Declining a job offer - experiences or advice?

[SutWytTi]

I wondered if other people have experience or advice to offer of turning down a job offer.

After being offered the job I have a bad feeling, as the verbal description doesn't really match the job description I applied against.

It just feels hard to turn it down! Do I give much explanation or just say as little as possible? It's the same company so I know everyone.

I would say give as little detail as possible, you don't want to burn future bridges x

Dear xxxx,

Thank you for your job offer for (name of role) at (company).

Unfortunately, I will be declining this role at this stage. I wish you all the best in your search.

Best regards,

Xxx

This just feels a bit formal given I know everyone?

I just wish I hadn't applied!

Just be vague & say your circumstances have changed & you have decided you don’t want to commit to a new role right now.

Just thank them for the offer, say you've given it some thought and unfortunately don't feel like it's the right fit so will have to decline. Wish them well in finding the right person for the role. I wouldn't go into detail to avoid burning any bridges.

Given you work at the company talk to people involved, your potential manager and the HR rep.

They’ve offered you the role so you’re in a strong position, request clarification, it’s entirely possible they can alleviate your concerns. If not and if they’re not prepared to ensure the role is more in alone with your expectations then you can mutually agree to walk away

You can do a short non-committal note to turn it down, but they'll ask you later why.

What's the problem with being honest about it and saying that the interview process clarified for you, that the job didn't sound like the one you applied for?

That's actually really helpful feedback for them, why wouldn't they welcome that?

And what @PegasusReturns said.

So it's an internal move?

You can either query the discrepancy between written and verbal description, or just say no thanks, I'm not sure this is the right move for me. Thank them for their time.

You probably won't get the opportunity to move to that team again, but if you are polite and professional you shouldn't cause any issues for yourself long term

As it's the same company (and even if it wasn't...) I'd query the discrepancy, it's a perfectly legitimate question. It must have been pretty different to the JD to make you want to decline. Then if it's too different then you'll have a better evidenced reason for turning it down and maybe less likely to burn bridges.

You probably won't get the opportunity to move to that team again but I do see their perspective.