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Ask HN: What's a polite way to say “I'm not interested” after interviewing?

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Re: Ask HN: What's a polite way to say “I'm not interested” after interviewing?

#11
You likely have a skill set that they need immediately.

Trust me when I tell you this - hiring is an impersonal process, and part of 'making the sale' includes emotional tactics if the opportunity presents itself, and the other side is so inclined.

Hiring is also self serving and strictly business; contrary to any sentiment expressed during an interview. An employer sees a way to profit from what you provide, plain and simple, and thats why they are hiring you.

If you are going to succeed it is best to learn early on you alone maintain your long term priorities in the hiring process and as an employee; no one else will do that for you with the exception of maybe a highly trusted friend.

If it helps try to think about it this way; if a new applicant showed up today with the same skills as you have and was willing to work for less, they would have no hesitation in telling you that you were not a good 'fit' (industry lingo for we don't want you and we aren't telling you why). You have to keep the same mindset; if an employer comes along with a better offer, you would be shooting yourself in the foot if you didn't take it.

It's not all rainbows and unicorns, but on the other hand it's also not all cutthroat and competition. It's about finding a position that benefits both parties in meeting their goals.

TL;DR don't feel bad about telling them no.

Re: Ask HN: What's a polite way to say “I'm not interested” after interviewing?

#13
As someone who hires, I can be disappointed, but I understand if someone says no. It is like dating - it has to work out for both parties.

Just say thanks for your time, but you have decided to pursue other opportunities. If they wonder why, you can maybe explain that on your side, the position isn't a good fit. If the company gets angry, you likely wouldn't have been happy there anyway.

Re: Ask HN: What's a polite way to say “I'm not interested” after interviewing?

#14
You are interviewing them as much as they were interviewing you.

Your response doesn't have to be any more detailed than the one they would give you had you not got through the technical interview.

Just a simple & straight forward couple of lines thanking them for their time and that it was good to get an insight into the role however it's not currently right for what you're looking for.

At the end of the day they gave you a decent look at what working there would be like, be glad that their interview process revealed what you needed to know.

It's MUCH more costly to hire you then have you leave after 4 weeks. They should be grateful you are upfront and not waste further time & money pursuing a role you are not interested in sticking with.

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