How to decline a job offer due to salary

To decline a job offer due to salary, consider the decision you are about to make, ask a trusted colleague for feedback, and then decline the job offer quickly. Here are some details on each of these steps and other tips to decline a job offer due to salary:

• Consider the decision you are about to make

While there is nothing wrong with wanting to decline the opportunity for a new position, you should still take some time to reflect on this decision. Ask yourself why you want to decline the job offer. Other helpful questions to reflect on include:

• How far along are you in the interview/hiring process?

• Is this opportunity a clear advancement from my current position?

• Would obtaining this job bring me closer to achieving my overall career goals?

• Am I wanting to decline this job offer for another reason besides salary?

There are many possible scenarios, maybe you heard something negative about the company in the lead-up to the job offer. If it is something like this, you still might want to address your concerns about the company with the appropriate official from the organization. The important part is not to be too impulsive and make sure it's the right decision.

• Ask a trusted colleague for feedback

If you are wavering on whether or not you should decline the job offer, you should seek the trusted advice of a work colleague or friend. Someone in your professional life or in a similar industry is a good choice because they might have insights that you were not immediately aware of concerning this important decision. Mentors are also perfect for this counsel.

• Decline the job offer quickly

Once you are certain that the salary the company is offering is not right for you, let the hiring manager or recruiter know as soon as possible. This is especially pertinent if you have a specific interview time or have been going through several rounds of prior interviews. The important thing is to be expedient and professional. You can:

• Send an email letting them know you are no longer interested in the position

• Call the hiring manager or recruiter directly and relay the news

• Go in person to tell them if you feel a face-to-face interaction would be best

An email is the preferred approach, but depending on your specific situation you might consider one of the other options. Just remember to be professional, even though you are declining the position, you still want to have the hiring manager think of you favorably. You never know you might end up interviewing with this company again.

• Extra tips for declining a job offer

Here are some extra tips you should remember when declining a job offer:

• Be polite and professional

• Keep your remarks clear and concise

• Be sure to communicate your decision with your primary point of contact

• Consider mentioning salary being the reason for declining

• Consider making a recommendation for another qualified candidate