How to politely decline a job offer in 5 steps

How to politely decline a job offer if it is not good enough or you are in a position where you are offered several opportunities at once? There are times when you will need to turn down a job offer, but not close the door. Because one should always leave the possibility open for some future cooperation.

Although it may seem awkward and you don't know what to do in such a situation, it can become easier if you follow a few guidelines. Below, Zaposlena.hr reveals how to politely decline a business job offer and provides examples of e-mail templates to make sure you're on the right track. Of course, adapt the template to your current situation.

The scenario usually goes like this: You are looking for a new job, you apply for several positions at the same time, you attend several job interviews in different places. And at some point you find yourself in the position of having multiple job offers. Great! But when you think about it, now comes the hard part. You will have to reject a minimum of one employer. And that is not easy at all.

Whether you've received an offer you'd never accept or one you'd consider but eventually have to turn down for a better one, here's how to politely say, "Thanks, or no thanks."

1. DON'T DELAY

Once you've decided to decline a job offer, don't delay contacting the employer. Let him know your decision as soon as possible so that he can arrange a job with another candidate in time.

It is extremely important to be transparent and to inform the company in a timely manner, as this will help them to reach their goal faster.

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE

There is no better advice than to be direct and honest. Don't go overboard with compliments about the company or the people you interacted with, it's just a rejection after all.

Say what you need to say, clearly and simply, respectfully, and avoid getting overly emotional.

3. THANK YOU

One of the most important things you should never forget is to say thank you for the job opportunity. In addition, thank the hiring manager or the employer for their time.

Maintain an appreciative tone throughout your email letting them know you appreciate their efforts and their time. Namely, we mean the people who spent some time reading your resume and application, reviewing your works and tasks and profiles on social networks, and ultimately sitting with you at job interviews.

4. GIVE A REASON, BUT DO NOT BE SPECIFIC

There are a number of reasons why you might decline a business offer. They range from the simple ones, that the company didn't offer you the compensation you were hoping for, then maybe you weren't sure if you would fit in well with your supervisor or colleagues, or you just don't like the culture and management of the company.

All of the above are valid reasons for declining a job offer, but still, you should keep them to yourself and not include them in your job rejection email.

It is enough to say that you have accepted a job offer elsewhere or, simply, that the job offer does not respond to you.

5. OFFER THEM TO KEEP IN TOUCH

If you feel that you have connected with the person on the other end and that you might be able to work well together in the future, but you cannot accept the job offer for other reasons, consider offering them an offer to stay in touch. At the same time, provide your contact information.

You can skip this step – you don't need to feel obligated to mention that you want to stay in touch. But it's not bad to consider this point as a great way to network and build your professional network.