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Decline a job offer without burning the bridge
Practice: Getting the tone right. About 5 minutes.
About this exercise
You're turning down a job offer. Reply to the recruiter in at most 4 sentences. The first sentence declines the offer, give only the reason that you've accepted a role that's a closer fit, never mention money or the other company, and never use 'unfortunately' or 'sorry'. End by saying you'd like to stay in touch with the hiring manager by name. Write a prompt that gets that reply.
Common mistakes when you ask AI for this
- Not limiting the length. The AI writes a long, guilty letter explaining the whole decision. Try: Be exact: "At most 4 sentences."
- Burying the no. AI declines open with two sentences of thanks, so Kevin has to hunt for the answer. Try: Say it: "Sentence 1 declines the offer."
- Explaining too much. The AI mentions the higher salary or the other company, which can sour the relationship. Try: Add: "Only reason: I accepted a role that's a closer fit. No money, no company names."
- Guilty tone, vague ending. AI uses "Unfortunately" and "I'm so sorry" and ends with a generic "best of luck". Try: Add: "No 'unfortunately' or 'sorry'. End by saying I'd like to stay in touch with Rachel."
What a strong prompt includes
- Limits the sentences
- Gives the no first
- Keeps the reason simple
- Bans guilt words
- Names the hiring manager
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