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Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
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Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
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Need some advice on how to tactfully decline a job offer without burning a bridge.
I was recently offered an HR position with a small mfg a little closer to home. The job duties practically mirror
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Forums » Topic Forums » HR Career Forum » Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
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Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
posted at 6/22/2010 10:16 AM EDT
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Posts: 63
First: 1/3/2003 Last: 8/10/2011 |
Need some advice on how to tactfully decline a job offer without burning a bridge.
I was recently offered an HR position with a small mfg a little closer to home. The job duties practically mirror my current duties but the pay is $5,000/yr more. When I presented my resignation, my boss (president and chief owner) refused to accept it and asked me to give him a day or two to counter-offer on salary--that was yesterday. An embarrassingly low salary was the impetus for my job search. (I had previous asked for and was promised a raise in the first quarter of 2010. This job offer gave me some bargaining power. |
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Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
posted at 6/22/2010 10:38 AM EDT
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Posts: 1103
First: 3/16/2007 Last: 8/19/2011 |
Well I'm not a fan of counter offers, be they giving or receiving.
I am not convinced that anyone chooses to move on simply because of salary alone so I would encourage you to rethink it. I will also add that had you rejected an offer I made, after going through an entire recruiting process, the bridge would be burned regardless. With that said I'd simply be honest with who ever you reject. |
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Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
posted at 6/22/2010 11:01 AM EDT
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Posts: 63
First: 1/3/2003 Last: 8/10/2011 |
Thank you HRPro. I've been thinking and rethinking this; weighing the pros and cons. I did not do this to gain bargaining power, as I truly did not expect my current employer to counter-offer. Money is the issue. According the various salary surveys, my salary is $12K - $20K/year below my peers in the same size organization, type and geographic location.
My biggest fear with taking this new job is the waiting period for health insurance (4 months) and trying to come up with the $$ for COBRA family health. I also have to wait one year before earning two weeks vacation. I currently get 3 wks. These things were not discussed until the 2nd interview. The other down side to the new position is the fact that it's a step down in duties, which I would not want to reflect poorly on me in a future job search. If I had the benefits information, waiting periods, etc. before the 2nd interview, I would not have wasted their time. |
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Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
posted at 6/22/2010 11:02 AM EDT
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Posts: 544
First: 9/27/2004 Last: 9/13/2011 |
Just tell the truth, that you weren't expecting the counter-offer and that while it was a difficult decision, you prefer to remain with your existing employer.
There is no reason why you can't have an open conversation about not wanting to burn a bridge. Maybe you can offer them some assistance as they continue the search. |
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Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
posted at 6/22/2010 11:30 AM EDT
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Posts: 1103
First: 3/16/2007 Last: 8/19/2011 |
Maria,
You have outlined some very good reasons for declining the offer. I'd simply use those when calling to decline. Of course, you mat run the risk of having your objections resolved but thats a good thing...right? |
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Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
posted at 6/22/2010 2:06 PM EDT
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Posts: 562
First: 11/12/2009 Last: 9/14/2011 |
Hmmm...this new company is offering you 5K more to do less? It sounds like there's way more income growth potential with the new company than with the old!
If you're being very underpaid at your present employer, expect this to continue - especially if you actually had to resign in order to get them to consider a raise! Think about the long term, not necessarily the "here and now". |
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Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
posted at 6/23/2010 4:54 AM EDT
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Posts: 544
First: 9/27/2004 Last: 9/13/2011 |
You didn't ask, but I think if it were me I would make the move. You were underpaid which tells me that others are too, how will they feel about you staying on? Even if salary is a secret, people have a way of sensing that something has changed.
What kinds of expectations will your boss have? Will it interfere with your relationship going forward? Employees see rewards as payment for work they have done, employers see rewards as an investment in future performance. The new company could offer you room to grow while your existing employer may have you repaying a debt of gratitude. How do you feel about that? There may be resentment from your co-workers or your boss, or you may find yourself resenting ever being underpaid in the first place. Whatever you decide, it's good to be prepared for that. |
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Tactfully Declining a Job Offer
posted at 6/23/2010 5:55 AM EDT
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Posts: 63
First: 1/3/2003 Last: 8/10/2011 |
Thank you all for the great advice and thoughts to ponder. I have considered all the points presented and possible outcomes.
My boss started this business in his basement. He admits the low pay is a reflection of ignorance of the duties and responsibilities of HR and Safety. I'm the first HR person hired. The HR salary surveys were an eye-opener for him. He enjoys being challenged on issues such as this and likes to be presented with a good argument. He seems to hold more respect for EEs who do this in a professional manner. Makes sense? He gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. I appreciate this for many reason and am not the type of person to hold a grudge when presented with a reasonable argument for having to wait. |
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