trying to grab the most suitable job is never a bad idea!
