There might be a situation when a job seeker applies for more than one position which yields more than one job offer. The dilemma as to which job offer to choose is well known. This is followed by a catch 22 on how one would turn down the job offer he or she decides to decline.

There might be other good reasons for turning down a job offer letter received from a company. In any case, it would be wise to ‘turn every stone’ and consider every aspect in favor of rejecting this job offer before making your decision.
This is because your decision may affect your future career path and networking.  

This article discusses the reasons for turning down a job offer letter and the ways one should handle his/her next interactions with the company.  The article also includes a sample letter for the same.

Turing down a job offer letter: Factors involved in decision making

One may prepare a pros and cons table that includes the importance of each factor for him or her. The following are some reasons you may consider:

Terms and conditions
Though the terms and conditions might be in line with the company policy, you may find that these changes in work environment are too challenging for you. If these terms specified in the job offer are too strict or restrictive, it will obviously make you take a step back and consequently seek other options.

Other choices
You have received more than one job offer for a position you were searching for. In this case, you may want to evaluate the career road map that each job offer may give you. Considering the alternatives, you are going to choose the one that best fits your requirements.

Job offer – Salary
Given the importance of the salary as the top of the list for your job search motivation, if the salary offered is much below your expectations you would incline to turn down the job offer. Though sometimes taking advantage of the right opportunity with a low salary may result in the best career path in due course, having many options available, salary forms a common factor for turning down a specific job offer.

Decision to stay at your current job
Sometimes after giving it some careful thought, you may decide to stay in your current workplace until the right opportunity emerges in the market.  This is because you haven’t received the opportunity you were originally looking for or you think that the job market will get better shortly.

Personal Reasons
When it comes to rejecting a job offer, personal reasons are a tough decision making issue. Though the job offer seems fine for your needs, you may decide that the work hours, other personal issues or even the workplace distance from your home to be the main reason for turning down the job offer.

Company’s Reputation and the job description
If you realize that the company is not a reputed one and might be a stumbling roadblock to you career growth you would want to turn down its job offer. Moreover, if the job description (job profile) is far from your expectations, you would want to move on.
In fact, the company’s market brand provides a major decision factor for many job seekers as it gives employees the career prospect they are looking for. It is therefore important to carefully review what the company represents (in addition to the job description) in order to make an effective decision.

How to turn down a job offer letter politely and gracefully

As listed above, there might be several reasons for turning down a job offer.
However, voicing those reasons on a public platform in a corporate atmosphere is a different ball game – the way you explain the reason to the company should be politically correct.

Therefore, after making your decision, it is highly imperative that you call up the company as soon as possible:
1. Inform them about your decision to turn down their job offer. You should do this politely and gracefully and in a professional manner.

2. Immediately thereafter, carefully write a declining letter. The letter should include a note of appreciation and an acceptable reason for tuning down this job offer.

For further info, please refer to the articles – how to decline a job offer or you may be interested in reading declining a job offer after accepting it.

Sample letter – Turning down a job offer

A sample letter is given below:
Dear Mr. ABC,
Thank you for offering me the position of Project Consultant.
I really do appreciate your time and effort in interviewing me and explaining the career advancement and opportunities for growth in your company.
After careful consideration, I regret to inform you of my decision to decline the job offer.
“The reason”.
Wishing you and the organization continued success.
Yours sincerely,
David Green