How to decline job offer

KatieBell · Jan 31, 2006

Not accepting a position is not going to offend any one. It will not burn bridges as long as you do it professionally. Say something like:

I have accepted another position that suits my current needs for schedule and salary. I was impressed by the XYZ unit and will consider it in the future.

It isn't big deal, people decline offers everyday, and all you have to do is tell them in a professinal polite way, and no bridges will be burnt.

jetsetter · Jan 31, 2006

be simple but direct, "I decline your gracious offer at this time. I thank you for the opportunity to interview for the ----- position ( insert whatever it was)

Most important thing is to let them know. Managers jobs are juggling act, don't leave them hanging, as that will leave them with a bad impression.

Aneroo, LPN · Jan 31, 2006

I agree with both posts.

When I turned down an offer, I used resume paper, typed out a letter, pretty much stating what the other posts stated- thanked her for the opportunity, accepting another offer, blah blah blah...

Jami RN, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2006

As a hospital recruiter, I'm never offended if someone declines an offer, as long as you do it in a timely fashion. Most managers and recruiters realize that their unit/hospital isn't the greatest fit for every nurse, just like every nurse isn't the greatest fit for every unit/hospital.

I would recommend you call and be honest that you decided to accept another position that better meets your needs at this time. Be polite and matter-of-fact.

Usually, if someone politely declines a position that I offer them, I let them know that I will definitely reconsider them if the position they chose doesn't work out for any reason.

The thing that would make me mad and would make me never consider you again is if you were to keep me hanging by not returning phone calls or just disappearing in general without an explanation, which prevents me from offering the position to another candidate. Then I'd think you were a flake and you'd probably go on my "do not forward" list.

Hope that helps and good luck in your new position!

ZootRN · Feb 1, 2006

I did not want to keep them hanging, because in my opinion it gives awfully unprofessional look. I could not make myself to call ( I still feel awkward, although I understand it's typical business situation), but I wrote an email and listed what other people recommended. They responded exactly the way you say - if I won't be happy with my new place of employment, I will be welcomed back, which was kind of nice thing to say.

Thank you guys!

As a hospital recruiter, I'm never offended if someone declines an offer, as long as you do it in a timely fashion. Most managers and recruiters realize that their unit/hospital isn't the greatest fit for every nurse, just like every nurse isn't the greatest fit for every unit/hospital.
I would recommend you call and be honest that you decided to accept another position that better meets your needs at this time. Be polite and matter-of-fact.
Usually, if someone politely declines a position that I offer them, I let them know that I will definitely reconsider them if the position they chose doesn't work out for any reason.
The thing that would make me mad and would make me never consider you again is if you were to keep me hanging by not returning phone calls or just disappearing in general without an explanation, which prevents me from offering the position to another candidate. Then I'd think you were a flake and you'd probably go on my "do not forward" list.
Hope that helps and good luck in your new position!