Rick Maher’s Professional Notes

My earlier post, How To: Accept and Decline Job Offers has been very successful, especially with visitors who searched the web for info on the declining portion. Since that original post was mostly about accepting job offers, I thought I would write in a little more detail about declining job offers. This post does just that, and touches on why you should always call and talk to a real person to decline a job offer, what to say when talking to that person, how to follow up using a professional letter, and issues to be mindful and tactful about when you decline a job offer.

Always Call to Decline a Job Offer
No matter what happened in the interview process, or how insulting the offer was, always at least call your recruiter if you are going to decline a job offer. Do not let the first word of your decision be through e-mail or even on voice mail. People know people, and if you decide to shoot your mouth off and tell the recruiter what a terrible experience you had or how much you thought of their offer, you should expect for that decision to burn you down the road. Have the decency to call and speak with a recruiter to let them know that you have decided to pursue other options.

What to Say
When you get your recruiter on the phone, be as professional as possible, but do not waste their time. Say something like “Thank you very much for the opportunity to interview for your position, but I have decided to look into my other options.” Then, address any of their questions if they have any with courtesy and professionalism.

What’s Next - A Professional Letter
An excellent way to really make sure that you do not burn any bridges with a company whose offer you are turning down is to follow the phone discussion up with a very professional hand written letter. Remember, things can change very quickly, the company you decline may buy out the company you are accepting with and the last thing you want is a boss who already doesn’t like you! The letter is especially important if you received an official offer letter in the mail. In fact, many times, these official letters ask that you respond using that very letter whether you decide to accept or decline. Let me stress, do not just return the letter with the “I Decline this Job Offer” box checked! Make the phone call, then send the letter. Virginia Tech Career Services provides an example letter declining a job offer. However, I would even say to cut off the last paragraph and stick to the absolute essential information.

General Advice - Be Tactful
If you are in a position like me where you are often around a number of candidates for a job (ie: coming out of college where your classmates may also be in the running), remember to be very tactful about what you say. If you decline the job offer, someone is going to get the offer next. Do not get caught in a tough spot by talking down the company or the offer only to find out that the person who actually accepted the offer heard (or overheard) your words. This advice goes right along with never discussing details of any offer (especially one that you have already or might turn down) with others who could potentially be in the running for the position.

Declining a job offer does not have to be hard, and if done right can lead to a great inside contact at a potential future supplier, customer, partner, or employer.