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Declining a job offer can be tricky, but there are a few steps you can follow to decline a job while keeping your options politely. Here’s some helpful writing advice and sample emails to help you decline a job offer.

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How To Politely Decline a Job Offer

It’s never easy, but declining a job offer is sometimes necessary. Here are a few writing tips for how to turn down a job offer without burning any professional bridges. You’ll also find situation-based email examples to help you decline job offers.

  • Don’t delay: Although you should write your decision email carefully, you should let the employer know as soon as possible so they can contact wait-listed applicants.

  • Be grateful: Thank the employer for the offer and the opportunity. This shows genuine appreciation for everyone’s time and leaves a positive impression.

  • Be clear and concise: Politely explain why you decline the offer. This can relate to salary, location, hours, or personal reasons such as family or medical commitments.

  • State your future interest: Explain your future opportunities or stay in touch.

  • End on a positive note: Repeat your gratitude, wish their team success, and share a genuine interest in future opportunities if applicable.

How to Decline a Job Offer in Specific Situations

There are many reasons to decline a job offer—pay, workload, company culture, or a better opportunity. Whatever the case, here’s how to respectfully decline a job offer. Stay polite, express gratitude, and keep it brief. 

Here are some sample emails for everyday job offer situations to help you respond.

How to politely decline a job offer for another job.

In today’s job market, employers understand that candidates probably interview for multiple jobs. Here’s how to decline a job offer when accepting a different one. 

  • Thank the employer for the opportunity and their time.
  • Let them know you’ve accepted another offer.
  • Mention staying in touch for future opportunities.


Here’s a sample email.

Subject line: Job offer – [Your name]

Dear Mr./Ms. [Name of hiring manager],

Thank you very much for considering me for the [job title] role with [company name]. However, I have accepted a position with another company.

It was a difficult decision to make, and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to interview me.

Again, thank you for your consideration.

Very respectfully,

How to decline a job offer after accepting

There’s multiple reasons to change your mind about a job offer, including family commitments, a different opportunity, or workplace red flags. Here’s how to politely explain your decision. 

  • Inform the employer as soon as you can so they can reach out to alternate candidates before they send out rejections. 
  • Keep it professional and acknowledge the inconvenience caused.
  • Help with the transition by referring a qualified candidate. 


Email example of declining after you’ve accepted another job offer:

Subject line: Job offer – [Your name]

Dear Mr./Ms. [Name of hiring manager],

Thank you very much for considering me for the [job title] position with [company name]. Unfortunately, after accepting this new role, I have decided that it is in my best interest to turn down your job offer.

Again, thank you for this job opportunity.

Very respectfully,

How to decline due to salary expectations.

If you love the team and work environment but can’t accept based on salary needs, you can politely open negotiations. However, if you can’t reach a reasonable compromise, here’s how to respectfully decline a job offer.

  • Thank the employer for the offer and opportunity.
  • Politely state that you cannot accept due to salary concerns.
  • Counter with a reasonable salary expectation unless you are firm in your decision. 


Email example of declining if the salary is not as expected:

Subject line: Job offer – [Your name]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I sincerely appreciate the offer for the [Job Title] position at [company name]. After careful consideration, I have decided to decline as the salary does not align with my expectations.

I truly appreciate the opportunity and hope to stay in touch for future roles. Wishing you and your team continued success.

Best regards,

How to decline an unexpected offer.

Occasionally, employers find multiple qualified candidates and offer employment in alternate departments. If the job offer doesn’t meet your interest or expectations, here’s how to decline the job offer: 

  • Thank them for the opportunity, but mention that the role differs from what you discussed or expected. 
  • Politely decline, but express your open interest in future opportunities that align with your experience and interests.


Email example for when the job is not a good fit for you because it’s not what you were after:

Subject line: Job offer – [Your name]

Dear Mr./Ms. [Name of hiring manager],

Thank you for allowing me to work at [company name] as a [job title]. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration. However, this is not a fit for my career goals.

Again, thank you for taking the time to meet with me and consider me for your company. I wish you continued success.

Sincerely,

Tips on How to Decline on the Spot

People usually decline a job offer in writing, but it’s OK not to accept on the spot. They will respect your honesty and appreciate that you did not waste their time.

Here are the top three tips on how to decline on the spot:

  • Break the ice; start by being appreciative of the opportunity.
  • Avoid being too vague; focus on giving a good reason for your decline.
  • Stay in touch; there may be another opportunity in the future.


Let’s look at situation-specific examples:

Accept another offer:

I appreciate the offer for the [job title] position and am grateful for the time you took to discuss the role and the company with me. However, I’m leaning toward accepting a position with a different company. I value the opportunity to meet you and your team.  Thank you so much for considering me.

After accepting the current offer:

Thank you again for interviewing me regarding the [job title] role. It was great meeting the team and seeing the offices. Although I accepted the offer, I decided to decline to focus on other roles that I think are more in line with my work. However, I hope we can stay in touch about future opportunities that better align with my career goals.

Salary is not as expected:

Thank you for the interview and job offer. While this seems like a wonderful company to work for, I need to reject the job offer because the role doesn’t meet my salary expectations. I wish you the best in your search for the right candidate!

The job title is not what you were after:

I hadn’t realized until we talked how much managerial responsibility this position entails — I’m looking for a role focused exclusively on programming tasks. I truly appreciate your time and hope our paths might cross in the future. I wish you the best in your search for the right candidate. Have a great day!

Always be polite. This will keep your reputation intact and open doors for a future position.

Key Takeaways

With the proper steps, you can politely decline a job offer but keep yourself in the running for future job opportunities. Remember:

  • Always thank the employer for the offer and their time.

  • Politely explain why you’re declining the offer without unnecessary details.

  • Maintain a respectful tone and avoid emotional responses.

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Last edited by: Gabriela Barcenas, CPRW, Content Writer II - February 7, 2025

Gabriela Barcenas

Gabriela Barcenas

CPRW, Content Writer II

Gabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design, and career advice.

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