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

I'm interviewing right now as part of the job search and just passed a very in-depth and rigorous technical interview. The problem is, during my conversation with the lead dev and in the course of receiving direction, I just found... I really didn't like him. I also had problems with the stack and just am generally uninterested in the work as I've learned more about it through the interview process.

Now they're pushing me for a follow-up and quick hire. I'm not interested in ever working with the recruiter who placed me again - he's consistently ignored my concerns and desires about finding work - but is there any way to let the company down? They're a major player and I don't want to burn bridges (I'm a junior candidate).

Doesn't culture fit go both ways? I feel like no matter what I say, they'll be angry I "wasted their time" but I didn't know my decision until I learned what I learned during the interview...

Don't be too concerned. This sort of thing happens all the time. Just be polite and say that you'll be pursuing other opportunities. You don't need to go into a detailed explanation of your decision if you don't want to. The interviewer may be a little bit put out but TBH that would only be the case if you were the stand out best candidate in which case you'll probably be fine if you wanted to re-apply in a year or so. As to the recruiter,just ask them to pass on your decision. They may badger you about it (they'll consider that they're losing money if you had a good chance of getting the role) but, again, you don't owe them an explanation.

As a general point, as a hiring manager, I don't tend to feel that someone's playing me unless we've actually agreed with them that they're taking a role (going as far as agreeing a start date, comp etc) and they then don't join. Fundamentally it comes down to whether or not we've stopped looking for other candidates. If we haven't stopped looking, you're not really putting us out at all.

"I don't think the position is the right fit. Thank you for your time" has worked out well for me.

> Doesn't culture fit go both ways?

Yes of course, and it's never a waste of time to explore a potential business partnership. I've found it more productive to have an initial Skype/phone call with the hiring exec before any in-person meetings and tech interviews. Demand this upfront and lead with your own questions.

Remove "on my behalf and I feel bad that it wasn’t more fruitful"

Replace "that you even considered me" with "your time".

Watch for any signs of self-diminishing thoughts such as stating that your time is being less important than other's time.