The careerist: Rejecting job offers Fretting over refusing a job offer might seem a nice problem to have. But how do you achieve it in a way that does not damage future prospects? When should I say no? The Careerist "If you're offered an opportunity you were not looking for, it is easy to allow yourself to be flattered into taking a job that isn't right for you," says Jenny Ungless, a career coach and author of Career Ahead: The Complete Career Handbook. Know your career strategy and plans well enough so you have the ability to make a good judgment call. She adds: "You need to be especially careful when it's a really significant salary increase. Here, what you have to bear in mind is that if it takes you away from where you want to be in five years" time, it's not a good deal." Are there some basic rules? "Don't string people along," says Moira Benigson, managing partner of MBS Group, an executive search firm. Be honest and upfront all the way through. Do your homework at the beginning so you don't realise you don't want the job at the last minute. Ms Ungless says: "If you're not really interested from the outset but go through the whole process you will destroy the relationship with the headhunter or company - and you may want something from them in the future." Be wary too of pushy headhunters who have roles to fill and clients to please. "You may need to be assertive in saying no," she says. How do I ensure refusal doesn't harm my future prospects? With external jobs, this is relatively easy. "In saying no, always leave the door open," advises Mark Parkinson, a business psychologist and author of How to Master Psychometric Tests. "Say: "I'm not interested in this, but if something else comes up, do give me a call and I'll send you my CV." If someone has rung you up, it means you're on their radar, so ensure you stay on it. Ms Benigson says that while saying no, you might also suggest other candidates to look at and that you should try to stay in touch them. Stay polite: "Say "I have more to achieve where I am" or "I'm not ready to move,"" says Ms Ungless. "If they know you're actively looking, you might be more circumspect: "The role isn't right for me" or "I don't think it plays to my strengths."" What if the offer I want to refuse is internal? "Internal jobs are harder to decline," says Mr Parkinson. The expectation is that you'll jump at it. If you don't, you can look extremely unambitious and ungrateful. You might be able to refuse diplomatically by saying you're interested in another career development or in finding a way to enrich your current role. This at least makes you look like you're still interested in the organisation. However, Ms Benigson cautions: "If you refuse, especially if you do it more than once, you will start to get passed over, and as younger people pass you by you'll become expensive and be seen as out of touch." The writer is the author of "The Careerist: 100 ways to get ahead at work"