Declining Offers
FROM EMAIL:
Question: What is the protocol for declining offers?
Answer:
1. It is always best to call the person who extended the offer. You may leave voicemail during regular business hours asking for a return call (once), and then leave the decline on your second voicemail which might be after hours. This shows that you tried to do this person to person, which is brave, forthright and appropriate.
2. Follow up with an email to the person who made you the offer with a CC to the recruiting staff member with whom you had the most contact. Your language, of course, is that of thanks (for the interview time) and regret (that you have to make a difficult choice). ...
The NALP GUIDLINES for TIming Of Offers is:
Sept 15 -- no more than 5 offers
Oct 1 -- no more than 4 offers
Oct 15 -- no more than 3 offers
Nov 1 -- no more than 2 offers
You may find more information on the timing guidelines and guidelines for student professionalism in the interview period here,, and you will find a handy chart summarizing the rules here.