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B2Job Interview

How to 'Turn Down' a Job Offer Confidently

Phrasal Verb: turn down |Grammar: First Conditional

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'turn down' in job interview contexts and form first conditional sentences to discuss possible future outcomes related to accepting or rejecting job offers.

Article

When you receive a job offer, it’s important to decide carefully whether to accept or turn down the position. If you turn down an offer, you are politely refusing it. For example, if you find a better opportunity, you might say, “If I turn down this offer, I will wait for a more suitable job.” Employers usually understand if you turn down a job for good reasons. If you turn down too many offers, however, companies might think you are not serious. On the other hand, if you accept an offer without thinking, you might regret it later. That’s why it’s common to say, “If I accept this job, I will prepare to start immediately.” Using the first conditional helps you talk about what will happen if you accept or turn down a job. So, if you turn down an offer now, you might find a better role soon. Remember, being clear and polite when you turn down a job will keep good relationships for the future.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

'Turn down' means to refuse or reject something, such as a job offer.

Grammar Note

The first conditional is used to talk about real and possible future situations. It has the form: If + present simple, will + base verb.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'turn down' when you politely refuse a job or offer.
  • Use the first conditional to discuss possible results of your decisions.
  • Keep your tone polite and professional when turning down offers.

Examples

If I turn down this job offer, I will keep looking for better opportunities.

Talking about rejecting a job

If they turn down your application, you will have to apply elsewhere.

Referring to the employer's decision

If you accept the position, you will start next Monday.

Talking about accepting a job

If I don’t turn down the offer, I will have to relocate.

Considering consequences of accepting

If the company turns down your proposal, you will need to negotiate again.

Discussing possible rejection

Dialogue

Context: A candidate discusses with a recruiter whether to accept or turn down a job offer.

A:
Thank you for the offer. If I turn down this position, will there be other opportunities?
B:
Yes, if you turn down this job, we will keep your CV for future roles.
A:
I appreciate that. If I accept, will I start training next week?
B:
Exactly, if you accept, your training begins on Monday.
A:
Alright, I will think carefully. If I turn down the offer, I will let you know by tomorrow.
B:
That sounds good. Please take your time.

Vocabulary

offer
A proposal to give a job or position.
Example: She received a job offer from a big company.
Synonym: proposal
accept
To agree to take or receive something.
Example: He decided to accept the job offer.
Synonym: agree
reject
To refuse to accept, believe, or consider something.
Example: They rejected his application last week.
Synonym: refuse
candidate
A person applying for a job or position.
Example: The candidate answered all interview questions confidently.
Synonym: applicant
interview
A formal meeting to assess someone's suitability for a job.
Example: She has an interview tomorrow morning.
Synonym: meeting
relocate
To move to a different place, usually for work.
Example: If you accept the job, you might have to relocate.
Synonym: move
training
Instruction or preparation for a job or task.
Example: New employees start training in the first week.
Synonym: coaching
position
A job or role within a company.
Example: She applied for the marketing position.
Synonym: role
application
A formal request for a job.
Example: His application was successful.
Synonym: request
negotiate
To discuss terms in order to reach an agreement.
Example: They negotiated the salary before accepting the job.
Synonym: bargain

Tips

  • Always be polite when you turn down a job offer to maintain good relationships.
  • Use the first conditional to discuss possible outcomes when making decisions about jobs.
  • Avoid saying 'I will turn down' without an 'if' clause in job contexts to keep sentences natural.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how to use the phrasal verb 'turn down' in the context of job interviews and offers. You also practised forming first conditional sentences to talk about possible future outcomes when accepting or rejecting job offers.

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