Sometimes we are fortunate enough to have multiple job offers, which means you get to pick from a few opportunities. Other times you might be receiving one offer, but don’t think it is a good fit for you. But you might feel nervous about turning down a job, wondering — is it rude to decline a job offer?
It is not rude to decline a job offer if you do it the right way. Don’t take too long to let the company know your decision, and make sure to communicate the message clearly. You can politely decline the offer after showing your appreciation and explaining your decision to decline the job.
We’re going to take a look at the best ways to decline a job offer without being rude so that you don’t feel as much stress!
Is Declining a Job Offer Considered Unprofessional?
Declining a job offer is not considered unprofessional as long as you are respectful to the employers that have offered you a position. If you feel a job isn’t a good fit for you after the application or trial process, you have every right to turn down a job offer. An interview doesn’t bind you to a job. It isn’t rude or unprofessional to decline a job offer provided you behave professionally.
It would be unprofessional to accept the offer just because it is a job when you won’t be happy in the position. In this case, you won’t be likely to give your all in the job and you have taken a position away from someone else who would.
The best way to be professional about declining a job offer is to be prompt, courteous and concise.
Remember that the hiring team have gone through this whole process of interviewing and attempting to recruit the best person for the job. Be appreciative of their time and offer. By keeping a good attitude and getting back to employers as quickly as possible, you won’t be taken as unprofessional for declining a job offer.
Let’s see what kind of behaviour will make you look professional and polite while declining an offer.
How to Decline a Job Offer Politely
Show your appreciation towards the recruitment process
Before you decline a job offer, take the time to thank the hiring team for selecting you for the role. It’s ideal to thank them for something specific like answering all your questions and being kind. This shows your respect and gratitude for the experience despite your decision to decline the job offer.
Remember, hiring managers spend a lot of time selecting the right candidate for a position. There are hours dedicated to going through resumes, shortlisting people, interviewing and trialling them. Some positions involve multiple interviewing rounds. The process of finding and hiring good employees can be hard and long. This is why you should always show your appreciation for their time and consideration.
Give a clear reason for declining a job offer
You should always mention why you have decided to decline the offer. You don’t need to go into detail, often it’s better to keep most of the information to yourself. But sometimes employers will ask you for the reason behind your decision. There can be many reasons for your decision to decline the offer:
- The salary may not be sufficient.
- The company may be too far away to commute.
- Their working schedule might not be flexible or fit your life.
- The job profile may not fit you.
- You may have decided to accept another offer.
Be brief and honest about your reasons, but at the same time, remember to be tactful. It’s not rude to say that you have accepted an offer from another company, which would help to build your skills and develop your career. If the salary is the main reason, you can mention this to the employer and see if they are open to negotiation. But if you have another offer that has a better salary and is a better job for you, don’t focus on this reason. This is when you can politely say that you have already accepted an offer from another company.
If you’re working through a labour-hire company, you should communicate your reasons to the labour-hire teams as well. This way they will be able to help you out more as a labour worker for hire, matching you to jobs that suit your availability and needs.
Choose your medium for declining a job offer carefully
Once you have decided to turn down the job offer, consider what medium you want to use to convey your decision to the company. Most people prefer to use email to communicate with recruiters. This way they have time to plan and draft their answer before sending it through. But a phone call would add a personal touch to your response. It really shows how much you have appreciated the process and makes sure that your decision is received in the right tone. You’re displaying your ability to use good communication skills which will be appreciated by the hiring team. Sometimes emails can come across in a harsher manner than a phone call. Ultimately it is up to you, but either way, make sure to convey your appreciation through whatever medium. An email or phone calls are the two best options.
Keep the line of communication open
At the end of your conversation or message declining a job offer, you should indicate a willingness to stay in touch with the company. If you’re declining the offer because that particular job doesn’t suit you, but you’re still interested in the company, let them know directly. This way you are keeping a line of communication open with them for any future opportunities.
What Not to Do When Declining a Job Offer?
If you don’t want to appear rude while turning down a job, avoid the below pitfalls at all costs.
Don’t avoid responding about a job offer
It’s normal to get anxious and feel awkward about declining a job offer. This can lead some people to not respond through email or any other way of communicating to the company at all. Declining a job offer isn’t rude but avoiding communication after receiving an offer is. Let the company know your decision as soon and politely as possible. This gives the hiring team time to get back to finding someone else for the vacant position.
Be clear about your decision to turn down a job
Clearly communicate that you are turning down the job offer. Don’t use vague language that can be easily misinterpreted. There’s no need to beat around the bush. Just directly tell them that you won’t be able to accept the offer.
Don’t be overly specific about your reasons for declining a job offer
It’s a good idea to offer an explanation for turning down a job offer, but something short and simple will always do the trick. You can get away with just saying you are unable to accept the offer at this time, but that you are grateful for the experience. Or you can mention the true reason, such as accepting another offer or not feeling like the job suits you. But there is no need to go into a very detailed description of your reasons. The hiring team are unlikely to question your response, especially if you approach them in a polite way.
A lot of people feel as if it is rude to decline a job offer, but that’s not the case. We can’t be expected to work every offer that we ever receive, especially if the job isn’t right for us. But it is possible to decline a job in a rude manner. This is why you need to keep a positive attitude and communication going between the employers and yourself.
Some people get very anxious about new jobs, which is why communication with employers is so important. But the good news is that we have the best advice for your job anxiety, especially your first graduate job! Ever wondered if it’s a good idea to apply for the same job twice? Check out our article to help you out! Alongside our workplace and labour resource articles, Rednax Recruitment is proud to connect employers with reliable skilled and general labour workers.
