How to Reject a Job Offer via Telephone

You may have to reject the job over the telephone.

Rejecting a job can be a somewhat awkward position for many people, but by going through the appropriate steps, you can make the rejection as seamless as possible. Sometimes you are able to prepare to make the rejection long before the actual conversation, but other times you need to be ready to reject the job during the same conversation in which it is offered. Rejecting a job offer can be especially challenging when the company has invested a lot of time, effort and possibly money in your recruitment.

Instructions

1. Get yourself into the right mind frame. Make an effort to appreciate the offer and the time that the potential employer dedicated into screening you.

2. Thank the person for their time and consideration and tell them you enjoyed learning more about their company. Say that you have thought a lot about the offer and have taken everything into consideration.

3. Let the person who is offering you the job know that you don't accept the offer. State to them why you have made the decision and then thank them again for their time and consideration.

4. Avoid stating negative reasons why you didn't want the job. The potential employer will likely press you for more information about why you didn't accept the job. If the reason was for lack of pay, a better offer or proximity, for example, feel free to say why. If, however, you thought the person who would be your boss is difficult to get along with, you may want to keep the information to yourself and state another reason why you didn't accept, or say the job just isn't right for you.

5. Be confident when turning the job down. You don't need to sound guilty for doing something wrong. Remember that the company rejects many job applicants and you are just as much entitled to reject them.

References

• The Boston Globe: Tactful Ways to Decline a Job Offer and Break Up a Dinner Fight
• AGCareers.com: How to Accept and Reject Job Offers