How to politely decline a job offer...

Anonymous

October 1,2021 at 1:01PM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

How to politely decline a job offer...

I was offered a job by a company, but there were some serious red flags during the interview process. I consulted family and friends and they all agree it's not the right move.

The thing is, I feel guilty for wasting this company's time since I have decided to not take the position. In the offer email the contact said they were "glad to have me on the team," as though a deal had already been made. I let them know that I am also "considering other offers at the moment."

How do I politely decline. I really do feel terrible, but my gut is telling me this isn't going to be a good idea.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

15 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

15 Comments

Join the conversation

Sarah MuddOctober 1,2021 at 1:03PM UTC
I would let them know that you enjoyed learning more about the company and the role. But you don't feel that the position is the right fit for you at this time and you wish them luck.
Interviews go both ways. You're both learning about each other, just like dating. Don't feel bad ending it if it's not the right fit.
AnonymousOctober 1,2021 at 1:14PM UTC
Thank you, this was very helpful.
Stephanie IngleOctober 1,2021 at 1:19PM UTC
They wouldn't feel one iota of guilt taking your time! Why do you feel bad - you are a business and you must watch out for yourself first. Agree you only need say you appreciate their time and learning about the company but you have decided to decline their offer.
Grace Czechowski (she/her)October 1,2021 at 1:31PM UTC
Don't take on that guilt! Companies look out for themselves all the time, and so should you! If it doesn't feel right, trust yourself.
AnonymousOctober 1,2021 at 1:52PM UTC
Don't take on that guilt. Trust your instincts. Most companies are "at-will" employers. It means that they can fire you without a cause or warning.
AnonymousOctober 1,2021 at 2:04PM UTC
I don't like rejecting people and was just in this position myself. I received one offer and then got another great one. The recruiter for the 1st position that I accepted had just happened to call me and it was tough telling him that I received another offer. Try not to include so much detail as to the why and just say sorry. For me, the recruiter hung up on me but whatever.
Melissa NobileOctober 1,2021 at 2:39PM UTC
When you apply for a job, it doesn’t mean you’re going to take it as much as it doesn’t mean they will hire you. They don’t feel guilty for “wasting your time” when you don’t get hired.
Tell them thanks but no thanks and move on. Stop with the guilt!
Annetta MosesOctober 1,2021 at 2:50PM UTC
Do NOT feel bad about declining a job offer. After all, if the declined to give you an offer, they would not feel bad.
Basically, be truthful. I appreciate being offered the role. After considering your offer, meeting with the team and evaluating career rotation opportunities at the company, I don’t see the offer as a good fit for me. I am declining your offer.
Good luck.
Joanne RosenOctober 1,2021 at 3:44PM UTC
"During the interview, I started to feel that this wasn't a good fit for me. But, thank you so much for taking the time to interview me and for your offer."
Don't elaborate, even if they ask. You don't need to justify your response just like they don't have to provide feedback to candidates who don't get the job.
Cheers
Joanne
Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachOctober 1,2021 at 4:00PM UTC
No need to feel awful! This is normal and sounds like a good decision.
All you need to say is "Thank you so much for the offer. Unfortunately, I must decline." If they persist in asking why (they may!) just say it isn't a fit and you pursuing other opportunities. And reaffirm your appreciation for the offer and their time.
TroyOctober 1,2021 at 4:16PM UTC
Hello Anonymous,
Totally get it. It happens. So glad that you took the time to access what you really wanted and decided that the offered job is not right for you. You can say something like.
Dear Company,
Thank you very much for offering me the role of x. However, I have decided that this is not the right fit for my career goals at this time. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I appreciate you taking your time to share information about the role and vision of company x.
Short and simple. You asked how to politely decline a job offer and I wanted to give a few liners that I have used in the past. Hope this helps.
Have a great weekend ?
Rene LetendreOctober 1,2021 at 6:50PM UTC
I agree with all the advice here, and add that when a company evaluates candidates the candidate should ALSO be evaluating the company. The goal of the candidate is to GET the offer, then consider whether or not you want to ACCEPT the offer. Of course, if you realize, at some point, that you would never accept any offer they might extend, then I suggest you do not continue to pursue the role, and instead let them know that your circumstances have changed and you would like to withdraw your application.
AnonymousOctober 1,2021 at 11:45PM UTC
How did you waste their time? You interviewed with them (THEY invited YOU), and know it won't be a good fit. Decline the offer and then they can move on to their 2nd choice. You did not do anything wrong.
Nancy AntonOctober 3,2021 at 4:10PM UTC
Just tell them. They will get over it. Say- sorry but I don’t think I’m the right fit for this role. Appreciate your consideration. That’s it. You are not obligated to take a role because the interview process was long. They will move in quickly to another candidate
Jennifer ZiolkowskiOctober 6,2021 at 2:01PM UTC
You are a good person for worrying about this, but you have nothing to feel guilty about. The entire purpose of an interview is to see if you're a good fit for the company - and that means from both the company and the interviewee's perspective.
Keep it professional, but a simple "I appreciate that you feel I am a good fit for XYZ role, unfortunately, I must decline. Thank you for the offer and I wish you all the best." You don't need to give any reason, though, if you think it's appropriate, you could mention some of the red flags you noticed.