By Mary Salvino
In a perfect world, you apply for the job of
your dreams, get a job offer that is more money than you expected, you realize
your co-workers are going to be your new BFFs, and find out the company
vacation package includes a time-share at some beach or mountain resort for
employees to use.
Unfortunately, that is not always how it
works. Sometimes the job offer isn’t right for you, and if that is the case,
it’s better to decline than accept the offer, even in this tough economy.
Taking a position that’s ultimately not a good fit can stress you out, keep you
from finding the job you’re really meant to have as well as hurt both your
résumé and your network if you don’t stay very long.
Saying, “Thanks, but no thanks” to a job
offer can be complicated. Once you have sent in your résumé and participated in
a series of interviews, your prospective employer is likely to assume that you
want the job, so the last thing you want is for the hiring manager/prospective
employer to think that you ‘played them’.
Prospective employers
like to be ‘strung along’ just about as much as you do. If you realize
during the interview process that there is a high chance you won't accept an
offer, let the hiring manager know so s/he can focus on more viable candidates,
and you can get on with your search. While it may be tempting to prove to
yourself and others that you can get the job, it's also a waste of time to do
it for your ego. If you are unsure, by all means, proceed and stay the
course. I would urge you to be honest with yourself, express your
concerns and desires along the way, listen more than talk, and remain open to
the possibilities that come your way.
If you do choose to decline the offer, you
should remember that the prospective employer has spent a lot of time and
effort into generating the offer. NEVER imply that the job itself or the
salary is to blame. You should instead focus and articulate why the
opportunity is not a good fit. Being honest with prospective employers
will earn you respect and keep the door open for other opportunities that may
present themselves in the future. Walk away in a manner that tells your
prospective employer that if their needs change, or another opportunity that
aligns with your experience or skill set presents itself, you would be
delighted to be considered for the opportunity. Always keep in mind that
everyone you met during the interview process is now part of your network, so,
it is always best not to be adversarial.
Do you have anything to add to the
discussion? I would love to hear from you!
Copyright © 2012, Career Matters. All Rights Reserved.
Permission to Reprint: This article may be reprinted, provided it appears in its entirety with the following attribution: Copyright © 2012, Career Matters. Reprinted by permission of the author, Mary Salvino.
“Career Matters” is a blog authored by Mary Salvino, Senior Consultant for SMART Career Planning.com that is dedicated to those who are seeking advice on managing their career and future job opportunities. We welcome readers to share their experiences, post their comments or ask questions about career related matters.
This blog is also dedicated to those who stand a little taller each time they picked themselves up after failing and those who gained the wisdom and humility from those experiences to help others do the same.
For any questions or comments that are better addressed privately, please feel free to e-mail Mary directly at Mary.Salvino@shaw.ca
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How do you say "Thanks but No thanks" professionally during an actual interview process? In this case, the interview isn't finished yet but you already know you won't accept the offer. Thanks for any recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest to you that you do not rush to close the interview but rather continue with the interview until it reaches its natural end. You may not be interested in the current position being offered, but there may be other current, or soon to be announced, opportunities within the company that may be a better fit for your skill set. There is no rule that says that because you accepted to participate in an interview that you are obligated to take the job. If and when you are offered a position with the company, you can simply and politely turn down the offer at that time. N.B. It isn’t even necessary that you elaborate on your reasons for turning down the offer. All you need to say is that you appreciate the time and effort that went into making you an offer, but that you are unable to accept it at this time.
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