How to Turn Down a Job Offer the Right Way

After 20 years in the Recruitment industry, I have become accustomed to people letting me down.

When I started way back in 2002, I managed an industrial temp desk, where it was the norm to need to book 10 people for a 6 person booking to fill your quota. Now at Streamline, I head up a division of consultants recruiting white-collar placements in the Constructions Built Environment sector, but I still encounter the same problems.

At this point, you would think I've heard all the excuses going, but even to this day, there is always a new way for someone to let me down. Candidates reject job offers, seek to change terms at the eleventh hour or even simply go AWOL and not show up.

The current market has continued to be heavily candidate driven and from a candidate perspective it's a great time to be on the job search. Demand is very high. Commonly, people receive multiple job offers at one time leaving candidates in a powerful position where they can make demands.

Post-Covid many want flexible, hybrid working arrangements amongst other benefits. The need to acquire the right talent means employers are more likely to agree to these terms. It also means that employers need to undertake lengthy and often costly recruitment searches for candidates.

Often the process is frustrating, and applicants should understand that letting an employer or recruiter down in the wrong way is likely to reflect poorly on them, thus creating lasting problems for them.

Ultimately a good candidate in the current marketplace is likely to receive multiple offers of employment and will probably have to let someone down. No company or recruiter will want to hear that you have chosen another company or opportunity over theirs, however, informing them of your decision in the right way is very important for both current and long-term relationships.

So, if you decide that a job isn't right for you, how can you avoid causing frustration or burning bridges when dealing with a recruiter?

Always at the very least, make the phone call.

When you have to deliver bad news to someone, especially at the last minute, making a phone call to the recruiter should be the bare minimum.

Commonly a candidate will accept a position with a client and have the best intentions. However, high demand means that candidates often later receive an improved offer elsewhere or a very attractive counteroffer from their current company.

The most frustrating thing in this scenario is receiving an email or text to inform you of the decision and then not being able to get hold of the candidate to find out what changed. Sometimes even blocking your calls. This will burn bridges and reduce the opportunity for you to work with that company in the future.

I liken this to a long-term relationship. If you want to break up with someone, yes, it's easiest to send and hide behind a text message, yet we all know the right thing to do is rip the bandage off and explain yourself in person.

Take the time out and make contact. Say thank you, show empathy and explain your decisions to maintain the relationship. In my experience, of course, it's disappointing when a candidate doesn't take a great offer I worked hard to generate. Despite this, I always appreciate the respect shown in taking the time to call me and explain your reasons. This also leaves the door open should you want to work with them again in the future.

Avoid that last-minute let-down.

The best way to do this can be to consider your options before accepting the job offer. Keep your criteria in mind early in the hiring process, but how do you know if a company is a wrong fit?

The obvious one is salary. Low remuneration will leave you disgruntled and always with an eye out elsewhere. Discuss this early in the application process to ensure you're in the correct ballpark. If the only reason you're leaving your current role is salary, reach out to your employer before entering the job market. They may offer you what you are looking for straight away, meaning there isn't any need to look elsewhere.

Think about the company culture. If it's not right for you, you won't be satisfied. Poor reviews or company reputation often shed light on this. Conduct some research before making any decisions. Do you know anyone in the industry who has worked for the company before? If yes, ask for their opinion. If not, check sites such as Glassdoor to get an insight into what it's like to work there. 

Is the work-life balance right for you? Make sure the job fits around your schedule, including working hours, a feasible commute and anything else that may impact your personal life. Even for a substantial salary, taking on a lengthy commute that gives you an unhealthy work-life balance sets you up for failure.

Considering all these factors early in the interview process saves your own and the employer's time. Doing this means that if you decide that it is not for you, it's more likely to be sooner than later.

Sometimes, no matter how much legwork you do, you reach the end of the process and decide it's simply not the right move for you. So, if you need to let an employer down, what is the best way to go about it?

Don't delay. The sooner you communicate your doubts, the better. They still need to fill that position, and keeping the employer waiting can be a bad reflection on you. 

Give your reasons. Be honest. Feedback could help them improve their hiring process or better understand your position.                             

Use it as a networking opportunity. Say thank you for the opportunity and for your time. Perhaps even connect with them on LinkedIn to stay in touch.

Absolutely a recruiter will do everything they can to retain you. Despite this, every individual must make the best decision for their career and well-being. Taking on a new job is a crucial change for you and your family. If you feel that the company isn't right for you, declining the job offer is probably the best thing for all parties.

Unfortunately, sometimes the last-minute rejection is the only solution, yet often it's not the case. Making the effort matters. It prevents you from appearing negatively, saves time and shows respect to the employer.