Question
For about four months I have been interviewing, through an executive recruiter, with a well respected company that I admire. Probably the length of time is due to the fact that the job is hard to fill and my compensation level is higher than what they planned. Since we are both in the same industry segment, but not competitors, I want to stay on good terms and connected with them professionally.
While they have not made a formal offer, we had an informal discussion about compensation. Their informal offer was significantly lower than my requirements. They have been working on the approvals for a formal offer for about a week and a half. But, no word yet.
However, I want to politely cease the conversation and negotiation without burning a bridge. My reasoning is that my current job has some potential promotion and job changes that are attractive to me. Also, the drawn out nature of the interviewing and discussions is causing anxiety with my spouse because we are putting other things in our lives on hold pending the possible outcome of this job offer.
Since I have been working mostly with an executive recruiter, I obviously need to have a conversation with that person. But, I also want to talk to the senior managers that I interviewed with, if appropriate.
Any advice you can provide is appreciated.
Thanks,
Eric
Answer
by Wendy Gelberg, Career Coach and Resume Writer
Hi, Eric –
It sounds as if you’ve come to a definite decision to terminate discussions and you’re hoping not to burn your bridges with this company or the recruiter. Protocol would be to talk to the recruiter before talking with the senior managers. With all the parties, using the direct approach is probably best.
A short and simple explanation is sufficient. You appreciate the time spent trying to come to a mutually acceptable outcome, but you want to withdraw from consideration for the position. Your explanation can mention that you have decided to pursue other opportunities that have come along, but don’t discuss the length of the process or the anxieties and uncertainties that has created. Keep the focus on your positive impressions of the company and your wish to stay in touch, and thank them for the efforts made on your behalf.
While it’s never possible to guarantee how others will react to the decisions you make or the actions you take, this approach should increase the likelihood that you’ll remain on good terms with all concerned.
Wendy Gelberg, M.Ed., helps job seekers communicate effectively and confidently, in speech and in writing, to get unstuck in their job search.
Susan Ireland’s Two Cents
If you need help composing a letter to cease the job search with the new employer, read Declining a Job Offer by Cheryl Lynch Simpson. In her post, Cheryl offers a letter template that you could adjust for your situation, which isn’t exactly the same as her questioner's, but close enough that the template is relevant.
Showing posts with label interview - decline job offer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interview - decline job offer. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
What to Reveal About Multiple Job Offers
Question
I have received an offer from a corporation (Company A) that I've decided to turn down for several reasons (too far from home, not enough pay to make me move, a step backward in career seniority).
Before declining this offer, I had informed another prospective employer (Company B) - after my second interview with them - that I had another offer on the table, in hopes of speeding up the decision-making process. The position with Company B is ideal, and I feel very good about the impending decision, of which I should learn next Monday.
I wondered if I should tell them that I've declined Company A's offer, and if so, how do I go about it? Should I wait until I hear back from them, or send them an email first? I want to be sure they aren't under the impression that I might have accepted the other offer.
---Pat
Answer
by Richard Yadon, CPC, President/CEO
I would not communicate to Company B any details or circumstances of your opportunity with Company A. First, it is really none of their business. Secondly, they need to make the best offer to you independent of any offers from another organization. If the offer is acceptable and more preferential than Company A then accept Company B's offer. If you are working with a recruiter then they will handle these details for you and do the negotiating under your guidance.
Since you have already told Company B about the other offer there is no need to mention it again – unless they ask you. If you keep bringing it to their attention they might think you are trying to pressure them. Again, your recruiter will be communicating your availability to Company B. If you are not using a recruiter, it is acceptable and appropriate to call your contact at Company B and inquire as to the status of your candidacy. If they ask about the other offer, you need to tell them the truth. Let them know if it was not acceptable to you and that you are open to consider another offer they might extend. Leave it at that.
One other thought…when you are at this stage of an offer I would avoid communicating via email. You want to continue to build the personal connection between yourself and Company B. Always try to speak directly with your contact there if you can.
I have received an offer from a corporation (Company A) that I've decided to turn down for several reasons (too far from home, not enough pay to make me move, a step backward in career seniority).
Before declining this offer, I had informed another prospective employer (Company B) - after my second interview with them - that I had another offer on the table, in hopes of speeding up the decision-making process. The position with Company B is ideal, and I feel very good about the impending decision, of which I should learn next Monday.
I wondered if I should tell them that I've declined Company A's offer, and if so, how do I go about it? Should I wait until I hear back from them, or send them an email first? I want to be sure they aren't under the impression that I might have accepted the other offer.
---Pat
Answer
by Richard Yadon, CPC, President/CEO
I would not communicate to Company B any details or circumstances of your opportunity with Company A. First, it is really none of their business. Secondly, they need to make the best offer to you independent of any offers from another organization. If the offer is acceptable and more preferential than Company A then accept Company B's offer. If you are working with a recruiter then they will handle these details for you and do the negotiating under your guidance.
Since you have already told Company B about the other offer there is no need to mention it again – unless they ask you. If you keep bringing it to their attention they might think you are trying to pressure them. Again, your recruiter will be communicating your availability to Company B. If you are not using a recruiter, it is acceptable and appropriate to call your contact at Company B and inquire as to the status of your candidacy. If they ask about the other offer, you need to tell them the truth. Let them know if it was not acceptable to you and that you are open to consider another offer they might extend. Leave it at that.
One other thought…when you are at this stage of an offer I would avoid communicating via email. You want to continue to build the personal connection between yourself and Company B. Always try to speak directly with your contact there if you can.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Salary Offer Not Enough
Question
My question is in regards to negotiations. I have interviewed with a potential new employer and all contact has gone very well. Early in the interview process I was twice asked what my salary requirements were and I clearly stated them to both my initial HR contact and the senior HR manager. I was told both times what I was asking was within the position range--in the ballpark.
I had a final interview yesterday with the CFO which went well and I was contacted by the HR head today. Their offer is 10k less than my minimum requirement. I stated to the person that we had discussed it previously and I was assured by him it would not be an issue/problem. He then stated that after yesterday's interview, he spoke with the dept. mgr. as to how much he would be willing to pay for the position and the 10k lower amount was his answer. Mr. HR then said he might be able to get him to go 5k more but that would be it.
How do I negotiate this, or do I just tell them to forget it? As an aside, I am currently employed with a good company, just in a position that cannot lead to further advancement, but I get a steady salary increase every year. In the new position, I would incur additional commuting costs, which would lead to the increased salary being equal to what my next raise here would be. Oh yeah, I’m 45 .
-- John (confused in NJ)
Answer
by Marc Effron, VP, Talent Management, Avon Products
Hi John – This reminds me an experience I had many years ago when interviewing with a major hotel chain. After an exhaustive interview process, they offered me $10,000 less than my then current salary. Their logic was: “Because you said you got your raise recently, this is still more than you made before your raise.”
John, you’ve answered your own question. If the offer is below your minimum -- end of story. Also, if they’re this cheap and disorganized right now, it won’t be any better when bonus/merit increase time rolls around. They don’t deserve you and you’ve just proved you’re employable, so move on.
It’s sad that yet another HR department has hurt the reputation of this field. Their job is to understand the budget and job requirements before interviewing. Before your next interview process, you might want to double-check that they’ve done this.
I hope that helps!
Marc Effron is Vice President, Talent Management for Avon Products. He has authored two books (including Leading the Way) and numerous articles about leadership. He is a frequent speaker at industry events.
Susan Ireland’s Two Cents
John, when you negotiated your compensation, did you consider the entire salary and benefits package? If you’re still interested in the job, get out your calculator and add up the value of the health insurance, vacation pay, 401k benefits, gym membership, etc. to see if, in fact, the job offer is what you want. To get help thinking about all those perks, check out Negotiating Total Compensation Can Be Totally Awesome by Barbara Safani.
Job Lounger, do you have a question? Email (joblounge@aol.com) it to me and I’ll post your question and an expert’s answer here in The Job Lounge.
My question is in regards to negotiations. I have interviewed with a potential new employer and all contact has gone very well. Early in the interview process I was twice asked what my salary requirements were and I clearly stated them to both my initial HR contact and the senior HR manager. I was told both times what I was asking was within the position range--in the ballpark.
I had a final interview yesterday with the CFO which went well and I was contacted by the HR head today. Their offer is 10k less than my minimum requirement. I stated to the person that we had discussed it previously and I was assured by him it would not be an issue/problem. He then stated that after yesterday's interview, he spoke with the dept. mgr. as to how much he would be willing to pay for the position and the 10k lower amount was his answer. Mr. HR then said he might be able to get him to go 5k more but that would be it.
How do I negotiate this, or do I just tell them to forget it? As an aside, I am currently employed with a good company, just in a position that cannot lead to further advancement, but I get a steady salary increase every year. In the new position, I would incur additional commuting costs, which would lead to the increased salary being equal to what my next raise here would be. Oh yeah, I’m 45 .
-- John (confused in NJ)
Answer
by Marc Effron, VP, Talent Management, Avon Products
Hi John – This reminds me an experience I had many years ago when interviewing with a major hotel chain. After an exhaustive interview process, they offered me $10,000 less than my then current salary. Their logic was: “Because you said you got your raise recently, this is still more than you made before your raise.”
John, you’ve answered your own question. If the offer is below your minimum -- end of story. Also, if they’re this cheap and disorganized right now, it won’t be any better when bonus/merit increase time rolls around. They don’t deserve you and you’ve just proved you’re employable, so move on.
It’s sad that yet another HR department has hurt the reputation of this field. Their job is to understand the budget and job requirements before interviewing. Before your next interview process, you might want to double-check that they’ve done this.
I hope that helps!
Marc Effron is Vice President, Talent Management for Avon Products. He has authored two books (including Leading the Way) and numerous articles about leadership. He is a frequent speaker at industry events.
Susan Ireland’s Two Cents
John, when you negotiated your compensation, did you consider the entire salary and benefits package? If you’re still interested in the job, get out your calculator and add up the value of the health insurance, vacation pay, 401k benefits, gym membership, etc. to see if, in fact, the job offer is what you want. To get help thinking about all those perks, check out Negotiating Total Compensation Can Be Totally Awesome by Barbara Safani.
Job Lounger, do you have a question? Email (joblounge@aol.com) it to me and I’ll post your question and an expert’s answer here in The Job Lounge.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Declining Job Offers
Question
How do you decline a job offer for a job you don't want and you have not accepted another offer. All of the sample "decline job offer" letters have the magical sentence included that says, "I have accepted another position which more closely matches my skills and goals." What if you haven't accepted another position but you just don't want their job offer for whatever reason?
All of the advice says to be honest because you may cross paths again and network in the future. So, without being negative (and just telling the offering agency, "Nah...I think it would suck to work in that depressing office all day long."), how do you decline a job offer when you really haven't accepted another position?
Answer
by Bridget Oakes, Senior Search Consultant
This is an interesting situation, and one that more and more candidates seem to be facing. I had a look around online for some offer rejection letters and found that you are right, they all include the magic words “another opportunity.”
I like About.com as a resource for sample letters for candidates. Although their sample job rejection letter references “another offer," the site provides this advice for a Job Rejection Letter by Alison Doyle:
I believe this is sound advice. I would keep the letter short and simple, and replace the magic phrase “I have accepted another opportunity” with something like “I have decided to pursue other opportunities” or “I have decided to pursue an alternate career path at this time.”
Basically, think of all the “form letter” rejections you’ve gotten when applying to jobs, and steal the phraseology from them. You don’t need to be specific, but you need to be clear.
Oh, and don’t leave the employer hanging. Let them know as soon as possible that you will not be taking the job. No matter how nice your rejection letter is, keeping them waiting is a sure way to burn that bridge.
Bridget Oakes is a Senior Search Consultant with Partners in Technology. With nearly 10 years experience in executive search and recruiting, she is well equipped to provide advice and guidance to candidates searching for new careers, and welcomes the opportunity to do so through Job Lounge.
Susan Ireland’s Two Cents
Job Lounger, do you have a question? Email (joblounge@aol.com) it to me and I’ll post your question and an expert’s answer here in The Job Lounge.
How do you decline a job offer for a job you don't want and you have not accepted another offer. All of the sample "decline job offer" letters have the magical sentence included that says, "I have accepted another position which more closely matches my skills and goals." What if you haven't accepted another position but you just don't want their job offer for whatever reason?
All of the advice says to be honest because you may cross paths again and network in the future. So, without being negative (and just telling the offering agency, "Nah...I think it would suck to work in that depressing office all day long."), how do you decline a job offer when you really haven't accepted another position?
Answer
by Bridget Oakes, Senior Search Consultant
This is an interesting situation, and one that more and more candidates seem to be facing. I had a look around online for some offer rejection letters and found that you are right, they all include the magic words “another opportunity.”
I like About.com as a resource for sample letters for candidates. Although their sample job rejection letter references “another offer," the site provides this advice for a Job Rejection Letter by Alison Doyle:
When you have decided to reject a job offer, you may want to let the employer know in writing that you are declining the offer. Your letter should be polite, brief, and to the point. You don't want to burn bridges and this employer may have a better offer for you down the road. So, don't get into any specifics. Even if the hours are awful, the work environment is terrible or the pay isn't enough to make ends meet, don't mention it.
You should include the following:
• Thanks and appreciation for the offer
• Written rejection of the job offer
• Address the letter to the person who offered you the position. Include your contact information and phone number, even though it is on file with the employer.
I believe this is sound advice. I would keep the letter short and simple, and replace the magic phrase “I have accepted another opportunity” with something like “I have decided to pursue other opportunities” or “I have decided to pursue an alternate career path at this time.”
Basically, think of all the “form letter” rejections you’ve gotten when applying to jobs, and steal the phraseology from them. You don’t need to be specific, but you need to be clear.
Oh, and don’t leave the employer hanging. Let them know as soon as possible that you will not be taking the job. No matter how nice your rejection letter is, keeping them waiting is a sure way to burn that bridge.
Bridget Oakes is a Senior Search Consultant with Partners in Technology. With nearly 10 years experience in executive search and recruiting, she is well equipped to provide advice and guidance to candidates searching for new careers, and welcomes the opportunity to do so through Job Lounge.
Susan Ireland’s Two Cents
Job Lounger, do you have a question? Email (joblounge@aol.com) it to me and I’ll post your question and an expert’s answer here in The Job Lounge.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Turning Down Job Interviews
Question
I am in the final stages of my job search and need some advice. I honestly never considered having an issue with getting too many requests for interviews, but I am getting a little overwhelmed. To top it off I landed an interview for my dream job and received an offer.
I decided to accept the offer. Now I need to figure out how to graciously and tactfully decline any new interviews and the ones that I already have scheduled. I am grateful for all the opportunities and do not want to burn bridges per se. Any advice you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
-- Lea
Answer
by Bob McDonald, Director of Career Services
First of all, congratulations on landing your dream job! Now, of course, comes the interesting part. The answer is quite simple: Be just as gracious and courteous in declining an interview as you would have been had you gone through with the interview. Graciously thank them for their consideration to you and explain that you have already found a position.
In my experience, recruiters and employers generally understand that as a job-seeker, you are looking everywhere, and if you happen upon the right opportunity, more power to you. So don’t feel guilty about turning down a request for an interview. Furthermore, contacting your appointments ahead of time to explain your new situation could also go a long way, especially if those companies happen to work with your new one.
Bob McDonald works with IT and health services vocational students at the Cleveland, Ohio campus of TechSkills.
Susan Ireland’s Two Cents
I suggest you follow Bob’s advice to the letter… that is: write a short thank you letter to your would-have-been interviewer to follow up on your phone cancellation of the interview. It’s a great way to make a good impression on someone who might, just might, have a role in your future professional life.
Job Lounger, do you have a question? Email (joblounge@aol.com) it to me and I’ll post your question and an expert’s answer here in The Job Lounge.
I am in the final stages of my job search and need some advice. I honestly never considered having an issue with getting too many requests for interviews, but I am getting a little overwhelmed. To top it off I landed an interview for my dream job and received an offer.
I decided to accept the offer. Now I need to figure out how to graciously and tactfully decline any new interviews and the ones that I already have scheduled. I am grateful for all the opportunities and do not want to burn bridges per se. Any advice you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
-- Lea
Answer
by Bob McDonald, Director of Career Services
First of all, congratulations on landing your dream job! Now, of course, comes the interesting part. The answer is quite simple: Be just as gracious and courteous in declining an interview as you would have been had you gone through with the interview. Graciously thank them for their consideration to you and explain that you have already found a position.
In my experience, recruiters and employers generally understand that as a job-seeker, you are looking everywhere, and if you happen upon the right opportunity, more power to you. So don’t feel guilty about turning down a request for an interview. Furthermore, contacting your appointments ahead of time to explain your new situation could also go a long way, especially if those companies happen to work with your new one.
Bob McDonald works with IT and health services vocational students at the Cleveland, Ohio campus of TechSkills.
Susan Ireland’s Two Cents
I suggest you follow Bob’s advice to the letter… that is: write a short thank you letter to your would-have-been interviewer to follow up on your phone cancellation of the interview. It’s a great way to make a good impression on someone who might, just might, have a role in your future professional life.
Job Lounger, do you have a question? Email (joblounge@aol.com) it to me and I’ll post your question and an expert’s answer here in The Job Lounge.
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