Polite Way to Turn Down a Job?

[westieluv]

I interviewed for a position last week that I wasn't sure that I wanted. At the end of the interview, the supervisor let me know that she was interested in hiring me. I knew that I was going to have another interview yesterday for a job that I was really more interested in, so I told her that I did have another interview and she asked me to call her after my interview to let her know what I had decided.

My interview yesterday for the job that I really want went very, very well and the person who interviewed me called this morning to offer me the job and I accepted. However, I have not called the lady who interviewed me last week back yet to tell her of this decision, because I don't know a polite way to say, in effect, "Thanks, but no thanks." One of the reasons why I am turning this position down is because it is for a very, very small (census of less than 10 patients) hospice company and the job that I accepted gives me a lot more stability because I will be working for a very large hospital system. Would it be inappropriate to tell her that I was concerned about the company being so small that I wouldn't get many hours (it was a contingent position) and I needed more stability than that? What exactly would you tell her? I just hate to call but I promised her I would and I can't break a promise.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

"I truly appreciate your offer, however I have accepted another position that is a better fit for me at this time."

[westieluv]

Thanks. Simple, honest, and to the point. Now why didn't I think of that?

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Thanks. Simple, honest, and to the point. Now why didn't I think of that?

Because it's the obvious answer that always eludes us. If it were me, I probably would have wondered what to say as well :)

Congrats on the new job!

[westieluv]

Thanks! I did call her and told her approximately what hiddencatRN said, and she sounded disappointed but wished me luck. Short and sweet.

Thanks again. I am excited to start this new job!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Good for you. Sounds like no bridges burned so you might have the opportunity to take a PRN with the first company if you find you need some extra work.

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

Thank the manager for the job offer, then tell them you have taken a position elsewhere. Mention that perhaps at a later time you might apply for a position with that company again at a later time, and that's that.

[Good Morning, Gil]

Congrats on the new job!

[mommyof2Tees]