Dealing with multiple job offers is a good problem to have. But that doesn’t make it any easier to turn down the offers you don’t want. 

Declining a job offer (or multiple job offers) must be done with tact and finesse. You never know what will happen in the future — you may have to work with the organization you are turning down or they may have another opportunity that’s a better fit down the road. It’s important that you decline an offer the right way so you don’t burn any bridges. Here’s how:

Contact them in the appropriate way

It may be tempting to decline your job offer via email in order to avoid any awkwardness or an uncomfortable conversation. But the easy way isn’t always the best way. Declining a job by email isn’t only impersonal, it’s unprofessional. When you have to turn down a job offer, contact them by phone. A phone call will keep you in their good graces and will keep your connection with them intact. 

Tell them you appreciate the opportunity

A hiring manager has a tough task. They have to invest significant time and resources into finding the right candidate. They’ve worked hard to find someone they think is the perfect fit — until you reject their offer. Let them know that you appreciate their time and the opportunity. 

Give a reason why you are turning the job down

As a job seeker, you’ve been there before: You spend countless hours and tons of energy preparing for and participating in multiple interviews, only to receive a vague email informing you that they’ve gone another direction. You know the frustration that comes with being left in the dark after so much work. Hiring managers experience this same frustration when a candidate rejects their offer without explanation. For the sake of courtesy and professionalism, it’s best to give them a reason as to why you are rejecting their offer. No need to go into detail; a simple response like “I have accepted a position elsewhere that I believe will be a better fit for me” is better than no reason at all. 

Keep the relationship going

View your job offer rejection as a networking opportunity. You never know when you and the organization will cross paths again. They may be a useful business contact in the future. Or they may have another opportunity down the road that turns out to be a better fit for you. You don’t know what the future may hold, so keep the relationship going. In your closing paragraph, offer to keep in touch or ask that they keep your resume on file for future consideration. You never know where the relationship could lead.

Before you celebrate your new job, you need to first reject the offers you don’t want. Hopefully, these tips will help you turn down your other job offers the right way. 

Find a Job You Won’t Want to Turn Down

Are you ready to find a job that meets your career goals? Contact the recruiters at Burchard & Associates. We help accounting and finance professionals find career opportunities in the St. Louis area and beyond! Check out our available career opportunities or contact us today to get started on your job search.