An Offer You CAN Refuse

"Congratulations, you got the job!"  

Those are the words every job hunter wants to hear, right?  Yet, even if you're in the enviable position of receiving such an offer, what do you do if it's just not the right job for you?

Maybe you're thinking of turning down a job offer for one or more of the following reasons:

A mismatch in 

--salary or benefits expectations

--working environment or company culture

--corporate structure

--scheduling needs

--a range of other reasons, from personal and ethical, to social and practical (e.g., commute time)

 

There's no reason to feel guilty about having to decline an offer when key aspects of a job don't meet your needs.  However, here are some tips on how to ease some of the discomfort of turning down a job.
 

During the job search and interview:

Do your basic research.  To avoid wasting your time and the employer's time, it's your responsibility to do the research on the information that's available, for instance, regarding posted salaries, goals and reputation of the company, and the responsibilities of the position. 

Be clear about your own requirements.   If you have particular priorities, like a flexible schedule or retirement plan, include these key phrases in your job search.

Before and during the interview, determine what you need in order to accept the position. If these things are not already explicit in the job posting, ask the employer about the flex time, the work culture, and so forth, near the end of the interview.  Getting information about—and politely stating—your top priorities will save you and the employer the trouble of further consideration if the job is not a good fit. 

 

After Receiving the Offer:

Be sure of your answer before you decline.  If you're on the fence about taking a job, make yourself a list of pros and cons, with your top priorities noted.  

Don't be afraid to ask the employer for a reasonable period of time to arrive at a decision after learning about the scope of your responsibilities, salary and benefits.  "I'm taking this opportunity very seriously.  May I have a couple days to think about it?"   

Find out if there's room for negotiation.  There's no harm in politely informing the hiring officer if your deal breaker is the salary or benefits.   You don't know unless you ask. "I would love to work for this organization, but the current offer does not match my salary needs.  Would you be willing to re-consider?"

In negotiating, it is important to highlight your skills, experience and the value you would bring to the organization.  There’s a chance the employer could upgrade your package.  

Provide a reason for turning down the offer.

Examples:  

"I really appreciate the offer, but upon reflection, I'm seeking something more in line with my long-term career goals."

“While I’m very grateful for this offer, I have decided I need to build more experience in ___ area to achieve my career goals.”

"I'm thankful for the opportunity to work with such a great company, but I'm looking for a higher salary/greater flexibility to accommodate my family obligations.”

In general, avoid declining a job offer by email (and never text!).  Especially if the offer is made via phone, call the hiring manager back.  You want to come across as direct, personable and accessible.  A follow-up email might be appropriate after you’ve spoken to the employer, or if you left a voice message.

First and last, remain respectful and consider the employer’s time and effort in the hiring process.  Never criticize the workers or the company itself.  After making it this far, you want to maintain friendly contacts, not burn bridges. Explicitly express your appreciation of the positive aspects of the company and your interview experience.  Industries and job fields can be smaller than you think.  You may eventually encounter these same hiring managers again at some point in your career, and particularly as you network.  Having stood out as qualified for the job, turning it down graciously allows you to extend this positive image and potentially gain influential contacts in your network.

 

 

Adapted from

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-turn-down-a-job-offer-2015-4
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/08/13/how-to-turn-down-a-job-offer/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2014/06/26/how-to-negotiate-your-salary-once-you-have-the-job-offer/