Have you ever been in a situation where you finally received a job offer after a lot of hard work, but when you look at the salary, you find that it is far below your expectations and the market level?Are you disappointed, angry, or hesitant?Do you want to turn down the job but don't know how to express your thoughts, or are you worried about losing other opportunities?
If you're confused, then this article will give you some advice on how to turn down low-paying job offers while maintaining your professional image and relationships.
First, you need to be clear about your values and bottom line. Before accepting any job offer, you should have a clear idea of your abilities, experience, and achievements, as well as the pay levels in your industry and region. You can get this information through online salary surveys, peer exchanges, or professional consulting agencies. You'll also need to consider your cost of living, career goals, and personal needs to determine the minimum salary range you can afford to accept. This way, you can have an objective and reasonable standard of judgment when you receive a job offer, rather than relying on emotions or intuition to make decisions.
Second, you need to consider your choices and consequences. When declining a low-paying job offer, you should weigh the pros and cons and analyze what consequences your choice will bring you. For example, do you have other job opportunities or income**?Are you able to withstand the risk and stress of losing your job?Is it possible for you to negotiate or wait to get a higher salary?Do you have any other interests or attractions for this job, such as the content of the job, the development space or the benefits?Are you willing to sacrifice your time, energy, or health for the job?Are you worried that turning down the job will affect your relationship with the recruiter or your reputation?You need to make a suitable choice based on your situation and personal preferences, and be prepared to bear the consequences.
Finally, you need to express your refusal in a polite and professional manner. When declining a low-paying job offer, you should follow these principles:
Reply as soon as possible. You should send a reply to the recruiter within 24 hours of receiving the job offer to show your respect and sincerity. You should not procrastinate so as not to give the impression of being irresponsible or uninterested, nor should you wait for other job opportunities to avoid losing your credibility or opportunity.
Be polite and grateful. You should express gratitude and appreciation for the job offer from the recruiter, while also showing your interest and respect for the job. You can mention your recognition or appreciation for certain aspects of the job, such as the content of the job, the team atmosphere, or the company culture, to increase your sincerity and friendliness.
Explain the reasons and position. You should be honest and tactful in telling the recruiter why and where you stand for declining the job. You can simply say that you are not satisfied with the salary of the job, or that the salary of the job is lower than your expectations or the market level. You shouldn't be too specific or harsh so as not to appear greedy or unreasonable, and you shouldn't be too vague or ambiguous so as not to create misunderstandings or hopes.
Leave room and possibilities. While you should turn down the job, you should also leave some leeway and possibility for the recruiter to maintain your relationship with them and the opportunity to cooperate. You can say that you are still interested in the job and that you would like them to contact you again if there are any changes or updates, or that you are willing to consider other job opportunities and that you would like them to recommend you if they have any suitable positions. You should not completely shut down or refuse any communication or contact channels to avoid losing your contacts or resources.
Here's an example of declining a low-paying job offer:
Dear Mr. Lee, thank you for sending me a job offer, I am honored to be able to pass your interview and become your candidate. I am very interested in your company and your team, and I think this job will allow me to develop my expertise and potential, and at the same time, I will be able to learn a lot of new knowledge and skills.
However, I regret to tell you that I cannot accept the salary you offered. I have a clear idea of my values and expectations, and I think your salary is below my level and market standards. I hope you understand my position, not out of greed or disrespect, but out of respect and fairness to myself.
I am still highly interested in this job and I hope you will be able to contact me again if you are able to reconsider your salary, or if there are any other updates or changes. I would also like to consider other job opportunities in your company and I would like you to recommend me if you have any suitable positions. I really appreciate your consideration and support, and I hope we can stay in touch and work together.
Thank you again for your job offer and wish you all the best in your work and a happy life.
You are sincere, Mr. Zhang.