Many of us study, do internships… until we enter the world of work. When we begin to delve into it, this world seems as interesting as it is unknown.
We all imagine ourselves saying delightedly “Yes!” to a job offer, but… what happens when we decide to reject one of them? It usually happens that we don’t know very well how to do it so as not to look “bad” with the company. Therefore, in this article we will see different key ideas on how to cordially reject a job offer
Many of us think about how happy we will be if they call us from that interview we have done to tell us that they have selected us for the vacancy in question, but… what happens when instead of this, we decide to reject an offer labor?
First of all, it must be clear that It is essential that we take the selection processes seriously that we value the work of recruiters (human resources professionals who are dedicated to interviewing and selecting candidates) and that we are honest and sincere throughout the entire process.
Without further ado, let’s learn some of the best tips on how to cordially reject a job offer:
1. Be transparent throughout the process
The first tip regarding how to reject a job offer cordially has to do with sincerity throughout the selection process. So, actually, to leave a good image of ourselves when we reject an offer, it is advisable show a positive attitude from the beginning of the process, not only at the end
By this we mean that, if you are in more than one selection process, you must say so from the beginning during the interviews you carry out; This does not subtract points from you as a candidate, on the contrary, recruiters already know that when you are looking for a job (and even if you are not actively searching) it is very likely that the applicant is in more than one process.
Knowing this data will help them understand your situation, in addition to your profile, and It will make things easier in case you end up rejecting the offer (As they already knew that you were in more processes, they will not be caught so off guard, and they will be able to organize themselves better).
2. Communicate it immediately
Once you know that the offer does not interest you, whether you have already been told that you had been selected or not (and especially in this second case), it is important that you communicate your decision to reject the offer as quickly as possible.
Thus, you show that you value the work of those responsible for the process since it will be great for them to know as soon as possible to organize themselves and not count on you, call other candidates, etc.
3. Make a call (avoid email)
Imagine that you have already opted for another offer, or you simply want to reject a certain offer for “X” reasons (there are many).
So, if you have already advanced in the different phases of the selection process and you have been informed that you are the one selected, but you wish to reject the offer, It is best to communicate it by phone
As a general rule, it is better to avoid emails, since more information can be provided through a call, and it is a much closer act that the recruiter will appreciate.
In any case, if you finally choose to communicate your decision by email, at least make sure not to make spelling or grammatical mistakes (pass the proofreader!) and to use clear, concise and respectful language.
4. Be sincere
Another tip regarding how to reject a job offer cordially is in line with the first, since It has to do once again with sincerity and openness
These two values should also prevail when you communicate that you finally reject the offer. Logically, we do not always have to explain everything to those responsible for the process, but we do, in summary, what your reasons are for rejecting the offer.
5. State your reasons
In line with the previous section, it is recommended that you share the reasons that have pushed you to make the decision to reject the offer in question. Thus, this constitutes another of the key ideas on how to reject a job offer cordially.
In addition, this can serve as feedback for the interviewers, and learn more about the sector of the job offer (for example, that there is a lot of mobility in said sector, that salaries range from “X” range, that candidates prefer to travel – or not -, etc.).
6. Value the work of the recruiters
At this point we must highlight the importance of evaluate the work of the recruiter and/or the people with whom we have had contact throughout the selection process.
We can express this with phrases such as: “I thank you for the good communication you have maintained with me throughout the entire process”, “It has been a pleasure that you contacted me”, “Thank you for the feedback after the interview”, etc.
7. Be grateful
There is a phrase that says: “Being talented opens many doors for you, being grateful keeps them open.” Who knows if, in the future, you won’t want to knock again on the door that you decide to close today?
This is more common than we think, and although perhaps today we are not interested in a certain job offer, perhaps in the future our plans, expectations, desires or needs will change.
Show gratitude at the end of the process, when we decide to reject the offer, in addition to making a good impression, allows us to keep the doors open in that company for the future In addition, it is a way to thank the recruiters for their work, which they surely value.
8. Don’t close the doors
In relation to the previous point about how to cordially reject a job offer, One piece of advice is that you do not completely close the doors to said company (in the event that you are really interested and/or the offer is minimally attractive to you).
We can express this with a phrase at the end of the conversation, such as: “I hope we can be in contact for future offers, since your company/offer really seems interesting to me…”
