Looking for a job is not a simple process. There are several complexities that can occur while one is in the midst of a job search. To quote a phrase, ‘there is many a slip between the cup and lip’ while one is seeking and eventually deciding on a job.
You may feel under pressure to accept a job offer at the negotiation table or may accept it under certain circumstances before giving it a second thought.
Whatever the reason, if you came across a situation where you have been offered a job and are now inclined to decline it, you would agree that it is one of the trickiest situations that one can face.
This article provides decision-making tips and guidelines for declining a job offer after having accepted this offer earlier.
Here are some important tips that one would have to keep in mind if he or she finds him/herself in such a situation -
You are not alone
Take it easy – needless to say that you wouldn’t be the first who had accepted a job offer and then declined it nor will you be the last.
If you had an experience working in the human resources department or even in a department that is close to the HR department, you would realize that hiring, firing and disagreements are everyday matters and normal processes for a company.
Although it could mean a lot on a personal/professional level for an individual, for a company to have someone refuse a position is simply a company matter that failed to be resolved.
Therefore, you can simply forget about the emotions like ‘what will they think or what can happen to me if I refuse’ that are stirring up your conscience.
Acceptable reasons for declining a job offer
There are, of course, several reasons that one can give oneself when deciding to decline a job offer after having accepted it earlier on.
In any case, voicing those reasons on a public platform in a corporate atmosphere is a different ball game. Here are some genuine reasons:
Job accepted too early in the process
Sometimes, one does not know his or her own capacities and abilities. Consequently, a person applies for a number of jobs and may be selected for the first or second job out of twenty that they have actually applied for. Of course, most applicants are sensible enough to answer call and interview letters from other institutions even if they are in the final stages of an interview with a company.
This sometimes results in a person having multiple job offers at hand.
This scenario is well known in human resource circles and you can refuse the job on these grounds.
The financial aspect
With the financial turmoil all over the world still prevailing, the financial aspect attached to a job has become more important. While a few years ago, one could work even on a lesser salary if he or she liked the job, it is no longer possible today.
You could easily inform the company about the financial constraints that do not allow you to take on the job opportunity.
Overlooking the Details
Another reason that would seem to be much more practical and believable was ‘missing out on the fine print’. You can elaborate saying that you were just taken up with the job search process and had accepted the job offer without going into the details, which led you to miss some of the job offer components that were quite instrumental in your decision which job offer to accept.
Miscellaneous Reasons
Other reasons that can be accepted as proper reasons are ‘better prospects came along’, or even ‘the job was not doing anything great for enhancing my skills’.
These were just the types of reasons that one can give for declining a job that you have been accepted for previously. Here comes the action -
How to Decline a Job Offer after Accepting It
Making an effort not to burn any bridges is the best advice when it comes to the steps one may take for declining a job offer after having accepted it.
Though there is no need to give them the exact reason, it is thoroughly unprofessional for you to disappear or not attend on the first day on the job without providing a proper explanation.
Please read below to get a better idea of the two steps required:
1. Declining a job offer over the phone: Talking to the company over the phone is the first step when it comes to doing it in a reciprocal and civil manner.
It will be a good idea if you could talk to the person who initially interviewed you.
2. Email or letter – Declining a job offer: Once you have talked to them, make sure that you document this decision by sending an email pertaining to your declining of the job that you had accepted.
For further reading: declining a job offer article.
The most important point is being practical and professional – this will not only leave a good impression on the company, but will also work well for maintaining your network.
