How To Reject a Job Offer Without Burning Bridges

By April 21, 2017For Talent

After the treacherous ordeal of interviews and applications, multiple job offers might seem like the dream scenario – your brilliance has been recognised and you no longer fear your credit card bill. However, before you pop the champagne or update your social profiles, you need to deal with the rejection call. Don’t be shortsighted, how you turn down a job can have serious repercussions on your later career. So tread carefully as you may be treading on the heart/ego of your interviewer. Our advice:

Be speedy

If you’ve made up your mind to take a role elsewhere, don’t let the offer hang in the air. Bear in mind that the company could be missing out on other candidates while they wait for you to make a decision. Don’t lead them on and don’t waste their time unnecessarily.

Be professional

Make sure you maintain the level of respect and professionalism that you displayed during the interview process. It’s usually better to deliver the news over the phone rather than by email. If the roles were reversed, you’d appreciate a personalised rejection, afford your interviewer the same. If you dealt with a number of interviewers, reach out to as many of them as possible.

Be prepared

When you’re turning down the position, offer reasons why. You don’t need to go into too much detail but it’s good to give the company clarity around why you’re declining the role. If you’re taking a job with a better salary or benefits tell them, but don’t use the rejection as an opportunity to start a bidding war. Be truthful but tactful. Regardless of how annoying or arrogant the interviewer may have been, don’t cite this as a reason for rejecting the job. Satisfaction < Risk

Be gracious

Thank your interviewers for their time and consideration and be as personable as possible. Tell them what you admire about the company and that you appreciate being selected over other candidates. This creates a sense of goodwill even though you’re essentially saying you’d prefer to work elsewhere. It’s not you, it’s me…

Be helpful

It won’t always be appropriate but if you know of someone who would be a good fit for the role, offer to make an introduction. This leaves the door open for further networking.


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Author Aoife Geary

Aoife Geary is the Content Editor at Jobbio specialising in the areas of Workplace Culture, Diversity, Startups and Digital Trends. She's partial to a burrito, a bad pun and living way beyond her means.

More posts by Aoife Geary

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