Saying 'No' to a job offer

RECENTLY A NEWS channel carried out a story highlighting the trend amongst young professionals getting multiple job offers from companies. This trend known as ‘job shopping’ is worrying employers, as many potential candidates who take up these offers do not show up on the proposed joining date. Organisations expect these candidates to inform them in advance rather than do the disappearing act.

NASSCOM is planning to create a list of such candidates who do not show up after taking an offer and all the major companies will have access to this list. Such candidates may also be blacklisted, making it difficult for them to work for reputed brands.

“While you are excited to take that dream offer, it’s your professional responsibility to intimate the other employers who also offered you a job” says Shashank Dixit, CEO of Krawler networks, Pune.

It could be the compensation, the job profile, the location or perhaps all of them but saying ‘no’ in style will make sure that the organisation keeps its door open for you in the future.

Be quick in saying ‘No’
You should inform the organisation as soon as you have made a decision. Write an e-mail or send a letter addressed to the HR manager at least 7 -10 days prior to your joining date. The company may be counting on you to fill that opening so an advance notice will help them plan a back up or offer the same position to someone else. You should not hold them up and add to their problems.

Be friendly and matter of fact
You don’t have to feel guilty about your decision to not join a certain company. Don’t beat around the bush and be apologetic. Inform them about your decision.Thank each person who interviewed you and wish them and their company continued success. “The job market especially for techies is overvalued and the bubble will burst soon, it’s time techies roll up their sleeves and get professional. I made a job offer to a candidate and she never turned up and we kept wondering why she disappeared,” says Shashank of Krawler networks.

Don’t reveal all the details
If you are declining a job offer because you have accepted another, it’s okay to say so. Avoid mentioning the details of the position you are accepting. Let the HR manager know that you were impressed by the organisation and carefully considered the offer, but you are accepting a position that better suits your career objectives.

Avoid negativity
Show gratitude and don’t rub it in by saying, “I must decline your job offer, because I have already accepted a better one”, “I have accepted a job that pays better”, “I don’t think I can meet all your expectations”, or “I don’t think your organisation is suitable for me”.

Keep it short
The company already realises your value and that is why they made you an offer, so don’t tout your credentials and accomplishments. Keep your letter short and sweet.

A sample letter:

Dear Mr. Sharma,

Thank you for offering me the position of marketing manager. I appreciate your efforts in explaining the career advancement and growth opportunities in your company.

After careful consideration, I regret that I must decline your offer as I have accepted another opportunity that is more in line with my career goals. I greatly appreciate the time and effort that you and Mr. Dayal invested in interviewing me.

Wishing you and the organisation continued success,
Yours sincerely,
Anita Bali
(M) 9867890000
Address:

So, get professional and don’t leave a bitter taste in the other employer’s mouth.

Regards,
Sunder