How to Decline a Job but Keep the Option Open for the Future
When much of the country is suffering through high unemployment, the idea that a worker has the luxury of declining a job offer may not sound like a problem at all. Nevertheless, some highly skilled candidates may find themselves faced with the serious professional dilemma of how to gracefully decline a job offer without burning the bridge entirely.
Other People Are Reading
-
Just Be Honest
-
According to career coach Connie Thanasoulis-Cerrachio, it's essential that you turn the job down in a way that keeps both your reputation and your professional relationships intact. The best way to do this is to give the potential employer a common sense and concrete reason why you're turning it down. If another company or role is a better fit for you, whether because of its location, potential career path or salary, say so tactfully; however, if salary is the reason, career website TheLadders.com recommends that you don't name it unless the differential is greater than $10,000.
Getting Back Quickly
-
Avoid putting your reasons in an email to the hiring manager several days after the fact. If you want to keep the job or the company as a future possibility, you're better off if you telephone your contact personally, and as soon as you know you're going a different route. Giving the role and the company the respect it deserves, and let them get on with the process of finding another candidate to fill your shoes. If you know of a suitable candidate, let her know; and indicate that you'd like to keep in touch.
-
Paying Your Respects
-
If you like the company but feel that the role is not the best fit for you at this time, tell your contact that you'd like to keep in touch, and that you want to be considered for future opportunities. Then, follow up. If you were honest with your contact about your reasons for not taking the job -- and the reasons were sensible -- then the chances that you earned his respect are good.
Don't String Them Along
-
The worst thing you can do is to waste a hiring manager's time by implying that you're interested in a position when you really want to stay put with a better salary or title. This action -- although tempting and certainly common -- lacks professionalism and is foolish, especially if you intend to pursue this employer in the future. Remember that your reputation is difficult to build but easy to damage; showing a potential employer that you lack loyalty and integrity bodes poorly for your future endeavors.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
