YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you turn down a job offer?

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: How do you turn down a job offer? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 27 Apr 2026 10:02:58 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Glory on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1186362 Thu, 06 Mar 2014 14:43:56 +0000 Glory 1186362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would suggest going to the second interview and hopefully you can ask some questions. There may be a different set of interviewers in the room, you may feel differently. I feel it wise to keep the door open. When a job offer comes you can decide at that point.  doubleh on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1186324 Thu, 06 Mar 2014 14:15:46 +0000 doubleh 1186324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you all for your insight!   I think that I will probably withdraw from consideration- but after the interview.  One of the things about the first interview was that they didn't really give me a clear idea of the position other than "we all wear all the hats" and didn't give me a chance to ask any questions.  I am preparing a list for the 2nd interview, figuring this is where the specifics will be...so I probably won't say anything at the actual interview- I always like to dwell and overthink things first.  As you can see. April on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1185927 Thu, 06 Mar 2014 02:22:19 +0000 April 1185927@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Okay, here is what SO said.  He said that if you know you wouldn't accept if they offered you a job, it's absolutely a kindness to the person interviewing or recruiting you to let them know that you really don't think you're the right person for the job, without waiting to see if they were planning to make you an offer.  He suggested putting it in terms that make the second interview sound like a reasonable information-gathering exercise ("Now that I've had the opportunity to learn more about the position...") that let you know that you don't see yourself in that role.  He said that since they interviewed you (twice), you can assume they have a level of interest in you and there's no need to worry about assuming too much by turning them down when you're not certain they want you.   He thought that either a phone call or an email to the main person you've been dealing with would be fine. Hope that's helpful! ironkurtin on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1185897 Thu, 06 Mar 2014 02:06:16 +0000 ironkurtin 1185897@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is fascinating and good to know! I personally would have waited for an offer, but it seems like withdrawing is kosher if done well. Thistle on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1185704 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 23:25:21 +0000 Thistle 1185704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ What Gaylene said  :) Honestly, most companies, mine included, have no hard feelings, particularly if the job offered is not in an area you are passionate about. We have, on more than one occassion, been turned down professionally by a candidate for a job they weren't interested in, only to call them back in 6 months with one more in line with their goals. rachylou on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1185687 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 23:03:49 +0000 rachylou 1185687@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have always just said, "You know, I don't think I'm the right person for this job, so I'm withdrawing my name/giving notice." Gently, of course. With praise. carter on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1185678 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 22:50:29 +0000 carter 1185678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with Gaylene...burn no bridges. ever. I would definitely ask them on Friday why they think you might be a good fit for the company. It could be that they're interested in you because you would bring some type of a shift to the company. If, after the second interview, you're just not feeling it, it is very professional and respectful to withdraw. If you don't do it while you're there, I would do it in a phone call rather a letter/email. They'll want the feedback so itwill help them better determine what type of candidate they need. Gaylene on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1185668 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 22:24:34 +0000 Gaylene 1185668@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think the key word to remember here is job offer. You are under no obligation to accept, although, in these times, it easy to forget there once was a time where it was not uncommon for the job seeker to have the upper hand as opposed to the employer. I think it is perfectly appropriate at the second interview to ask some straight forward questions about the areas that concern you. If, after hearing the responses, you still are unsure, I'd tell them that you have some reservations but are certainly open to continued discussion (if that, in fact, are your true feelings). If you are positive that you would not be receptive to a job offer, you could just thank them for considering you as a candidate and say politely you would not be considering a job offer from them at this particular time because you don't think your goals are in line with theirs, or that you would be a good fit within their company culture, or whatever reason you have for not wanting to work for them. If you think about it from the company's point of view, it isn't to its benefit to hire someone who will not be happy in the position and who may leave after a short period. By acknowledging this politely, you leave the door open to other offers from the company that may be more to your liking; a smart strategy because no one can predict the future. amiable on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1185653 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 22:09:18 +0000 amiable 1185653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've seen people withdraw from an interview process at the place where I worked.  I thought is was very respectable.   doubleh on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1185632 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 21:45:19 +0000 doubleh 1185632@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks April!  I will be very interested in his answer!  I should say that this would nowhere near be a 7 figure job.  :)  Just that perhaps I am overlooking some really great aspect of this job opportunity. April on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1185614 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 21:36:56 +0000 April 1185614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not in the corporate world but SO hires high-level people all the time and also has a finely-tuned sense of appropriateness.  I would be glad to ask his opinion when we talk tonight. doubleh on "How do you turn down a job offer?" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-do-you-turn-down-a-job-offer#post-1185595 Wed, 05 Mar 2014 21:22:21 +0000 doubleh 1185595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am headed into my second interview on Friday with a company I'm pretty sure I don't want to work for.  They seemed very receptive to me and my work experience and it was a pleasant interview.  However, my gut kind of told me I'm not a good fit for the place.  I did get called back and I am going to go- who knows, I can sell my gut for a seven figure job so I am headed back in case there is something I missed.  And granted, I may not get offered the job- I'm not sure how many others they are interviewing.  BUT, if I am sure after my 2nd interview I don't want the job, it is probably more direct to withdraw myself from consideration?  Or should I not be so presumptuous and see if they do in fact make an offer?  What is the proper- or acceptable form of correspondence?  Thanks for any insight!