In today's job market, receiving a job offer can be a great feeling. But what if the job offer isn't the right fit for you? Politely turning down a job offer can be tricky, especially if you want to maintain a good relationship with the hiring manager and the company. However, sometimes it's necessary to turn down an offer for various reasons, such as accepting a different job offer, deciding the position isn't the right fit, or pursuing personal projects. Regardless of the reason, it's crucial to handle the situation professionally and respectfully to maintain a positive relationship with the hiring manager and the company.
In this article, we'll outline five tips for declining a job offer gracefully, including showing appreciation, giving a good, brief reason, staying in touch, offering an explanation (optional), and expressing gratitude again. We'll also provide email examples to help you craft your response:
Show Appreciation
The first step in declining a job offer is to express your gratitude for the opportunity. The hiring manager has invested time and resources into reviewing your application, interviewing you, and offering you a position. Therefore, it's important to thank them for their consideration and time spent. Be specific about what you appreciate, such as the opportunity to learn more about the company or the chance to meet with the team.
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
Thank you so much for offering me the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I am honored and grateful that you considered me for this opportunity.
After careful consideration, I have decided to respectfully decline the offer. While I was impressed with [Company Name]'s mission and values, I have received an offer that is better suited to my current career goals and aspirations.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the time and effort you and your team invested in the hiring process. I had a positive experience learning more about your organization, and I appreciate the professionalism and support you provided throughout the process.
Please know that I hold your company in high regard and wish you and your team continued success in achieving your goals. If there is anything I can do to support your organization in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you again for the opportunity, and I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Be Honest and Clear
While it's important to be appreciative, it's also essential to be clear and honest about your reasons for declining the offer. Avoid being vague or misleading as it may lead to misunderstandings in the future. Provide specific reasons for your decision that are relevant to the job, such as salary or job responsibilities. However, if you don’t feel comfortable discussing the reasons why you're declining the offer, it's okay to keep your response brief.
Example:
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
Thank you so much for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I truly appreciate the time and effort you and your team put into considering my application and offering me this opportunity.
After much consideration and reflection, I have decided that I must decline the offer. It was a difficult decision to make, as I was impressed with [Company Name]'s mission and the passion your team has for your work.
However, after careful thought and consideration, I realized that this position is not the best fit for my current career goals and aspirations. As much as I would love to be a part of the team at [Company Name], I believe it would not be fair to accept the position knowing that my goals do not align with the requirements of the role.
Again, I want to express my gratitude for the time and energy you and your team invested in me, and I hope that you will find the right candidate who will be an excellent addition to your team. If there are any other opportunities in the future that you believe may be a good fit for me, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Thank you once again for your understanding, and I wish you and your team continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Offer a Reasonable Explanation
When declining a job offer, it’s not always necessary to provide an extensive explanation. However, if you've had multiple interviews with the company or if you've been in contact with the hiring manager for an extended period of time, it may be helpful to offer a brief and honest explanation. The explanation should be reasonable and relevant to the position you were offered. Be polite and avoid being overly negative about the company or position.
Example:
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
Thank you for offering me the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I am grateful for the time and effort you and your team have invested in considering my application.
After much consideration, I have decided to decline the offer. While I was impressed with [Company Name]'s mission and values, I have received an offer that is better suited to my current career goals and aspirations.
Please know that this decision was not an easy one to make, and I want to express my sincere gratitude for the time and energy you and your team have put into the hiring process.
Again, thank you for the opportunity, and I wish you and your team continued success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Stay Professional and Polite
Even if you're declining the job offer, it's important to remain professional and polite in your response. Avoid any negative or disparaging comments about the company, the position, or the hiring manager. Instead, keep your response positive and respectful, thanking them for the opportunity and expressing your interest in maintaining a relationship with the company.
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I appreciate the time and effort you and your team have invested in considering me for the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about your organization and its mission.
After careful consideration, I have decided to respectfully decline the offer. I must prioritize my career goals and aspirations, and at this time, I believe that another opportunity aligns more closely with them.
Please know that I hold your company in high regard, and I am grateful for the professional and positive experience I had throughout the hiring process. I wish you and your team continued success in achieving your goals.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Stay in Touch
Declining a job offer doesn't mean you have to sever all ties with the company. Instead, you can express your interest in staying in touch and building a relationship with the company. You can offer to connect on LinkedIn or other social media platforms, attend company events, or ask for feedback on your application. Staying in touch can help you build relationships and keep your options open for future opportunities.
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I want to express my sincere appreciation for offering me the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. While I am grateful for the opportunity, I have decided to respectfully decline the offer as I have received an offer that better aligns with my career goals and aspirations.
I want to assure you that I hold your company in high regard and enjoyed learning more about your organization during the hiring process. I believe that your team's passion and dedication to [Company's Mission] will lead to continued success and growth.
If there are any future opportunities within your organization that align with my career goals, I would be honored to be considered. I would love to keep in touch and stay updated on any developments within your company.
Again, thank you for your time and consideration, and I wish you and your team all the best.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
In conclusion
Declining a job offer can be challenging, but it's important to approach the situation with professionalism, honesty, and respect. By showing appreciation, being honest, and staying professional, you can decline the job offer with grace and maintain a positive relationship with the company. Remember, you never know when another opportunity may arise in the future, so it's important to handle the situation with care.
Still waiting to hear back on a job application? Get more interviews by following up with this email template and tips.