How to Decline a Job Offer and Examples
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Situation-specific Examples
There are many reasons why a candidate might have to turn down a job offer. You may not agree with the pay, workload, the company’s management style, or you may have another more attractive proposition.
Whatever your reasons may be, declining a job offer can feel awkward, but the sooner you let them know, the better. Never leave recruiters in the dark; once you’ve decided to decline the offer, let them know as quickly as possible.
Letting the company know promptly will help them move forward promptly with their hiring process. When responding, always be polite and, above all else: maintain a tone of gratitude.
Most importantly, avoid being emotional; keep it simple and to the point.
To help you turn down an offer with grace, we have some situation-specific examples that you can edit and adapt according to your specific situation.
Accepted another offer
Email example if 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] 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,
After accepting the current offer
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,
Salary is not as expected
Email example of declining if the salary is not as expected:
Subject line: Job offer – [Your name]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Name of hiring manager],
I appreciate the job offer for the position of [job title] with [company name]. However, after some reflection, I decided that I can’t accept this position at the salary you’re offering. If the salary range can be negotiated, please let me know.
Otherwise, I appreciate your time and enjoyed meeting with you.
I wish you luck in your search for a candidate. Once again, thank you for the opportunity.
Sincerely,
The Job Title is Not What You Were After
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 offering me the opportunity to work at [company name] as a [job title]. I sincerely appreciate your time and consideration. However, I have decided that 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. Best wishes for your continued success.
Sincerely,
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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
Thank you so much for the [job title] position offer. I appreciate you taking the time to consider me and answer so many of my questions about the company and role. However, I’m leaning more toward accepting a position with a different company. But, 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 to meet the team and see the offices. Even though I have already accepted the offer, I've decided to decline after much thought and consideration to focus on other roles that I think are more in line with the work I do. However, I hope we can stay in touch about future opportunities that better align with my career goals.
Salary is not as expected
I wanted to thank you for the interview and job offer. While this seems like a wonderful company to work for, I need to turn down 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 about how much responsibility that position entails, and I’m looking for a role more focused on programming tasks exclusively. I truly appreciate the time you spent talking with me about the position, and I 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 leave the door open for a future position.
