Thanks, But No Thanks: Five Ways to Politely Decline a Job Offer

Common wisdom dictates that every so often a professional should shop around -- circulate her resume and go on a few job interviews to determine her worth and marketability. This isn't a bad idea; however, it can put a passive job seeker in an awkward situation if she gets a job offer she isn't really interested in at the moment.

So how does a job seeker reject a potential employer without burning a bridge? Try any one of these five suggestions.

1. The Big Picture

Simply say that although the position is highly attractive, it doesn't truly fit with your long-term career plans.