Best way to turn down a job offer?

Best way to turn down a job offer?

I accepted an offer for a position due to start in 2 weeks, however I just received a better offer which I would like to take instead. What is the best way to turn down my initial offer? I was placed through a recruitment company and not sure if I should tell them first or my contact at the company.

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

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.

7 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    tell the recruiter.

  2. Michelle Prince

    Agree with the others, tell the recruiter. This also gives the recruiter an opportunity to see if their "second choice" candidate is still available for them to present to the company when they share the unfortunate news that you've rescinded the acceptance of their offer.

  3. Madam anon663

    Congratulations on being offered two separate jobs! :)

  4. Ruth Robbins

    Recruiter first , but depending on your relationship with the internal hiring team, I would also write them a nice letter with apology, letting them know what a difficult decision this was and how you appreciated their time, effort and offer. They have back-up candidates as well. That's why companies don't always pull their ads right away.

  5. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    This is the right way to do it.

  6. Candy Ren

    Good for you! While being honest and timely to the recruitor and the company contact is fundamental.

  7. Anonymous

    Thanks but no thanks.

Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members