How to Turn Down Jobs and Not Burn Bridges

The ability to turn down work is healthy for a successful freelance career.

The freelance economy is fiercely competitive with more writers than lucrative gigs, which can make it hard pass up opportunities. But even in this climate, not every project will be a great fit.

“I vowed to never again take on an assignment that had red flags such as low pay or an unreasonable deadline,” freelance writer Linda Formichelli said. “I even promised to turn down assignments that simply gave me a bad feeling in my gut … And you know what? I have no shortage of work, and all of it is interesting and pays well. I always knew that turning down inappropriate assignments leaves more space for good work to come flowing in, but now I’m seeing it in practice.”

Saying “no” is empowering, but it’s tough to do at first. These tactics will help:

Stay authentic and consider the client

Ethical conflicts, compensation, and time constraints are all justifiable reasons to reject gigs. Luckily, clients are often on the same page.

When Susan Goldberg’s longest-term client asked her to profile a retailer with controversial business practices, she felt hesitant to accept the job but said yes out of worry that she might “inconvenience” her editor. Eventually, however, she decided to say no.

“The article would be online, with my name attached to it,” Goldberg said. “But my client would suffer too: they wouldn’t receive my best work.”

Goldberg reached out to her client, explaining her inability to write a truly unbiased piece. She emphasized, however, that her decision was in her client’s best interest.

The client understood and appreciated Goldberg’s “unwillingness to compromise the quality of the piece.”

Goldberg’s experience illustrates how saying “no” in a “pleasant, principled, reliable, and professional” way can make a writer appear more credible.

Be honest about time constraints

Over time, circumstances change. Momentarily busy writers may have more time later. Even though the job is a poor fit now, a better opportunity may arise in the future. For these reasons, freelancers should keep doors open.

“Almost every client will respect the fact that you won’t overbook yourself and that you won’t take on a project unless you believe you could do an outstanding job,” TechRepublic writer Meredith Little said. “If you really do want to work for a client – just not now – contact the client a bit before you are available to inquire whether they still need you. Or, try to set up a contract that either allows you to ramp up gradually or has a start date in the future.”

Suggest writers who will fit the job

Writers know other writers are always looking for work. Suggesting fellow wordsmiths is a great networking tool and clients will appreciate the extra effort.

“Whenever I turn down work, I always make sure I give an alternative option to the client. If they’re wanting someone to produce work in a niche I don’t specialize in, I refer them to a writer I know who covers that topic,” writer Dan Smith said.

A referral given now may materialize into a referral earned down the road. It never huts to help somebody.

Don’t forget to say “thank you”

In the freelance world, manners are invaluable and can make a writer stand out as a high-quality professional. An old-fashioned “thank you” is always in order.

“Make sure to communicate that you are appreciative of the offer and state that you respect both the organization and the other person – don’t make it seem as though the position was beneath you or that you didn’t give the offer serious thought and consideration,” communication trainer Jodi Glickman said on the Harvard Business Review Blog Network.

Even a small thing like courtesy can make a big impression on the client.

Image courtesy of Flickr, Fabio Do Carmo