How to decline without burning bridges
I have been through several rounds of interviews and expressed interest in the position. For anonymity I’m not going to give detail on the job but it’s something I initially thought I wanted but have since discussed with a mentor and realized its ultimately not for me. The firm wants me back for a final round interview and I’d feel horrible dragging them on knowing I wouldn’t accept an offer regardless. Great firm and a great group of people that I’ve spoken with so far, just not the specific job for me. I would however like to apply to the firm again if the right opportunity comes up. How do I end this current process without burning bridges? I feel terrible for doing this because I expressed great interest in the position but spent the weekend digesting it and changed my mind.
It's your life and you need to do what works for you. Just express that while you love the firm, after thinking deeply about the opportunity, it isn't for you at this point in time and that you have decided you want your career to go in the direction of x. Just because you've spent weeks expressing interest in the role doesn't mean you should feel bad - the interview process is a process of exploration. They have spent weeks interviewing other candidates too - do you really think they will feel bad nixing you if they decided it wasn't the right fit for them?
Thanks, this definitely makes me feel a bit better. I just don’t want them to be pissed that I wasted their time and was gung ho about the position until today. But it would be worse if i continued to lead them on so I’ll end it today.
Exactly - you're never wasting anyone's time..it's your life. The only time you are wasting their time is if you know you don't want the role. You're allowed to explore roles, learn about them, and think, and than determine if it is what you want.
Similar to thread how to politely decline an opportunity in a different city (ie Senior Associate role in Texas offered internally to connect you but you want to work in Florida). I mentioned Florida would be #1 but I would be open to other locations more for optionality.
Just make up some health excuse and tell them you need time to get better and would love to stay in touch.
I’ve killed off many relatives over the years when I needed to.
In all seriousness, you’re not even turning down an offer but a final round interview. No offense but they won’t really give a sh*t if you back out lol.
This happened over a year ago…your advice is irrelevant now.
To the OP, yes. Not to others who may read this post for insight when they find themselves in a similar situation.
Dynamite response!
Just don’t BS them about anything- be honest and candid, I’m sure they will understand. I got an offer as an REIB associate, verbally accepted, then my company convinced me to not jump ship. Pretty hard phone call back to the MD who gave me the offer.
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