How to decline an offer that’s not the right fit

I was elated when one of my girlfriends landed a probationary offer at her dream company. You know the type—the kind of place that’s practically a household name, with professionals so well-known in Tanzania’s business scene that just mentioning them makes you feel like you're in on something special.

It was a BIG deal, and I couldn't stop hyping her up. We were both gushing about all the connections she’d make and how her career was about to skyrocket.

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

She craved mentorship and growth, yet what she found was a culture that rewarded employees who worked long hours with little recognition, all while expecting everyone to conform to an "always-on" mindset (7 days a week!). Decisions were driven by hierarchy rather than innovation, and any creative risk was quickly shot down. It wasn’t that she couldn’t handle the pressure, but she realised this wasn’t the culture that aligned with her professional and personal aspirations.

Cultural fit is just as crucial as the job itself. Here are two indicators you might not be the right fit for a company culture:

1. Values misalignment: If the company prioritises profits over people, but you value empathy and work-life balance, there’s going to be a disconnect. Pay attention to how leaders speak about success and what the company celebrates.
2. Work-life balance issues: Some companies thrive on the “hustle culture” mentality, expecting employees to work beyond regular hours. If you’re someone who values boundaries and personal time, that’s a clear sign it’s not a good fit.

Realising 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 are steps to gracefully decline an offer.

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

Be honest yet diplomatic. You don’t have to go into all the gritty details about 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. That could sound like, “After careful consideration, I’ve realised that the company’s values and work environment, while impressive, don’t fully align with the direction I’m hoping to take in my professional growth.”

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

Stay brief and professional. There’s no need for a lengthy explanation. Long-winded explanations can lead to misunderstandings or come across as defensive.

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

For my friend, turning down her offer was not a negative experience but an empowering one where she prioritised finding the right fit over simply accepting the next available role.

When you decline an offer thoughtfully, 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.

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