Getting offered a sales job is what all candidates strive to achieve when starting their job search. But what do you do if you are offered a job and you don’t want to take it?

Turning down a sales job can be an awkward predicament. It happens to sales professionals who are interviewing with multiple companies. Occasionally, some candidates will get offered a job by one company while interviewing with the company they actually want to work for.

While you may be grateful for the job offer, you need to be careful how you turn down the job or you could burn a bridge and ruin a relationship you may need in the future. So, what do you do?

We have collected a number of strategies from our sales recruiters you can use to politely and gracefully say, “Thanks, but no, thanks” if you are ever offered a job you plan to turn down.

4 Ways to Politely Turn Down a Sales Job Without Burning Bridges

If you are planning to turn down a job, here are 4 tips for saying no without burning bridges:

1. Respond as Quickly as Possible

Avoid texting or emailing if possible. Call the hiring manager or recruiter directly to let them know you will not be taking the job. Calling shows you have respect for the hiring company, and they will be thankful that you called to inform them rather than leaving them hanging.

2. Be Honest and Direct

There is no need to play games. Be honest and direct. People respect transparency. As they say, honesty is always the best policy. The hiring manager will appreciate your candor.

3. Offer a Referral

If you are going to turn down a role and you know someone you think would be a good candidate, offer the referral when speaking with the hiring manger. This gives the hiring manager a lead to follow up and quickly re-start the process of looking for a candidate.

4. Express Gratitude

Always say thank you. Thank the hiring manager or sales recruiter for the time they spent with you. Be sincere.

More Sales Job and Career Tips

Looking for a sales job? Check out these blog posts that are full of insightful tips and advice:

6 Common Types of Sales Jobs: Which Is the Right One for You?

7 Unprofessional Habits That Kill Your Chances of Getting the Sales Job

Thinking of a Career in Sales? Here’s What to Expect

SalesForce Search is a sales recruiting company which specializes in the recruitment and placement of sales professionals. We recruit salespeople in every sector of the economy including, software, manufacturing, financial services and medical devices. Find the right salesperson for your organization, start your search here.