Decline job offers and cancel scheduled interviews

[Rockets2002]

Say you have received a few job offers and have made up your mind on which one to accept. This sounds like a good situation to have, but I wanted to have your thoughts on how to handle it most appropriately. Would you call the hiring managers first, then follow up with an email? or just do it by emails? I thought it would be kind of awkward to decline an job offer or cancell previously scheduled interviews directly over the phone.

[Laurelinda]

I'd say calling makes a better impression. Who knows, some day you may be interviewing at one of those companies again. Everyone expects you're interviewing at other places, so it shouldn't be an awkward surprise.

"Hello _____, this is _______. After some deliberation I have decided to accept a position at another company that fits my needs at the present time. Thank you for all your time, and it has been a pleasure speaking with you."

If it's a nice person, you'll get something like, "Well, thank you for informing us and good luck with your new job." Or you might just get, "Okay, I'll cancel your interview." Either way, you can say thanks and hang up.

[Westley]

Seems like calling after the email would be awkward. What would you say?

Email's fine. Phone is better, if you're comfortable with that. If you're really a hot commodity, be ready for them to try to change your mind.

[Westley]

And, congrats!

[mlschop]

Originally Posted by Westley

Seems like calling after the email would be awkward. What would you say?

Email's fine. Phone is better, if you're comfortable with that. If you're really a hot commodity or they really need to fill a position ASAP, be ready for them to try to change your mind.

IFYP

When I was entering the actuarial field (2 years after graduating college), I had sent my resume to a place where I previously interned at and had scheduled an interview. In the meantime I had gotten an offer "I couldn't refuse" from someone else. I told the former employer that I accepted a job and started next Monday. They started saying all sorts of things...including hiring me on the spot if an immediate 30 minute phone interview we well on their end. They also offered to pay me slightly more than the offer I accepted. I politely rejected...

None of the management or people I worked with at the time was still with the former employer, so I don't think anyone was really vouching for me (i.e. "hot commodity"). They really sounded like they needed a body to do some work, which probably wasn't a good position for a new actuarial student to be in anyway

[actexp]

Originally Posted by Rockets2002

Say you have received a few job offers and have made up your mind on which one to accept. This sounds like a good situation to have, but I wanted to have your thoughts on how to handle it most appropriately. Would you call the hiring managers first, then follow up with an email? or just do it by emails? I thought it would be kind of awkward to decline an job offer or cancell previously scheduled interviews directly over the phone.

Think you should call. It is far more courteous and you can explain things or answer questions that they might have.