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Original poster

How to politely turn down a job

11 replies

gleefulstar · 21/05/2024 20:12

I've been offered a new job but my current employer has upped their game considerably and now I'd prefer to stay where I am.

The offer place have been really nice and I know someone who works there very well so need a polite but no nonsense way to turn it down.

I'm awful at this stuff and will start waffling.

Any advice? posters on here always have such good responses!

OP posts:
DoingJustFine · 21/05/2024 20:15

This sounds like an opportunity to use the vague-but-bulletproof “my circumstances have changed” line.

”thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity but my circumstances have changed and so I’m going to have to decline”

Berga · 21/05/2024 20:16

Isn't there a statistics that most people who take up their employers counteroffer when they are offered a new job leave within six months anyway?

I think I'd let the potential employer know about the counteroffer and see if they up their offer...

But if you're truly not up for that, I'd thank them profusely for their time and offer of the position, but that due to changes in your current position you will no longer be leaving your current role.

DreadPirateRobots · 21/05/2024 20:19

"On reflection, I've decided the job is not a fit for me and I will have to decline it. Thank you for your time and I wish you all the best in finding the right candidate."

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LongSinceGotUpAndGone · 21/05/2024 20:20

DoingJustFine · 21/05/2024 20:15

This sounds like an opportunity to use the vague-but-bulletproof “my circumstances have changed” line.

”thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity but my circumstances have changed and so I’m going to have to decline”

I think this one is your best bet.

Original poster
gleefulstar · 21/05/2024 20:20

These are perfect.

I knew someone on here would have the right words!

Thank you.

OP posts:
NormaNormalPants · 21/05/2024 20:21

Berga · 21/05/2024 20:16

Isn't there a statistics that most people who take up their employers counteroffer when they are offered a new job leave within six months anyway?

I think I'd let the potential employer know about the counteroffer and see if they up their offer...

But if you're truly not up for that, I'd thank them profusely for their time and offer of the position, but that due to changes in your current position you will no longer be leaving your current role.

This!! I’d consider why you were looking elsewhere in the first place and then use it as leverage to see if the new place will up their offer.

Ilovemyshed · 21/05/2024 20:22

DreadPirateRobots · 21/05/2024 20:19

"On reflection, I've decided the job is not a fit for me and I will have to decline it. Thank you for your time and I wish you all the best in finding the right candidate."

I would avoid this in case you want to try in the future!

Just say circumstances have changed and you have regretfully decline their kind offer and thank them for their time and interest in you.

Katherineryan1986 · 21/05/2024 20:22

If you stay where you are, you will always be the person who was going to leave but stayed for more money, and they will make sure you know it! - take the new job offer

Ilikewinter · 21/05/2024 20:31

Are you sure you want to stay? I did the same as you and 4 weeks later I did hand my notice in, and oh boy it did not go down very well. I should have left at the first opportunity but I was lured to stay by a big pay rise and the fact I was comfortable in the job.

BuckFadger · 21/05/2024 20:32

DoingJustFine · 21/05/2024 20:15

This sounds like an opportunity to use the vague-but-bulletproof “my circumstances have changed” line.

”thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity but my circumstances have changed and so I’m going to have to decline”

As somebody who has previously had a role in departmental recruitment this response would piss me off something chronic. Yes you do not have to provide a reason but it is common courtesy.

OP please be honest and tell them that your current employer has made you a counter offer that you cannot decline. That is honest and a perfectly acceptable reason to change your mind.

Original poster
gleefulstar · 22/05/2024 07:36

Thanks for the replies.

I haven't been offered more money. I haven't even been offered anything at all. But my current job are supposed to be training me for a better paid position. It hasn't been happening, hence looking for a new job.

I've since found out that my training is about to really take off and I just feel it would be wise to stay where I am - but it's a long term strategy.

My current job doesn't know I've been looking around and would be really surprised if I handed my notice in.

I don't want to piss the new job people off so just needed a straight to the point reason for turning it down.

It's risky - they were offering more money but I prefer my current hours and benefits package.

OP posts:
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