| Pages in topic: [1 2 3] > | Poll: Do you include apologies in your response when you can't accept a job request? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Do you include apologies in your response when you can't accept a job request?".
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I include apologies in my response always. Otherwise how could I call myself a human being? Offering apologies plays a significant part in polite behavior.
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It depends on who is requesting and why I can’t accept it (Deadline? Rate? Subject matter? Language pair?). If the request comes from a regular client, I’ll apologize and explain why I can’t accept it and suggest an alternative date, I’ll do the same if it comes from a potential client with whom I’d like to start working, but unfortunately some of the requests I receive don’t deserve an answer…
| | | | Samuel Murray 
Netherlands
Local time: 22:43
Member (2006)
English to Afrikaans
+ ...
It's one word, and it's the first word of the first sentence: "Sorry, I'm not available for this task."
But I often don't use the word "sorry". I use the word "unfortunately". It still counts as an apology, though, doesn't it? I mean, you have to soften the blow somewhat. You can't just write "Nope, I'm not available for this task", unless you're really trying to alienate the client and all of their contacts.
(I'm assuming the question relates to situations where yo... See more It's one word, and it's the first word of the first sentence: "Sorry, I'm not available for this task."
But I often don't use the word "sorry". I use the word "unfortunately". It still counts as an apology, though, doesn't it? I mean, you have to soften the blow somewhat. You can't just write "Nope, I'm not available for this task", unless you're really trying to alienate the client and all of their contacts.
(I'm assuming the question relates to situations where you actually send a reply.)
[Edited at 2024-01-10 09:12 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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Kay Denney
France
Local time: 22:43
French to English
Samuel Murray wrote:
It's one word, and it's the first word of the first sentence: "Sorry, I'm not available for this task."
But I often don't use the word "sorry". I use the word "unfortunately". It still counts as an apology, though, doesn't it? I mean, you have to soften the blow somewhat. You can't just write "Nope, I'm not available for this task", unless you're really trying to alienate the client and all of their contacts.
(I'm assuming the question relates to situations where you actually send a reply.)
[Edited at 2024-01-10 09:12 GMT]
"include apologies in your response" certainly does imply that we're talking about the job requests you do actually answer.
I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't put that one word when turning work down. If you can't be bothered to say sorry, why bother to even answer?
The 10.9% of you who answered "no", what on earth do you put? "Not in a million years you cheapskate!"?
| | | | IrinaN
United States
Local time: 15:43
English to Russian
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| Yes, every time I answer, if I do | Jan 10 |
Unless you've been raised a Mowgli, you do in one form or another.
For Pete's sake, how do questions like that even come to mind???
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I even say good morning/afternoon and thanks to toll attendants and supermarket cashiers.
It was called good manners in my time, before politeness became a sign of weakness.
Philippe
| | | | Lingua 5B
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Local time: 22:43
Member (2009)
English to Croatian
+ ...
Yes, I use verbal softeners (much like laundry softener) when I have to turn down anyone for anything I use the word “unfortunately”.
When someone turns me down and says “unfortunately” or “sorry” I hate it more than anything, but I follow the etiquette from my end as well.
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| Especially to good clients! | Jan 10 |
My Norwegian client sends requests for jobs that may be beyond my scope in Norwegian, but lets me decide. I always apologise sincerely, because sometimes they are interesting jobs all the same! It means she keeps trying, and over the years she has sent me lots of work I can take on.
Good manners cost nothing. If I respond at all, I always try to be polite. I am conscious that people here in Denmark tend to be ´abrupt´ and direct, but even a little sign of consideration makes a big... See more My Norwegian client sends requests for jobs that may be beyond my scope in Norwegian, but lets me decide. I always apologise sincerely, because sometimes they are interesting jobs all the same! It means she keeps trying, and over the years she has sent me lots of work I can take on.
Good manners cost nothing. If I respond at all, I always try to be polite. I am conscious that people here in Denmark tend to be ´abrupt´ and direct, but even a little sign of consideration makes a big difference! ▲ Collapse
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Lingua 5B wrote:
When someone turns me down and says “unfortunately” or “sorry” I hate it more than anything
Why?
| | | | Lingua 5B
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Local time: 22:43
Member (2009)
English to Croatian
+ ...
Christopher Schröder wrote: Lingua 5B wrote:
When someone turns me down and says “unfortunately” or “sorry” I hate it more than anything Why?
Because I've been turned down? Sorry and unfortunately do not change that fact, they even feel slightly sarcastic (I'm not saying they are wrong). I'd prefer: I cannot help you at this time due to (list of reasons), whishing you a nice day. No need to apologize.
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Lingua 5B wrote:
Because I've been turned down? Sorry and unfortunately do not change that fact, they even feel slightly sarcastic (I'm not saying they are wrong). I'd prefer: I cannot help you at this time due to (list of reasons), whishing you a nice day. No need to apologize.
OK. Maybe it's a cultural thing. Not apologising would be very rude in my country.
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Alex Lichanow
Germany
Local time: 22:43
Member (2020)
English to German
+ ...
I will apologize for objectively messing anything up on my side.
When I can't accept a job request, I will use other words/phrases to express my regret (unfortunately, I'm afraid...), but I feel that actually saying sorry for being unable to take on a job sounds a bit on the nose and might even be interpreted as passive-aggressive (So sorry I can't take your 10k-words job due in two hours!). If a job's deadline is the only factor bothering me, I will also always try suggesting a mor... See more I will apologize for objectively messing anything up on my side.
When I can't accept a job request, I will use other words/phrases to express my regret (unfortunately, I'm afraid...), but I feel that actually saying sorry for being unable to take on a job sounds a bit on the nose and might even be interpreted as passive-aggressive (So sorry I can't take your 10k-words job due in two hours!). If a job's deadline is the only factor bothering me, I will also always try suggesting a more feasible deadline before completely rejecting the job.
[Edited at 2024-01-10 15:57 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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Excellent question! I used to apologize, but then I realized it positioned me in a subordinate role in the conversation. There are ways to maintain politeness without compromising your professional demeanor. So, I would rather say: Thank you for the request (showing my gratitude and keeping the polite relationship with a client), I am currently not available, so I'm sending the contacts of my colleagues who can assist you. Every now and then I catch myself saying something like "Unfortunately I'... See more Excellent question! I used to apologize, but then I realized it positioned me in a subordinate role in the conversation. There are ways to maintain politeness without compromising your professional demeanor. So, I would rather say: Thank you for the request (showing my gratitude and keeping the polite relationship with a client), I am currently not available, so I'm sending the contacts of my colleagues who can assist you. Every now and then I catch myself saying something like "Unfortunately I'm working on another project..." But that's not unfortunate, it's a great thing, so I doesn't really make sense ▲ Collapse
| | | | Liena Vijupe
Latvia
Local time: 23:43
Member (2014)
French to Latvian
+ ...
I guess "sorry" just rings different in some cultures/languages. Like some colleagues above, I have also felt irritated by some people (from other countries) constantly saying "I'm sorry" when they don't mean it or there is nothing to be sorry about. But I've learned to adjust myself, especially in professional communication where there are usually no nonverbal clues and completely neutral expressions may seem aggressive or rude.
I may even add a smiley (or a sad face) here and there or t... See more I guess "sorry" just rings different in some cultures/languages. Like some colleagues above, I have also felt irritated by some people (from other countries) constantly saying "I'm sorry" when they don't mean it or there is nothing to be sorry about. But I've learned to adjust myself, especially in professional communication where there are usually no nonverbal clues and completely neutral expressions may seem aggressive or rude.
I may even add a smiley (or a sad face) here and there or throw in a joke just to show they can keep bothering me!
[Edited at 2024-01-10 17:10 GMT] ▲ Collapse
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