How to Turn Down a Job Offer

They picked you. But you didn’t pick them.

Turning down a job offer can feel daunting even when you know it’s the right move. You don’t want to burn any bridges, so how do you professionally decline to keep doors open for the future?

Why Turn Down a Job Offer?

There are several valid reasons to decline a job offer, including compensation that falls short of expectations, a misalignment with your career goals, a culture mismatch, or unfavorable growth opportunities. The key is recognizing that saying “no” is sometimes the most professional action you can take.

My Personal Story: The Power of Strategic Declines

A few years ago, when I was still in corporate, I was offered a VP role at a reputable company. While the position was appealing, the compensation package was not aligned with my experience and future aspirations. Rather than accepting less than my worth, I respectfully declined and clearly communicated my reasons for doing so.

In the coming weeks, the company struggled to find the right candidate for the VP role. Recognizing the unique value I offered, they returned not only to improve the compensation but also to upgrade the position to SVP. Declining the first offer allowed me to secure a role that was better aligned with my expectations, demonstrating that strategic career decisions can pay off.

How to Professionally Turn Down a Job Offer

Generally, there are several steps you need to take to keep a door open for future opportunities. First, be prompt in getting back to the employer versus keeping them in the dark for a while (I know, it’s tempting with all the recruiter ghosting going on right now). You need to be responsive and express gratitude to demonstrate respect for the time they have invested in getting to know you, as well as the necessity for them to continue investing more time in their search. Let them know as soon as you have made your decision.

Second, be authentic and transparent as to why you are declining. If it’s compensation, say so respectfully. Example: “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to pursue an opportunity that is more in line with my career goals and compensation expectations.”

Lastly, be sure to thank them again for considering you for the opportunity. Let them know you would like to stay in touch in case there is an opportunity to work together again in the future. You never know when you might cross paths again, or when a better fit could arise, like in my story.

There may be some nuances in how you decline based on the situation you are facing, which is discussed in the following.

What To Do With Multiple Offers in Hand

When juggling multiple offers, treat each employer fairly and professionally. Be sure to notify recruiters promptly when you receive an offer from another company. This will often prompt them to accelerate their process or improve their offer.

Comparing offers is like comparing apples to oranges, in which you have to decide between various factors, including title, responsibilities, compensation (base, bonus, equity, benefits), culture, growth opportunities, and alignment with your career goals. You may need to create a spreadsheet to compare each and determine which features are most essential versus those that are nice to have. This will also assist in negotiating offers.

When negotiating, be honest. Use your leverage wisely, but never mislead potential employers.

If there are any items that are unclear, please ask. These questions could be about benefits, remote flexibility, performance expectations, room to grow, or anything else you haven’t clarified to assist you in making an informed decision.

When you are at a point to make a decision, be sure to choose what’s best for your career. Then respectfully decline others using what is outlined in this article.

Now, what if you have only one offer in hand, but you’re not excited about it? The following covers ways to navigate these situations.

Not the Right Comp

Through all the negotiating you try to do, the firm cannot provide what you are worth, so you need to walk away from the opportunity. In this case, you continue to express your excitement for the opportunity, but you will need to decline due to not being able to meet what you are looking for in the offer. You can say “Thank you for the opportunity and for trying to improve the compensation package, but it is still below my expectations to move forward.”

Role Not As Advertised

Get to the end of interviewing and realize you were brought in for a role with responsibilities you have no interest in doing? From time to time, there is a lack of clarity in the job description regarding everything that is expected of the new hire. You often don’t uncover this until you meet with the hiring manager and learn more from others in the firm about expectations of the role. Perhaps there will be more travel than advertised. Or working nights and weekends. No remote or hybrid work allowed for this division.

Whichever was not advertised correctly, explain that these requirements that were not shared upfront are why you need to decline. You can use phrases like “It wasn’t clear there would be travel required” or “I did not understand being on call was part of the requirements”. Provide them this feedback so they can improve the upfront job requisition and initial screenings to not waste further time.

Warning Warning Warning!

Many of us have had an interview where our gut instinct says to run away. A red flag is raised that gives you pause about wanting to work at the organization. You sense a micromanaging boss. Or a toxic culture. Colleagues with whom you will not be able to get along. Negative candidate experience. Research shows 42% of job seekers decline offers after a bad interview experience—so if your gut flags disrespect or disorganization, it’s reasonable to walk away (politely). Perhaps the company is unstable and may not survive the next few months. Whatever the flag is, don’t ignore it. If you do, you may regret it later.

In these circumstances, you need to let the firm know that, through the course of the interview process, you have realized the opportunity is not aligned with what you are looking for next. And you can leave it at that. 

Final Thoughts

Turning down a job offer due to compensation, fit, or other reasons as stated above is an act of self-respect and career stewardship. When done transparently and professionally, it builds your reputation for integrity and can open doors to even better roles in the future.

Remember to value your worth, communicate professionally, and never hesitate to walk away if an offer isn’t right for you. Saying “no” today may unlock a resounding “yes” tomorrow. The best opportunities often arise from thoughtful negotiation and patience.

Also Read :-

• A resume and cover letter help secure interviews. What can help secure a job offer?
• How to answer “Tell me about yourself”