how to decline a job offer

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i had a job interview on friday and i thoght this unit is not the right fit for me. so how do i politely decline a job offer? do i send her email, or do i send a postcard? or do i call her?

thank you

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Specializes in lots of specialties.

I would call if I were you. It seems to be better.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

Phone and then follow up with a polite letter thanking for the opportunity and explaining why (nicely) you are not going to take the position.

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Specializes in ICU, M/S,Nurse Supervisor, CNS.

Was the job already offered to you? You just mentioned being interviewed. When I was interviewing for charge nurse positions several months ago, after some thought I realized I wanted to stay in ICU and all those positions were in different units. I called each manager back and either spoke with them or left a message thanking the for their time, but after some consideration, I reaslized I really like ICU and wish to remain there. They all were very nice about it.

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Specializes in ICU, M/S,Nurse Supervisor, CNS.

By the way, I made these call before the job was even offered because I knew there were other candidates and didn't want them to waste their time considering me when I no longer wanted the position.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.
By the way, I made these call before the job was even offered because I knew there were other candidates and didn't want them to waste their time considering me when I no longer wanted the position.

That's the professional way to handle the situation. It certainly did you no harm with the managers.

If you ever apply for another position outside the ICU in that institution, don't be surprised to be asked, though, if you are sure, since you once interviewed and then withdrew. Just be prepared to explain why you're sure, this time, you want whatever position it is.

Still, it was better to withdraw your application the way you did.

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.
Phone and then follow up with a polite letter thanking for the opportunity and explaining why (nicely) you are not going to take the position.

I agree. Even if you haven't been offered the position, you can withdraw your application. You want to give a reason why, but be careful not to make it sound as if you're critical of the unit. You don't want to burn any bridges, you never know who you might run into in another place and time.

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Call and then follow up with a professional business letter. Never use email for something this important.

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