How to Decline a Job Offer in 2024: Tips and Examples
Updated November 20, 2023
- How to Decline a Job Offer Example (2024)
- Why Turn Down a Job Opportunity?
- How to Professionally Decline a Job Offer in 2024
- What to Include in a Rejection Email or Letter
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- Examples of Job Offer Rejection Letters
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- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
There are many reasons you may need to decline a job offer and continue your job search. Perhaps you get a bad vibe at the job interview, perhaps the salary wasn't right or maybe your current employer has made you a better counteroffer.
Whatever the reasons, you want to decline the offer in the right way.
Here we'll outline some tips for how to respectfully decline a job offer for a new job. We'll also provide examples of how to turn down a job in different situations.
Read on for advice on how to decline a job offer gracefully and without burning bridges.
How to Decline a Job Offer Example (2024)
Before we start, take a look at this example how to professionally decline a job offer.
We will go into more detail below.
Thank you for your offer to join your team as a [role]. I appreciate the time you have taken to get to know me and learn about my skills.
After careful consideration, I have decided to accept a position with another company. While your offer was very competitive, the other company's offer was better suited to my long-term career goals.
Again, thank you for your time and consideration, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Why Turn Down a Job Opportunity?
When you receive a job offer, it can be tempting to accept it without thinking too much about it. After all, it's an exciting opportunity, and you're probably eager to start your new role.
However, there are times when it might be better to turn down a job offer.
These might include:
- The salary isn't as high as you were hoping for/salary negotiation has failed
- After learning more about the role, it doesn’t match your career path
- You didn't get on well with the hiring manager during the interview process
- The company's culture isn't a good fit for you
- The location isn't ideal
- You may have been offered more money or a better compensation package generally in a new company but realise you value your friendships and happiness in your current job
Some people also may just have a change of heart.
Whatever the reason, it can be a difficult decision, so make sure you give it proper thought. Don't feel guilty about turning down a job offer, as you need to do what's best for you.
How to Professionally Decline a Job Offer in 2024
If you've come to the conclusion that you should turn it down, then all you need to do is follow these next steps on how you decline a job offer.
Step 1. Consider the Offer Carefully
It can be difficult to know what your next move should be. Changing jobs is often a huge decision, and therefore you should take plenty of time to consider it.
You need to think of why you wanted to change jobs in the first place and why you are now having doubts.
Perhaps you've developed anxiety about the possibility of changing jobs and want to back out. If so, you need to look past any fears and focus on whether or not the new role is right for you.
If all the signs are that you should take the job, then it's worth thinking it through again.
As is often the case, it's good to list the pros and cons of each option. Also, think about what is the most important thing to you. Is it friendships, career progression, money or another factor?
Before declining the job offer, take time to reassess whether or not it's the right call.
Step 2. Be Prompt
It is never a good idea to wait too long to reject a job offer. If you wait too long, the hiring company might contact another candidate and offer them the job.
Additionally, it is simply polite to reject an offer quickly.
Candidates never know when or if they will come across the hiring manager again.
They might even move jobs themselves and end up applying for a role at the new company. For all of these reasons, it is best to reject a job offer within 24-48 hours.
A call should be made as soon as possible, followed by a formal letter or email. This will ensure that the company knows your decision promptly and can move on with its hiring process.
They will most likely be frustrated by your rejection, and it's best not to exacerbate that with a late reply.
Step 3. Call the Hiring Manager
Rejecting a job offer is always difficult, but it is important to be professional and courteous when doing so. The best way to reject a job offer is to call the hiring manager and explain your decision.
Thank them for their time and consideration, and let them know that you appreciate the opportunity but have decided to decline the job.
Be concise and clear in your explanation, and avoid giving any false or misleading information.
Remember, the goal is to maintain a positive relationship with the hiring manager in case you need to apply for a job with their company in the future.
You can, of course, reject a job offer without making a call. While this is true, it may be seen as unprofessional or even rude to do so.
This is especially true if they have put time and effort into the interview process.
Step 4. Send an Email/Letter
If you've decided to reject a job offer, the next step after making a call is sending an email or letter to the hiring manager.
This will allow you to state your reasons for rejecting the offer and thank them for their time.
You can also CC the HR department so they are aware of your decision or also send them a copy if it's a physical letter.
By sending an email or letter, you'll ensure that you're being professional and respectful while also making your decision clear.
What to Include in a Rejection Email or Letter
We've looked at the steps you need to take to decline a job offer, but what exactly should you be saying?
Here we look at the four different things you need to include when writing your rejection.
Appreciate the Time and Effort
It is important to be professional and courteous when rejecting a job offer, even if the job itself isn't a good fit.
Hiring managers put a lot of time and effort into finding the right candidate, so it's important to show appreciation for their efforts.
In addition, it's helpful to be specific about something that you found interesting or appealing about the job offer. This shows that you were engaged in the process and seriously considered the role.
By being respectful and appreciative, you'll leave a positive impression even if you're not accepting the position.
Give a Genuine Reason
When you receive a job offer, it is not always the right fit. The company, location, salary or role may not be what you are looking for
You should give a specific reason for turning down the job offer. Some common reasons include:
- Salary offered is not enough
- Role doesn’t match your current career goals
- Deciding to stay in your current position
- Other job offers
- Counteroffer from your existing employer
Whether you should be completely honest here depends on the reason for the rejection. For example, if you didn't like the interview process or developed a negative opinion of the company, it's best to keep it to yourself.
In such circumstances, you can just say you've had a change of heart or use another reason.
It's always a good idea to give a reason but try not to give one that reflects badly on the company or its staff.
Be Positive
When you receive a job offer that you're not interested in, it can be tempting to just send a simple rejection letter and move on.
However, it's important to take the time to craft a well-written and positive rejection letter.
Not only will this help to maintain a good relationship with the company, but it might also come in handy if you ever decide to apply for a position there in the future.
In your rejection letter, make sure to thank the company for considering you for the role.
Wish Them Luck
Wish the company and the hiring manager luck in the future. This shows that you are invested in their success, even though you are not going to be part of it.
Finally, thank them again for considering you and express your hope to stay in touch, maybe ask if it would be ok to connect on social media, such as LinkedIn.
By following these steps, you can reject a job offer while maintaining a positive relationship with the company, and keeping the door open with a future potential employer.
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Examples of Job Offer Rejection Letters
If you're still unsure of exactly what to say, then you can check out our letter or email examples here. An email will usually suffice as you won't be required to give a signature.
It may be that you want to send a letter, and therefore we've got templates for both.
If you plan to send a letter, use the template below.
How to Decline a Job Offer Letter Template
[The date]
[Hiring Manager's Full Name]
[The Name of the Company]
[Company address]Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
[Main body of text]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
If you're looking for a how-to decline a job offer email, then use this template.
How to Decline a Job Offer - Email Template (2024)
Subject: Offer Rejection – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Your Hiring Manager's Name or title],
[Main body of text]
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
For the main body of the text, you need to adapt it to your circumstances.
Regardless of your reasoning, you should start by thanking them, be positive and end by wishing them the best for the future. Here are five examples of what you can write, including how to decline a job offer due to salary and how to decline a job offer you already accepted.
Example 1 — How to Decline a Job Offer Due to a Change of Heart
Thank you for your offer of employment with [company name]. After careful consideration, I have decided to decline the position.
Although I am very enthusiastic about the company and the opportunity to work with such a talented team, I have decided that the commitments of the role may negatively affect my work-life balance.
I appreciate the time and effort that went into recruiting me, and I hope that you will keep me in mind for future opportunities. Thank you again for your consideration.
Thank you for considering me for the position. However, I am sorry to say that I must decline your offer. After careful consideration, I have decided that this position is not the right fit for me.
I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your company and meet with your team, but I ultimately feel that my skills and experience would be better utilized elsewhere.
I sincerely thank you for your time and consideration, and I wish you all the best in your search for the perfect candidate for this role.
Thank you for considering me for the position of [role]. After careful consideration, I have decided to decline the offer. I appreciate the time and effort that you put into making this offer, and I am truly flattered that you would consider me for the job.
However, after considering the salary and benefits package, I have decided that it is not the right fit for me at this time. Thank you again for your consideration, and I wish you all the best in your search for a qualified candidate.
Thank you for your generous offer to join your team as a [role]. I appreciate the time you have taken to get to know me and learn about my skills. After careful consideration, I have decided to accept a position with another company.
While your offer was very competitive, the other company's offer was better suited to my long-term career goals. Again, thank you for your time and consideration, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
I am grateful for the job offer from [company name], and I appreciate the confidence you have shown in my abilities.
After careful consideration, however, I have decided to decline the offer. I have been presented with a counteroffer from my current employer that I believe is in my best interest to accept. Thank you again for your time and consideration, and I wish you all the best in your search for a candidate.
As you can see, all of these examples follow a similar pattern as they try and be as positive as possible. They are also fairly short. You don't need to worry about writing verses and chapters, as the hiring manager will appreciate you getting straight to the point.
Example 6 — How to Decline a Job Offer You Already Accepted
It is exceptionally important to think a job offer through thoroughly before accepting; however, there are times when you might find that your circumstances have changed after accepting a job and now you need to decline.
Always check your employment contract before declining a role you have already accepted.
Thank you for taking the time to talk to me further about the role at [Company Name]. My enthusiasm for the role remains the same, it is a great opportunity, but I am sorry to tell you that due to a change in circumstances I have to now turn down the opportunity.
Thank you again for considering me for the role, and good luck finding someone to fill the position.
If you want to know how to decline a job offer you have already accepted, then start by first calling and then writing a letter or email to the company.
In your letter, you should explain that you are declining their offer because you have decided to pursue other opportunities.
You should also thank them for their time and consideration. Unless you've signed a contract, then you shouldn't worry about how to decline a job offer after accepting.
When it comes to how to gracefully decline a job offer or an interview, first of all, you want to thank them for their consideration.
Following this, be polite and positive about what you rejected the offer and don't focus on any negatives. Finally, end the rejection by thanking them for their time and wishing them good luck in the future.
If you want a how to decline a job offer example, then here we have provided some great examples of how to professionally decline a job offer.
A simple Google search will give you plenty more examples, and you can amend them to suit your thoughts and circumstances.
Firstly express your gratitude for the opportunity and explain that another opportunity has come up that you are excited about.
You could also say that you would love to keep in touch and see what other opportunities might be available in the future. This shows that you are still interested in working for the company and opens up the possibility for future contacts.
It can depend on the nature of the offer and the culture of the company, but yes. It is generally considered rude to decline a job offer via email if you've not initially called them. It is better to first call and let them know that you are not interested in the position.
If you want to know how to respectfully decline a job offer, then you can follow our steps above. You don't need to provide too much information but thank them for their time, briefly explain for reasoning, and wish them luck.
How to decline a job offer over the phone is usually straightforward. Have your reasons ready and call the hiring manager. If you're nervous, it's a good idea to have your drafted letter or email in front of you so that you can use that as guidance during the phone call.
Yes, you can always rescind your decision after sending a job decline email, but you should do so as soon as possible. The best way to rescind your decision is to call the hiring manager and apologize for the inconvenience.
It's worth noting that the company may have already contacted their second-choice candidate, or your initial rejection may have changed their mind. There are no assurances that the job will still be available.
It depends. If the reason is that you didn't like the hiring manager, then probably not.
If the reason is that your current employer has offered you a promotion, then yes. If your rejection is due to a negative reason, it's best not to burn bridges, and you can just say you've had a change of heart.
A job rejection isn't legally sensitive, and therefore you won't be required to sign your letter. Templates for your letter can be found above, but you won't need any specific software to compose a job decline email.
Doing this would be looked at negatively by both the company you rejected and your potential new employer.
A reference should be from a company that you've worked for and not one you've gone through the interview process with.
Final Thoughts
Before accepting or rejecting a job offer, it is important to carefully consider all of the factors involved. For instance, is the salary fair?
Do the hours work with your lifestyle? Is the company reputable, and do its values align with your own?
Once you have weighed all of the pros and cons, you may find that there are good reasons to reject a job offer. Whatever the reason, it is important to decline the offer in a professional and respectful manner.
Thank the employer for their time and consideration, and let them know that you have decided to pursue other opportunities.
By taking the high road, you will show that you are professional, even if you don't end up taking the job.
