How to Decline a Job Offer Gracefully

Right now, all organizations, including senior living organizations, are eager for top talent and are pulling out all the stops when bringing on employees. Chances are good that if you’re in the job market and actively interviewing, you’ve had one or more job offers presented to you.

However, not every position is right for you and that means you will have to decline an offer or two.  What is the best way to do that gracefully? Here’s what you should do without burning a bridge and still preserving a professional relationship for the future.

• Tell Employer as Soon as You’ve Decided.
  Once you’ve decided that the position is not right for you, contact the employer and let them know right away but show appreciation. Thank them for their time, consideration and offer. Informing them in a timely manner will allow them to move forward with another candidate. Putting if off can cause a real inconvenience on their side which might turn their disappointment into frustration that you didn’t calltol them sooner.
• Call Them Rather Than Email or Text.
  While most people turn down job offers via email, making a phone call to the person who wanted to hire you is best. Remember that they invested time and had expectations in having you join their organization, so they’ll appreciate your personal touch. If for some reason you can’t reach them by phone, then send an email but refrain from texting. When declining a job offer, texting is a very impersonal way to bow out.
• Give a Good Reason But be Brief.
  If you’ve had several interviews before the job offer, it’s only considerate not to leave them in the dark as to why you declined their offer. However, you don’t need to go into great detail. Here’s an example…“After much thought, I don’t feel this opportunity aligns with my future career goals” or if you decided to stay put “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to stay with my current employer.”
• Be Appreciative and Grateful.
  Since your paths may cross again in the future, it’s always best to thank them for their time and let them know how much you appreciate their interest in you. If you really liked the company or manager and think you might be interested in working with them in the future, let them know it!  Down the road, the timing may be right to accept a future job offer from them.
• Stay in Touch.
  The job search world, especially in certain industries, is small. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to stay in touch if you’re considering a future role with them. It could be as simple as making a point to say hello at a future industry conference or event. You could also make a point to follow them on social media and post a positive comment or message them with a pleasantry every now and then.

Being in the job market and looking for your dream job may not be an easy endeavor and you may have to turn down job offers but doing it gracefully matters.

ABOUT JULIE RUPENSKI

Julie Rupenski is the Founder, President & CEO of MedBest, opening the doors in 2001. Since then, Julie has gained national recognition for providing top talent solutions exclusively for the Senior Living Industry. Her specialties include filling C-Suite, Vice President, Regional, and Property level positions.

Julie has an in-depth knowledge of the Senior Living Industry.  She previously worked in operations for both Senior Housing and Senior Living prior to founding MedBest. Today, Julie makes it her personal and professional mission to place qualified people in health care positions where they have the greatest impact.

Julie earned her degree in Gerontology at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida and continues to cultivate her career through senior living conferences, forums, trade shows, and expos.

Contact Julie Rupenski at jrupenski@www.medbest.com / 727-526-1294.

(Julie’s industry articles and interviews have been published in Provider Magazine, Argentum Quarterly, LeadingAge Magazine, Florida Health Care Association, Florida Assisted Living Association, Florida Senior Living Association, LeadingAge Florida, LeadingAge Indiana, Pennsylvania Health Care Association, Oregon Health Care Association, and Virginia Assisted Living Association.)

ABOUT MEDBEST

MedBest is an award-winning national Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living Industry established in 2001.  We recruit and acquire exceptional senior care talent, permanent and interim executives, for the full continuum of LTC facilities across the US including Assisted Living, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Independent Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Home Health Care.

Contact us at 727-526-1294 / info@www.medbest.com