How to refuse a job offer cordially? 8 tips

Guidelines and recommendations for saying no to a job offer as politely as possible.

Many of us study, do internships... until we enter the world of work. When we begin to enter it, this world seems to us as interesting as it is unfamiliar.

We all imagine ourselves happily saying "Yes!" to a job offer, but... what happens when we decide to reject one of them? It often happens that we don't know how to do it so as not to look "bad" to the company. Therefore, in this article we will look at different key ideas on how to reject a job offer in a cordial way..

How to politely turn down a job offer

Many of us think about how happy we will be if they call us from that interview we have done to tell us that we have been selected for the vacancy in question, but... what happens when instead we decide to reject a job offer? But what happens when we decide to turn down a job offer instead?

First of all, it should be clear that it is imperative that we take the selection process seriously, that we value the work of those we select.We must value the work of recruiters (human resources professionals who interview and select candidates) and be honest and sincere throughout the process.

Without further ado, let's get to know some of the best tips on how to reject a job offer in a cordial way:

1. Be transparent throughout the process

The first tip on how to turn down a job offer in a cordial manner has to do with sincerity throughout the entire selection process. So, in reality, in order to leave a good image of ourselves when we reject an offer, it is advisable to show a positive attitude from the beginning of the process, not just at the end..

By this we mean that, if you are in more than one selection process, you should say so from the beginning during the interviews you conduct; this does not detract points as a candidate, on the contrary, recruiters already know that when you are looking for a job (and even if you are not actively looking) it is very likely that the applicant is in more than one process.

Knowing this information will help them to know your situation, in addition to your profile, and will make things easier in case you finally reject the offer (as they already knew you were in the (as they already knew that you were in more processes, they will not be caught off guard, and they will be able to organize themselves better).

2. Communicate it immediately

Once you know that the offer does not interest you, whether you have already been told that you have been selected or not (especially in the latter case), it is important that you communicate your decision to reject the offer as soon as possible.

In this way, you show that you value the work of those responsible for the process, as they will value the work of those responsible for the process.They will be glad to know as soon as possible so that they can organize themselves and not count on you, call other candidates, etc.

3. Make a call (avoid e-mail)

Imagine that you have already opted for another offer, or you simply want to reject a certain offer for "X" reasons (there are many).

So, if you have already advanced through the different phases of the selection process and you have been notified that you are the selected candidate, but you wish to reject the offer, the best thing to do is to communicate it via telephone.

As a general rule, it is better to avoid e-mails, since you can provide more information through a phone call, and it is a much closer act that the recruiter will appreciate.

In any case, if you finally choose to communicate your decision by e-mail, at least make sure you do not make any spelling or grammatical mistakes (pass the proofreader!) and use clear, concise and respectful language.

4. Be sincere

Another tip on how to refuse a job offer in a cordial manner is in line with the first one, as it has to do with the following it has to do once again with sincerity and frankness..

These two values should also prevail when you communicate that you finally reject the offer. Logically, we should not always explain everything to those responsible for the process, but we should explain, in summary form, your reasons for rejecting the offer.

5. State your reasons

In line with the previous section, it is advisable to you share the reasons that led you to make the decision to reject the offer in question. in question. This is another of the key ideas on how to reject a job offer in a cordial manner.

In addition, this can serve as feedback for the interviewers, and learn more about the sector of the job offer (e.g. that there is a lot of mobility in that sector, that salaries range "X" range, that candidates prefer to travel -or not to travel-, etc.).

6. Value the recruiters' work.

At this point it is important to emphasize the importance of value the work of the recruiter and/or the people with whom we have had contact throughout the selection process. throughout the selection process.

We can express this with phrases such as: "I thank you for the good communication you have maintained with me throughout the process", "It has been a pleasure to have been contacted by you", "Thank you for the feedback after the interview", etc.

7. Show your gratitude

There is a phrase that says: "Being talented opens many doors, being grateful keeps them open". Who knows if, in the future, you won't want to knock again on the door you decided to close today?

This is more common than we think, and although we may not be interested in a particular job offer today, perhaps in the future our plans, expectations, desires or needs will change.

Showing gratitude at the end of the process, when we decide to reject the offer, in addition to making a good impression, allows us to keep the doors open in that job offer, allows us to keep the doors open in that company for the future.. In addition, it is a way of thanking the recruiters for their work, which they surely appreciate.

8. Do not close the doors

In relation to the previous point about how to reject a job offer in a cordial way, a piece of advice is not to close the doors to the company, a piece of advice is that you do not close the doors to the company at all (in case you are really interested and/or the offer is minimally attractive to you).

We can express this with a sentence at the end of the conversation, along the lines of, "I hope we can stay in touch for future offers, since your company/offer really seems interesting to me..."

Bibliographical references:

• Blasco, R.D. (2004). Recruitment and selection of personnel: old and new role of the psychologist. Revista Psicologia: Organizações e Trabalho, 4(1): 91-122.
• Vértice Team. (2007). Selección de personal. Editorial Vértice. Spain.
• Jiménez, D.P. (2016). Manual de recursos humanos. (3rd ed). ESIC, Business & Marketing School. Professional business books.