Best way to turn down a job offer?

[Lord Method Man]

I was laid off in late November from the Software Company I had been working at. Immediately I applied for two Software Engineering positions here in town. I went through the interview process with each and this week I was offered employment at both places.

The jobs and pay are comparable and honestly I haven't decided which one to accept. Obviously I will have to decline one of them. I'm wondering what the best way to go about that is, I've never had to do it before. I don't want to burn any bridges as there is always the possibility that I will be looking for work again sometime in the future. How have the people here handled this?

[Nick H. Supervisor]

Dear sir/madam,

While I appreciate the opportunity you have presented me with, I have to decline your offer for personal reasons.

Regards,

<insert name here>

Just remember, they probably have a list of other candidates that they will go through so you're not necessarily leaving them high and dry.

[DocM]

Ran into this - once had 6 local & 2 out of state positions offered. Don't burn bridges; write them a nicely worded letter explaining that you've chosen another opportunity and thanking them for their consideration. Might even want to make a thank you call to your interviewer or the HR person. Sometimes you might even get a counter-offer.

[Skwerl]

It should be obvious, but it's important that you be honest when you turn down an offer. DocM mentioned the possibility of a counteroffer ( and you could go into negotiations with each company to see who will sweeten the deal more in terms of vacation or some other benefit if they can't raise your pay), but more importantly, you don't want to make up a "nicer" reason, because somehow they probably will find out, and you will look like an ass.

[Detection]

Call them both and say the other job is offering a better wage, if they can beat it you will go to them, keep doing it until one of them says no :rofl:

[Lord Method Man]

Thanks for all the advice! As for counter offers, one of them is a government job that is pretty carved-in-stone regarding starting salary, vacation time, and benefits.

[siah1214]

Thanks for all the advice! As for counter offers, one of them is a government job that is pretty carved-in-stone regarding starting salary, vacation time, and benefits.

Pick that one.

[c.grz]

I recommend you be honest with both jobs and that you're weighing your options. Go back to the job you favor and tell them that you're undecided and ask if there's anything they can do on their end to make the decision easier.

I just went through this and initially the job I liked "didn't have it in their budget" to give me more but when I brought up the situation to them they found the money and got me an 5%.

Just be honest; doesn't hurt to ask. The worst they can say is no to the increase.

[SledgeNZ]

Contrary to a few opinions here, don't play them off over each other.

Just state you've had two offers and have decided to take the other. If they choose to offer more then by all means look at the offer.

Money only keeps you interested for so long, the actual role is what should sway you.

[Astra.Xtreme]

Contrary to a few opinions here, don't play them off over each other.

Just state you've had two offers and have decided to take the other. If they choose to offer more then by all means look at the offer.

Money only keeps you interested for so long, the actual role is what should sway you.

Quoted for best advice.

Just be honest and thank them for the opportunity and their time. The company won't be hurt that you turned it down, so as long as you are professional about it, you'll leave a good impression with them.

[Travelar]

In my opinion, Intrinsica pretty much nailed it. A short letter, without the details is the best way to go. If they come back and ask what it will take, then tell them the other opportunity is offering this, which made it more appealing. Going into this and playing them against each other is never a good idea.

[Andre S. Veteran]

I was laid off in late November from the Software Company I had been working at. Immediately I applied for two Software Engineering positions here in town. I went through the interview process with each and this week I was offered employment at both places.

Hehe, been a similar position just a few weeks ago when I finished my degree in Software Engineering. Isn't it a great business in these times? You barely have to hunt for jobs, it's employers who are hunting for you.

What I did: wait until you actually sign the job offer you want, then write a short, polite reply to the other offers, where you thank them for their time and leave the door open for future opportunities.

[Hum]

Just don't return their calls. :p

[ACTIONpack]

Tell them that you find other please of work but thank you giving me a job at your place.

[LaP]

Happened to me once.

I simply thanked them for the offer and their time and said it was greatly appreciated but that i could not accept the job offer because i had a better offer i could not refuse. I said it in french so it was surely better said XD

Don't forget they likely have a number 2. It's not like they are in trouble.

[BeerFan]

Drop your pants, sit on top of a copy machine, and fax the picture to them. (Y)

[Shiranui]

Drop your pants, sit on top of a copy machine, and fax the picture to them. (Y)

Should you write the words "kiss this" on one of the cheeks?

[ACTIONpack]

Have sex with the wife of the boss!

[123456789A]

Have another person assume your identity at the place you got an offer, and collect 10% of whatever he makes.

[+Raze Subscriber²]

Clone yourself, double your income, no problem! ;)

[dvb2000]

I went through the interview process with each and this week I was offered employment at both places

Dear Employer

Thank you very much for your offer of employment.

I have received numerous offers from other extremely high quality employers which has made my selection process very difficult. However, l regret to inform you that on this occasion you have not been short listed for acceptance of your offer.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your offer of employment and wish you all the very best for the future.

[Daedroth]

I was in the exact same situation at the end of last year. I simply rang the one I was turning down and simply said something along the lines of 'Thank you very much for the offer but I'm afraid I'm going to have to decline, but I appreciate the consideration.' They then asked why, and I just explained that I'd received a better job offer.

They also appreciate being told honestly and quickly, so they can then contact the next candidate.

[-Himanshu-]

Should you write the words "kiss this" on one of the cheeks?

One word on each will be better. :D

[rfirth]

Have another person assume your identity at the place you got an offer, and collect 10% of whatever he makes.

10% on top of incurred tax liability. If they are assuming your identity, the IRS will be receiving a W-2 with your name on it.

[Cute James]

This is an interesting discussion - I'm curious as to which direction the OP decided upon.

Either way, best of luck with your new job!