How to politely decline a job offer

I've never done this before and I don't know how to do so politely without ruining my reputation in my field. I went on a working interview 2 weeks ago at a vet clinic and I did not feel comfortable being there for the 3 hours that I was there. I saw many flaws and nothing really wowed me while I was there. I tried to give the clinic the benefit of the doubt but after consulting with my friends and my teacher (a very good veterinarian), they all told me it was not an ideal place to work at. The manager left me a voicemail yesterday saying she has some good news for me and to call her back. Now I have to call her today and tell her no. Please help.

You could say "thanks for your time, but something better has come up. I appreciate the offer." Or you could say that after thinking about it for a bit, that you've come to the conclusion that the job would not be a good fit for your current life style.

Cupid had a couple good suggestions. Don't make it a bigger deal than it needs to be. Thank them for their time, and as cupid said, just let them know you don't feel it is the right fit for you.

Thanks all. I called earlier and the manager seemed very surprised that I declined. I kept it short and thanked her. Time to move on. I have another interview on Tuesday anyways at another clinic. Hopefully a better outcome.

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Originally Posted by dizzydynamo

Thanks all. I called earlier and the manager seemed very surprised that I declined. I kept it short and thanked her. Time to move on. I have another interview on Tuesday anyways at another clinic. Hopefully a better outcome.

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Best of luck to you =)

The few times I have been in this situation, I took a cue from employers who did not hire me. I would say things to the effect of, "Thank you for the kind offer but I have decided to pursue another opportunity at this time." Tends to difuse any bad feelings becuase it cues in a portion of an HR managers brain that they use to execute a refusal to hire.

Psychology, it's not just for breakfast anymore!

I was in that exact same situation before. When I was doing cooperative education placement for law enforcement. I got offered a position shadowing a criminal defence lawyer who works almost exclusively in the federal court system. I met with him and didn't feel a connection to him or the placement. I got a call that same day saying that he had selected me and he was excited to have me work for him, and to call him back to work out the details.

it sucks having to make that phone call but it worked out for me. The placement I did chose landed me with a great job in the end.

I'm glad you didn't settle, after all- it's YOUR education and YOUR portfolio that it effects. Good luck in your next interview!