Help how do I turn down an offer I don't want to take, but not burn the bridges? Real reason: I was just trying out/exploring my industry worth. I wasn't going to take it. Cont

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Let them know that the offer isn't quite in line what you were looking for.

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Less PTO and less base pay are acceptable reasons.

likeuplifting

Thanks but no thanks . Agree with the above. People turn down offers all the time.

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Honesty and Appreciation are key in any situation like this.

Honesty- if the offer isn’t what you were looking for, let them know the reason why it wasn’t in line with what you were looking for. No need to tell the whole truth if it’s rude or offensive, but letting them know the real reason for turning them down is always appreciated- (e.g. “I didn’t realize how much I valued x at my current firm” or “the offer wasn’t what I anticipated for y reason”).

Appreciation- even if the offer wasn’t in line with what you were looking for, be sure to show your gratitude for the opportunity. Being thankful and genuine with the person that was willing to help you out will go a long way toward preserving the relationship.

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Dude. " thank you for considering me, however the compensation level is not where it needs to be" end of story

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My take, for what its worth.

First, you can find your possible salaries pretty easily these days. I would counsel that interviewing to figure that out is not the best path - you are spending your time and another's.

Second, I would further guess you aren't 100% just looking to see what your value is. I would not do that if I felt fully valued and on a good track with my firm.

Therefore, I would suggest you ask yourself "What would make me take an offer from this firm that has offered to hire me?" Be honest, and then reply. They will want that feedback. That makes the process valuable to them too.

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Counter with your dream offer

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However, some real reasons: less PTO days and base pay than current job. Narrower skillset

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I would say exactly this with emphasis on skillset saying that it doesn't match your desired career progression. They can always counter pay and benefits but this would likely remain a deal breaker

likeupliftinghelpful

You can’t, unless you have a reason other than you were wasting their time.

Nothing wrong with exploring options, but there is a huge difference between “I am interested in this opportunity and curious about my value, and I would take this job for X” and “I have no intention of accepting any offer and I’m just wasting everyone’s time.” If you are in the second bucket, there is no way to turn down the offer without burning the bridge. If in the first bucket, counter with X and see what happens.

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Take another look at option 2.

If you learn something about the firm that leads you to conclude you don’t want to work there, there is no way to decline the offer that doesn’t burn the bridge. Which is fine because you don’t want to work there anyway. But that’s not what OP asked.

I say:

Thank you for thinking I could help your organization. I’m happy with my current position, and prospects, I’d be looking for a salary in the ($$$$) range, (plus, Relo, Signing, and performance increase at 6mo).

If that is in your range, I’m happy to talk.

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Bump

😂

likehelpful

I have heard after a yes the next best thing is a fast no, so just don’t string them along too long, reply soon

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