Sometimes life is savage and landing a job offer feels like finding a chicken with teeth. But at other times, you may be presented with more than one lucrative offer. After making your analysis while considering all factors, how do you turn down the other invitation without coming across as a jerk?
Make That Call
As much as you may craft your turn-down email very carefully, it doesn’t afford you the same connection as a phone call. The recruiter can’t really tell your tone from an email. Make a phone call instead, and express your gratitude. Let them know you appreciate the offer but after careful consideration, you have to give it up.
Don’t Keep Them Waiting
If you’re sure from the onset that you won’t accept the invitation, get back to the recruiter as soon as possible. There may be other candidates in line suitable for the job- don’t keep the recruiter hanging.
Avoid TMI (Too Much Information)
Keep the communication short but thoughtful. Don’t divulge details of the offer you’ve accepted. Stay away from long, drawn-out, remorseful emails that make you come across as desperate to please. The recruiter has gone through turn-downs before, they won’t take it personally when you do it.
Show Appreciation
Let the hiring manager know that you appreciate their time and interest in hiring you. They spent hours going over your CV and doing background checks- the least you can do is be grateful for the same.
Refer Others
Sometimes the company you’ve dreamed of working for for ages finally reaches out with an offer- but the role isn’t in line with where you’re at in your career. In this case, propose other competent candidates if you know of any. This shows thoughtfulness towards the recruiter. Who knows? They might just call you up when a more suitable position opens up in the future.
The main point is to keep it professional and amicable. Maintain good relations with the recruiter and you may get to work with the company in future. Even if you don’t, the recruiter will speak well of you to other potential employers.
