Whether you have received one or multiple offers, you may find yourself in the position where you have to turn down an opportunity.... and this is okay!
However, before you reject any opportunity, you should work out why it is that you are going to do so…
- For Job offers, you might want to consider: what the job involves, whether it supports your career goals, the prospects of the employer, what the progression potential is, the suitability of the workplace/location, the salary, and what the work/life balance might be.
- For Further Study offers, you might want to consider: your interest in the subject, your reasoning for choosing postgraduate study, the location of the institution, your study/life balance and your current finances.
Once you have made your decision, our top tips about how to approach rejecting an offer would be as follows:
- No matter what stage of the process you decide to turn down the opportunity, always do this politely and professionally as you do not want to burn bridges.
- Let the employer know that you are rejecting the offer as soon as possible so that they can find someone else to fill the position.
- Ideally, you should inform the employer by telephone and confirm in writing (email) after.
- Avoid reneging on an offer (accepting and then later rejecting the same offer) as this is looked on unfavourably and may impact on your chances on future opportunities with the company.
Of course, your decision to turn down a role could also come before you are made an offer… for example, maybe you have realised after an interview that this role is not one you want to work in. In this instance it could be a positive thing to withdraw from the process before the employer makes you an offer as doing so will save you both time.
If you need more help with considering your offers, book an appointment to discuss this further with one of our Careers Consultants.