How to Say You Are Not Interested in the Job

It may be best to say "no, thank you" to a job if the position doesn't offer room for advancement.

Receiving an offer in a competitive job market can be exciting. However, it's sometimes necessary to decline a job offer in favor of a position that is more suited to your interests, salary requirements, or career path. If you have to turn down a job for any reason, it's best to turn down the offer as soon as you've settled on a decision, and to use graceful and tactful language when explaining your choice to the hiring manager.

Things You'll Need

• Telephone
• Computer

Instructions

1. Consider the pros and cons of each position you've been offered. For instance, think about the salary for each job, the relocation requirements (if any) or the possibility for promotion to help you make your decision concerning which job is absolutely best for you.

2. Call the hiring manager or professional who interviewed you as soon as you've made your choice, ideally within a few days. According to Ginny Clarke, in her book, "Career Mapping: Charting Your Course in the New World of Work," it's best to call instead of emailing, since a phone call appears more considerate A phone call is a way to have a conversation where you can possibly offer positive feedback to the hiring manager that could enhance the company's interview or selection process.

3. State briefly that you appreciate being offered the job, but have decided to take another position that is best for your career track. Be honest, yet tactful. For instance, if you've decided to take a job that appeals more to your interests, let the hiring manager know that you feel you'd thrive more professionally in the position you've chosen because you're passionate about the work. If the position you've decided on offers more money, it's not wise to say "the money's better at another job." Simply state that you feel the another position would be a more ideal for your family.

4. Explain any urgent matters that are preventing you from taking the job you've been offered. If the position requires you to move to another city or state, and pressing family circumstances are keeping you from relocating in the time frame the company requires, be clear about this during your phone call. This preserves your integrity, and keeps the possibility of future networking open.

5. Thank the interviewer once again for offering the position, and extend your appreciation to any other individuals involved in the interview process.

6. Send a follow-up email with your contact information at your new job once you've settled into the position. This helps you to expand your professional network, and reinforces the good rapport you've established with the company whose position you've declined. If possible, refer another qualified reputable professional for the job you turned down.

References

• The Ladders; Gracefully Decline a Job Offer; Andrew Klappholz; January 2011.
• Monster.com; Sample Letter Declining a Job Offer; Kim Isaacs; 2011.

Resources

• Free Money Finance: How to Decline a Job Offer without Burning a Bridge