How to (politely) decline a job offer?

"Klaus Schmoll" (klausschmoll) 06/08/2015 at 16:31 • Filed to: None

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Went on a 1900 km round trip in 36 hours on thursday/friday to check out potential jobs. Picked up some bugs on the way (pic is only from after the first stint). Turns out I aced the job interview at one I never really wanted in the first place but went to look at anyway (Never hurts to check your options) and made some sort of progress on a job I really want but which has other applicants. Both are spot on on the money but they are way up North, so if I move there, I want it to be perfect, otherwise I can always skip from temp gig to temp gig here. So how do I decline it? Do I have to state a reason or can I just say “Thank you, but no”?

For Sweden > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 16:33

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Ask for more money then they are willing to pay.

Then, if they do agree to pay the money, you get more money.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 16:34

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Just be honest about it. Tell them why it’s not for you.

Edit: Just saw the plate.. I understand why you would not take a job “up north”.. you are way south.

TheHondaBro > For Sweden 06/08/2015 at 16:36

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And if they decline, THEY look like the assholes.

Klaus Schmoll > For Sweden 06/08/2015 at 16:40

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I still don’t want to work there! Shitty location, no equipment, and if you remember I’m a teacher, so the money is pretty predetermined.

duurtlang > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 16:45

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I can state, from experience, that it’s nicer up north. Because the beer is better and the cuisine includes more than meat with potatos and more meat.

I will admit to a slight bias. I just (as in 10 minutes ago) returned home from Sauerland.

Klaus Schmoll > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 06/08/2015 at 16:46

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That might hurt them. Their school has no equipment at all. Like in benches and a blackboard but even no overhead projectors or cd players, let alone beamers.... Bremerhaven is a poor part of the country, I knew that, I just didn’t know it was this bad. And yet they pay about € 100 more per month than other states. Why not put that money into equipment?

Boxer_4 > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 16:46

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Perhaps say something along the lines of that you don’t think the position is a good fit for you, and that you don’t think it would be fair to either the company or yourself?

Klaus Schmoll > duurtlang 06/08/2015 at 16:48

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I’m open to moving up north, just not for this job.

Klaus Schmoll > Boxer_4 06/08/2015 at 16:49

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I’ll probably try something along those lines?

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 16:49

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Bremerhaven.. that’s west and close to the sea right? Anyway.. I understand that might hurt them.. I had no idea it could be that bad in Germany.

duurtlang > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 16:51

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Have you been specifically looking for one or a couple of specific cities, or have you gone out to visit school with known vacancies at somewhat random locations?

Klaus Schmoll > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh 06/08/2015 at 16:54

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I didn’t know either! Come to think of it, it’s no wonder Bremen (Bremen and Bremerhaven are their own state. Don’t ask me why.) always comes last in all of the PISA studies.

Birddog > Boxer_4 06/08/2015 at 16:56

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I’ve recently used that exact line. It’s the most diplomatic way to go.

ttyymmnn > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 16:57

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Thank you so much for your gracious offer, but as I am pursuing multiple career opportunities at this time I have decided to take employment elsewhere. It was a great pleasure speaking with you and seeing your facilities, and I assure you it has been a difficult decision. I wish you all the best in your continued search.

Yours etc.,

Klaus Schmoll, esq.

PS9 > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 16:57

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“Hell naw. Fucks wrong wit’chu? Do I look like I work for chump change, bitch?”

What? Why is everyone staring at me like that? Wait- * re-reads thread title*

‘Politely’

I...oh. Well. This is awkward. Guess I’ve of no help in this situation, then...

MM54 > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 16:58

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I recently turned down a couple jobs - one was easy because they were offering be a solid 20% less than anyone else for doing the same thing. Another was tough because it was paying 10% more than everyone else, but was where I didn’t want to be and wasn’t all that great of a job.

Just be honest with them and let them know that you appreciate their time, but having now been to the location and met with them and seen what you’ll be doing (things you couldn’t have known when you applied), you think that the job may not be a good fit for you and it’s best for both parties if you decline their offer.

That’s what I did, at least.

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 16:59

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I don’t know what to say if I’m honest.. I’m no teacher, but I’m the kinda guy that thinks “I really should be there, see if I can make a difference” when I learn about stuff like this.. But I can’t speak german.. so.. yeah..

someassemblyrequired > Klaus Schmoll 06/08/2015 at 17:04

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If the students are engaged and well behaved it might be a good offer even with the bad facilities. Could always use the extra € 100/month to outfit your classroom properly. Don’t know what it’s like in Germany, but in the U.S. you can write off classroom supplies you purchase out of pocket. €1200/yr would get you a decent projector/beamer, CD player and pretty much any other tech you needed. If you don’t like the area though then there’s not a lot that can be done about that, though I would imagine having a permanent job would help if you wanted to move elsewhere.

ranwhenparked > ttyymmnn 06/08/2015 at 19:39

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^I’ve been in a similar situation a few times, and this is pretty much exactly what I wrote them. It happens - they interviewed other people that they rejected, and anyone that’s been in HR long enough has had a few candidates they like turn them down too, nothing personal against them, it’s just not for you.

Echo51 > Klaus Schmoll 06/09/2015 at 16:16

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Mhhhhm, all you can eat buffet!

Textured Soy Protein > Klaus Schmoll 06/09/2015 at 16:21

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People turn down jobs all the time for all kinds of reasons.

I’m actually going through something similar. I live in Wisconsin, about 800 miles away from my family who are in the Washington, DC area. I moved here for college and stuck around as I got progressively better jobs. I’m looking at moving back towards home and have talked with several companies. The one that’s closest to offering me a position is unappealing for several reasons. But since I was introduced to them by a guy I grew up with, I don’t want to just rule it out immediately.

The explanation I’m planning to give if they do offer me a job (unless it’s a ridiculously better offer than what I’m expecting) is that while I am motivated to move back to that area, I’m only looking to move once I have an ideal job lined up, and this job really isn’t the ideal one for me.

Klaus Schmoll > duurtlang 06/09/2015 at 16:34

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Known vacancies at random locations. Why be biased? One can always take a look and see what’s what. You never know, maybe you even like it.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Klaus Schmoll 06/10/2015 at 15:49

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You all suck. Drop dead.

Later.

Klaus

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Klaus Schmoll 06/10/2015 at 15:52

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What do you teach? I am a 7th grade math teacher in California.

For years, I have been providing much of my own instructional technology; computers, printers. I haven’t bought a projector or document camera yet. It’s worth it to me for the convenience. Have you considered seeking a grant from a local business?