Company wants specific reason why I am not accepting their offer... not sure how to say why politely

Question

I recently moved with my husband and am in the process of trying to find a new job. I have been unemployed for about 3 weeks now, applying like crazy to jobs.

I have been interviewing with this company via webcam (even though they are in the area I live) and three days ago they offered me the position. I have never actually been to the office.

I could not shake my gut feeling telling me not to accept the position, so I let them know I would be declining. I did not give a specific reason, and now she has emailed me asking what the reason is so that they can work on that for future candidates.

I understand that they want to know, but I don't know how to explain "gut feeling" being my reason. I don't want to just cold not answer, but I truly am at a loss of what to tell them. My biggest reason of all and also the hardest to explain, I did not like the vibe of the company and simply have a bad gut feeling and do not want the role any longer.

Is there a professional and polite way that I can respond to them? I hate the notion of burning a bridge so I don't feel quite comfortable saying I just didnt get a totally wonderful impression that we would be a good fit for each other.

Answer 1

Just as a company who doesn't offer you a job isn't obliged to give feedback, I don't see that you're obliged to give a specific reason either.

If you do want to give a reason, I think it's perfectly acceptable to keep it vague.

Based on what I've learned during the interview process, I do not feel the position would be a good fit for me.

I would provide this feedback via email so as not to get drawn into a longer discussion, and tactfully terminate the discussion to prevent further follow ups with something like:

I appreciate your taking the time to consider my application and I wish you the best in filling the role.

And after that, I wouldn't respond to further communication, unless it's of benefit to you.

Answer 2

Firstly, you're not obliged to give a reason at all.

People often forget that the interview process is a two-way process, especially when in your position of needing a job as soon as possible. You are assessing them as much as they are assessing you.

To be honest, I would be very reluctant to accept an offer from anybody when all interviews were done over webcam. I would have no insight in to the work environment. No insight in to the type of customer/client they deal with. I just wouldn't have enough information about them to make an informed decision as to whether I want to work there or not. This may be part of what you describe as 'gut feeling'.

If you do give an answer, try to isolate exactly what it is that you object to, and relay that as objectively as you can. Don't forget though, it's a small world!

Answer 3

I'd suggest that you tell them that you don't feel you'd be a good fit for their organization. If they push for more, be straight with them and lay it down to gut feeling.

Too many people in the modern world ignore what their gut or heart is telling them because their head remembers some rules they once read in a magazine.

There's an oft-forgotten golden rule: As long as you're honest and genuine you can never insult or hurt someone. So just be honest with the recruiter. That's the best feedback they could ever hope for.

Besides, they sound a little shifty to me...

Answer 4

I would suggest you do NOT use the word 'gut feeling' or anything similar to that when communicating with them.

'Gut feeling' is not a fact neither is it professional.

Instead, you can say something like : " It was a pleasure meeting you, and your team. (If applicable) Based on my observation from our initial conversation and communication, I have realized that I am not going to be a good fit for your organisation."

I doubt they push any further than that.