How to turn down an offer that doesn’t fit
4 mins read

How to turn down an offer that doesn’t fit

I was excited when one of my girlfriends got a probationary offer for her dream business. You know the kind of place that’s practically a household name, with professionals so well-known in Tanzania’s business scene that the mere mention of them makes you feel like you’re in for something special.

There was one GREAT business, and I couldn’t stop hyping her up. We both raved about all the connections she was going to make and how her career was about to skyrocket.

But then reality began to creep in. After several weeks of riding, she began to realize that everything was not as perfect as it seemed. The brand, the prestige, the industry connections – all of this had initially dazzled her but as the weeks passed she began to realize that something was wrong. This wasn’t the right place for her, and it wasn’t about the job itself. It was the company culture.

She longed for mentorship and growth, but what she found was a culture that rewarded employees who worked long hours with little recognition, while expecting everyone to adhere to an “always-on” mindset (7 days a week!). Decisions were driven by hierarchy rather than innovation, and any creative risks were quickly shot down. It wasn’t that she couldn’t handle the pressure, but she realized that this was not the culture that suited her professional and personal ambitions.

Cultural fit is as crucial as the job itself. Here is two indicators that you may not be a good fit for a company culture:

  1. Value error: If the company prioritizes profits over people, but you value empathy and work-life balance, there will be a disconnect. Pay attention to how leaders talk about success and what the company celebrates.
  2. Work-life balance problems: Some companies thrive on the “hustle culture” mentality and expect employees to work beyond regular business hours. If you’re someone who values ​​boundaries and personal time, that’s a clear sign that it’s not a good fit.

Realizing that a job or company culture isn’t for you can be unsettling, but the truth is, accepting an offer when the culture isn’t right will lead to frustration, burnout, and underperformance. Here is steps to gracefully decline an offer.

Express gratitude. Start by thanking the company for the opportunity. They have invested time in considering you, and expressing genuine appreciation shows professionalism.

Be honest yet diplomatic. You don’t need to go into all the boring details of why the culture isn’t right for you, but it’s important to be clear that the decision is based on fit. Focus on framing your response as being in the best interest of both parties. It might sound like, “After careful consideration, I have realized that the company’s values ​​and work environment, while impressive, are not entirely consistent with the direction I hope to take in my professional growth.”

Emphasize mutual respect. Declining the offer should not burn bridges. Show your respect for the company and its team.

Keep it short and professional. No long explanation is needed. Long-winded explanations can lead to misunderstandings or appear defensive.

End on a positive note. Close the conversation by wishing the company well and leaving the door open for future interactions. You never know when your paths may cross again.

For my friend, turning down her offer wasn’t a negative experience but an empowering one where she prioritized finding the right fit over just accepting the next available role.

When you graciously decline an offer, you protect your reputation and maintain potential future relationships. Remember, the right fit is out there. You just have to be willing to wait for it – and not settle for something that feels wrong.