Many people assume that it’s only one’s personal life that can be a cause of emotional stress. However, spending most of our week, and a huge chunk of our day at work, can very well impact our moods. In fact, where we are in our careers and the work culture of our current jobs can make us feel psychologically distressed if we aren’t in a good place.
Thus, when looking for a new job, we apply to as many companies as we can, hoping to find one good opportunity out of the many options available. Sometimes, an opportunity knocks at our doors. But if for whatever reason, we have to turn down a job offer, it can feel like an awkward situation to many.
However, one should do it politely and in a way that doesn’t make the company shut its doors for you, forever.
When should you reject a job offer?
Here are a few reasons you should reject a job offer:
1) You have a better opportunity in hand.
2) They are offering you compensation much lower than what you deserve.
3) The company is offering you a lower designation.
4) The growth scale in the company isn’t that good.
5) If they do not have a work from home option and you prefer that.
6) The location of the company isn’t convenient.
7) You have personal reasons that make the move difficult.
8) Your notice period is longer than the time they can wait for.
9) You feel the position and job responsibilities are not that suitable for you.
How to reject a job offer
Do not criticise their company
If you want their doors to remain open for you in the future, refrain from speaking ill of their company. If you have certain issues with their work culture or the compensation offered, speak of your concerns but don’t speak negatively of them.
Explain your reason but keep it crisp
Whether it is the compensation or a personal reason, keep your reason short and crisp. Also, let them know if your response is up for negotiation.
Be polite
It’s important to remain professional and polite in your speech when rejecting an offer. If not, the company will blacklist you and even the HR (who may move to a different company later) may not want to work with you again.
Do it as soon as possible
To save them the inconvenience, it is only ethical if you reject a job offer as soon as possible. This is so they can hire the next person they liked.
Choose the correct medium of communication
Reject a job offer through the mode of communication you have been primarily using to converse with the hiring manager. You can call them, talk it out or simply send a written communication via text or email.
Sample emails for rejecting a job offer
Sample 1:
Dear *insert name*,
Hope you are doing well.
Thank you for offering me this opportunity, I appreciate.
While I am keen on working with your company, the compensation offered doesn’t match my expectations.
Thus, unfortunately, I will have to let this opportunity go.
Here’s hoping in future we will be able to work together.
Thank you once again.
Best regards,
*insert your name*
Sample 2:
Dear *insert name*,
Hope you are doing well.
Thank you for offering me this opportunity, I appreciate it.
While I am keen on working with your company, I will not be able to move to Bangalore at such short notice.
I understand you are looking for an immediate joinee. Thus, I won’t be able to take this up currently.
Here’s hoping in future there will be better and more conducive circumstances.
Thank you once again.
Best regards,
*insert your name*
Dos and Don’ts of rejecting a job offer
1) Do not ghost your recruiter. If you don’t want to join, call them or send them an email.
2) Inform them as soon as possible.
3) Do not be impolite while rejecting the job offer.
4) Mention your reason but briefly.
5) Let them know if your response can be changed with a solution offered.
How to be gracious and polite while rejecting a job offer
1) Stick to professional language.
2) Do not criticise the company.
3) State your reason and your disappointment in not being able to join.
4) If it is a personal reason, apologise for the inconvenience caused.
5) Thank them for the opportunity.
Conclusion
There will be many opportunities that you will reject, however doing so with politeness is important.
FAQs:
1) Should I email or call HR?
Choose the mode of communication primarily used by HR throughout the process.
2) Should I let them know if I will be willing to change my answer if they solve my problem?
Yes, it might work out.
Also Read: How To Best Introduce Yourself In A Job Interview