Switching Down employment Offer along with Grace
Receiving a job offer can be exciting, but sometimes unforeseen circumstances may lead you to decline a recently offered position. There are moments in life when a better job offer comes your way, surpassing the one you have already accepted. While you may wonder about the feasibility of thriving in what seems like a “top-of-the-line” position, it’s crucial to ensure that you don’t burn bridges when declining another company’s job offer.
Declining an offer from a company after you have recently accepted one is not an easy decision. Recognizing that the company has invested time, effort, and resources in interviewing you can be agonizing, not to mention the extra effort they put into making your transition smooth. However, it’s important to remember that accepting a job offer is not final until you’ve signed any documents. So, if you haven’t put pen to paper, you can still contemplate your options and decline the job you believe is less favorable.
How to Politely Decline a Job Offer
How should you decline a job offer? Here are some tips to help you navigate this process, ensuring a respectful outcome for both parties:
Never ignore a job offer
Ignoring a job offer is a major faux pas. It doesn’t cast you in a favorable light and may make you appear unprofessional. Always acknowledge a job offer. Furthermore, if you realize right away that you’re not interested in the position, inform them promptly. This way, they can extend the offer to another selected candidate.
If you have to decline the job, do it without delay
If you intend to decline a job offer, do so as soon as possible. Stringing the company along and dropping the ball at the last minute can be frustrating for your potential employer.
Provide them with the opportunity to seek other candidates if you’re no longer interested in the position. Also, don’t let the other company invest extra effort in making you feel comfortable with the job offer if you intend to reject it. This will only worsen the situation when you decline their offer.
Be professional when declining an offer
Just because you’re choosing to decline their offer and pursue another career path doesn’t mean you should complain or badmouth them about your interview experience. Maintain proper professional etiquette. You never know if you’ll cross paths with them in the future, so it’s essential to preserve the rapport you’ve built during the interview.
Say something positive about the company and appreciate their efforts in accommodating you. When explaining why you chose another job offer, always frame it as a choice between two excellent opportunities. Avoid making it seem like an insult to the other company. Focus on the opportunity and refrain from detailing why the other company appears superior to the one you’re rejecting.
Recommend someone else
If there’s ever a time to lend a helping hand, now is the time to do so. Recommend someone who could potentially fill the position in your stead. Even if that person doesn’t accept the offer, introducing someone is a gesture of goodwill. Don’t forget to leave a positive impression and reputation behind.
Maintain that bridge
Especially for those working in specific fields, you may want to stay in touch with the person (even if you won’t be working for them). As mentioned earlier, every industry is smaller than you think. You might cross paths with that individual again. Therefore, try to keep the relationship in good standing, even if you’ve come to decline their offer.
Rejecting job offers can be challenging and overwhelming, but when you understand the proper ways to decline one, you can become a successful professional who knows how to keep doors open.
Erin Alberts is a multi-awarded speaker upon career plus employee plus human source development.
Picture Source: Stocksnap. io
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