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Declining a Job Offer

If you have been offered a job that you have applied for, in general, you are free to turn down the job offer. It would be good however to act politely even if you have decided to turn down the job offer by writing a letter to the company that has offered you the job. The reason is simple, you may have a chance to work with the company again and Hong Kong is a small place. On a positive note, you can also see this as an occasion for you to show your maturity and professionalism and it may even pave way for possible future job opportunities should you and the company's paths cross.

However, things might get complicated if you have accepted the job either by verbal agreement or by signing a contract. Serious cases can get you into legal trouble involving suits suing for compensation. And this has happened before in Hong Kong. So know your rights and obligations clearly before you sign or agree on a job offer.

 Etiquette to decline job offer 

A letter to decline job offer

Step 1

Begin your letter by thanking your contact person for her time and her extension of the job offer.

Step 2

Explain that after you have decided that the job is not suitable for you after serious considerations on your part. State that it is in your best interests, as well as the company’s, to decline the job offer.

Step 3

Consider mentioning what attracted you to apply for this job in the first place and that you may have missed the valuable opportunity and challenges to work for a good company.

Step 4

Sincerely thank your contact person for his or her time and wish them well in their future endeavors. Express your desire to keep contact in future events.

Step 5

Sign off with warm regards from you.


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