Looking for a job is not a simple process.
There are several complexities that can occur while one is in the midst of a job search. To quote a phrase, ‘there is many a slip between the cup and lip’ while one is seeking and eventually deciding on a job.
You may feel under pressure to accept a job offer at the negotiation table or may accept it under certain circumstances before giving it a second thought.
Whatever the reason, if you find yourself in a situation where you have been offered a job and are now inclined to decline it, it can be a tricky situation.
This article provides decision-making tips and guidelines for declining a job offer after having accepted it earlier. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:
You are not alone
It’s important to remember that you wouldn’t be the first person to decline a job offer after accepting it, nor will you be the last.
Hiring, firing, and disagreements are everyday matters and normal processes for a company. While it could mean a lot on a personal/professional level for an individual, for a company to have someone refuse a position is simply a company matter that failed to be resolved.
Therefore, don’t worry too much about the emotions like ‘what will they think or what can happen to me if I refuse’ that are stirring up your conscience.
Acceptable Reasons for Declining a Job Offer
There are several reasons that one can give oneself when deciding to decline a job offer after having accepted it earlier.
In any case, maintain your professionalism with these helpful tips and strategies.
Here are some genuine reasons:
1. Job accepted too early in the process:
Sometimes, one does not know his or her own capacities and abilities.
Consequently, a person applies for a number of jobs and may be selected for the first or second job out of twenty that they have actually applied for. Of course, most applicants are sensible enough to answer call and interview letters from other institutions even if they are in the final stages of an interview with a company. This sometimes results in a person having multiple job offers at hand.
This scenario is well known in human resource circles, and you can refuse the job on these grounds.
2. The financial aspect:
With the financial turmoil all over the world still prevailing, the financial aspect attached to a job has become more important.
While a few years ago, one could work even on a lesser salary if he or she liked the job, it is no longer possible today.
You could easily inform the company about the financial constraints that do not allow you to take on the job opportunity.
3. Overlooking the details:
Another reason that would seem to be much more practical and believable was ‘missing out on the fine print’.
You can elaborate saying that you were just taken up with the job search process and had accepted the job offer without going into the details, which led you to miss some of the job offer components that were quite instrumental in your decision which job offer to accept.
4. Miscellaneous reasons:
Other reasons that can be accepted as proper reasons are ‘better prospects came along’, or even ‘the job was not doing anything great for enhancing my skills’.
These were just the types of reasons that one can give for declining a job that you have been accepted for previously. Here comes the action –
How to Decline a Job Offer after Accepting It
Trying not to burn any bridges is the best advice when it comes to the steps one may take for declining a job offer after having accepted it.
Though there is no need to give them the exact reason, it is thoroughly unprofessional for you to disappear or not attend on the first day on the job without providing a proper explanation.
Here are the two steps you may take:
- Decline over the phone: It’s important to speak with the company over the phone in a courteous and professional manner. It’s recommended to speak with the person who initially interviewed you, if possible.
- Follow up with an email or letter: After declining the job offer over the phone, it’s important to document your decision by sending an email or letter confirming your decline.
It’s crucial to approach the situation in a practical and professional manner. This not only leaves a positive impression on the company, but it also helps maintain your network.
For more information on how to decline a job offer, check out our article on the topic.