Every job seeker is all too familiar with the rollercoaster of emotions experienced when job hunting. One minute, you read an interview invitation email, and the next, several rejection emails. It’s an endless cycle till you get a yes or two.
But what if you realized an offer - just a few days after getting it - isn’t the best for you? Perhaps, after negotiations, you’re offered a low salary, sense a disconnect with your future supervisor or get better offers elsewhere?
There might be a need to turn down the job offer at this point. What’s important is knowing how to turn down a job offer but keep the door open. In this article, we will discuss strategies for thoughtful responses and provide you with samples you can work with.
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What is a job offer decline email?
A job offer decline email is a formal letter written by an individual to an employer or hiring manager to communicate their decision to reject an offer they received. Typically a well-drafted one begins with an introduction and appreciation for the time invested in the recruitment process. The author then states, in clear terms, their decision to decline the offer.
What is paramount is doing this as professionally as possible. The following samples could help you achieve this.
how to turn down a job offer but keep the door open - 16 samples
Upon searching ‘How to decline a job offer,’ you will find hundreds of samples showing how to go about this. However, these templates are generic rather than tailored to address specific reasons for declining.
That’s where we come in. We’ve gone the extra mile to compile a comprehensive guide, providing practical job rejection templates for 16 scenarios.
How to decline a job offer because of low compensation
Salary matters when it comes to career decisions, but what should you do when a job offer falls short in compensation? Decline outrightly or try to negotiate? It's a tough call, especially when the role seems promising for your CV. With this template, you can express your interest in the role if the salary is a bit more competitive. It's about expressing your value and opening the door for potential negotiations.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you for extending the job offer for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I appreciate the time and effort you have invested in the interview process and your interest in my qualifications.
After carefully considering the offer, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept due to the compensation package. While I am excited about the opportunity and believe I could contribute significantly to [Company Name], I have received an offer from another organization that aligns more closely with my salary expectations and financial responsibilities.
However, I want to express my genuine interest in joining [Company Name] and believe that we can find a mutually beneficial solution. I am open to discussing the possibility of revisiting the compensation package and exploring potential alternatives. I value the position and the potential it holds for my career, and I would be grateful for an opportunity to negotiate.
Please let me know if you would be open to discussing the compensation further or if there are any other avenues we can explore. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to decline a job offer gotten from LinkedIn
With a captivating headline, stellar summary, and a well-optimized profile, you will likely occasionally find your LinkedIn inbox flooded with enticing job offers. But you can’t work with every brand that shows interest, can you? This template shows how to decline offers you’re uninterested in. Note that the approach here is a bit different since you communicate via an instant messaging app rather than email.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you for reaching out to me with the job offer. I appreciate your interest in my skills and experience. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline the offer at this time.
I have evaluated my current commitments and priorities, and I believe it is in my best interest to pursue other opportunities that align more closely with my career goals.
I want to thank you again for your consideration, and I wish you and your team the best of luck in finding the right candidate for the position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
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Read also: How to Decline an Interview via Email (5 samples & templates)
How to decline a job offer due to a lack of challenge
Do you love jobs with new challenges? Did you think you would find such challenges at a place you recently applied to, only to feel disappointed later? To prevent frustration mid-way, declining the offer and committing to roles with less repetitive and mundane activities is best. Use this sample to get started.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you for offering me the position at your organization. I appreciate the time and effort you put into reviewing my application and conducting the interview process.
After careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to decline the job offer. While I was initially excited about the opportunity, upon further reflection, I have come to realize that the role may not provide the level of challenge and growth that I am seeking in my career at this stage.
I believe in taking on roles that push me to constantly learn and develop new skills. I am looking for an environment that presents new challenges and allows me to make a significant impact. Unfortunately, I do not feel that this position aligns with those aspirations.
Thank you again for considering me for this position. I genuinely appreciate your interest, and I hope that we will have the opportunity to connect again in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Read also: How to politely decline an invitation via email (5 samples & templates)
How to decline a job offer to accept better job offers
It’s probably time to send out that job offer decline email if you are second-guessing an offer because of a better one you got. Job satisfaction equals productivity, isn’t it? As with most people, you are likely to put in your best at a place you are better compensated. Using this sample, communicate with the hiring manager and let them know where your mind is at.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you for offering me the position at [Company Name]. I appreciate the opportunity and the time you have taken to consider my application.
However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline the job offer. I have received another offer that aligns more closely with my career goals and offers better compensation. I believe it is an opportunity I cannot pass up.
I want to express my gratitude for the offer and for your understanding in this matter. I value your time and consideration throughout the recruitment process.
Thank you again for the offer, and I wish you continued success in your search for the right candidate.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Read also: How to respond to an interview request & invitation (5 samples & templates)
How to reject a job offer for location reasons
Sometimes, you just can’t take an offer, no matter how juicy it is, because it requires moving away from family and relationships to another location. But who knows? Your employer may be willing to offer something remote or closer to you. So, you must learn to decline the offer without shutting the door to other opportunities. Get started with this template.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you so much for extending the job offer to me. I am truly impressed and honored to have received such an opportunity. However, after careful consideration and thoughtful deliberation, I regretfully have to decline the offer.
The reason behind my decision is that the job requires me to relocate, and unfortunately, this is not something I am able to do at this time. I have strong family ties and personal commitments that prevent me from making such a move.
Please know that this decision was not easy for me, as I believe your company offers an incredible working environment and exciting prospects. I am open to exploring alternative options, such as remote work or positions closer to my current location, if such opportunities exist within your organization.
Once again, thank you for considering me for this role. I deeply appreciate your understanding of my circumstances. I hope that we may have a chance to collaborate in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to decline a job offer from a former employer
Asides from demonstrating how indispensable you are to a company, getting an offer from a former boss shows their confidence in your abilities. The last thing you want to do is turn them down without a solid reason, particularly if you have some personal relationship with them. This template helps you express yourself in clear terms. Politely too!
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for offering me the opportunity to rejoin the team at [Former Employer]. I truly appreciate the confidence you have in my abilities. After careful consideration, however, I have decided to respectfully decline the job offer. Although I hold great respect for [Former Employer] and everyone at the company, I feel that my career goals align better with my current position. I value the personal relationship we have built and hope that it will continue to thrive, regardless of my decision.
Thank you again for considering me for the position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to decline a job offer due to a poor benefit package
While salaries are a big consideration when taking up a new role, benefits are worth looking at too. Today’s employees look forward to benefits like medical insurance, remote work flexibilities, vacations, and other essentials. You might want to decline an offer if they do not contain these benefits. This sample helps the employer know you are declining on the grounds of non-inclusion of certain benefits.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I would like to express my gratitude for offering me the position at your company. However, after careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I will not be accepting the job offer.
Although I appreciate the opportunity, the benefit package provided does not meet my expectations. Benefits such as medical insurance, remote work flexibilities, vacations, and other essentials are important to me.
Thank you for considering my application and for the time you have invested in the interview process. I greatly appreciate your understanding and wish you success in finding a suitable candidate for the position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to decline a job offer following an interview
After some consideration, you might decide not to continue with a job recruitment process or sit for further interviews. You can pull out from the recruitment process using this template. Remember to wish them good luck in finding the right candidate for the role.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
After careful consideration, I have decided not to continue with the job recruitment process for the [Job Position] at [Company Name]. I appreciate the opportunity to interview and learn more about the position and the company.
However, I believe that this role may not be the right fit for me at this time. I wanted to inform you of my decision as soon as possible, so that you can continue your search and find the ideal candidate for the role.
Thank you once again for considering me for the position. I wish you and the company the best of luck in finding the right candidate for this role.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to reject a job offer you have already accepted
This is one tricky one you may need help navigating. This is because you first have to be clear on why you accepted the job in the first place and why you are rejecting it now. In your email, you must let the hiring manager understand how sorry you are about your decision's impact on the company and its recruitment process.
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inform you of a difficult decision that I have made regarding the job offer I previously accepted from your esteemed company.
After careful consideration and much deliberation, I have come to the realization that this role may not be the best fit for me at this point in my career. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and the company, especially considering the impact this may have on the ongoing recruitment process.
I truly appreciate the opportunity you have given me and the time and effort invested in the hiring process. I understand that this may have caused disappointment and I deeply regret any inconvenience caused. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or assistance.
Thank you for your understanding and once again, my sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to turn down a job offer due to cultural misfit
It is not uncommon to see candidates decline a job offer because of a sense of mismatch with the company’s values and work environment. You are not alone if this is where you are now. You can write your would-be supervisor, helping them understand your choice to seek somewhere you can thrive and feel more comfortable at.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inform you that after much thought and consideration, I have decided to decline the job offer. While I am grateful for the opportunity, I have realized that there is a cultural misfit between myself and the company's values and work environment.
It is important for me to thrive and feel comfortable in an organization where my values align and where I can fully contribute. I believe that seeking another opportunity will enable me to find a better fit and make a greater impact.
Thank you for your understanding and for considering me for this role. I sincerely appreciate your time and interest. I wish you and the company continued success.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to turn down a job offer due to career progression concerns
Jobs with decent or high salary packages yet, zero to no career progressions aren’t exactly the best, especially if you are an entry-level professional. You want to be sure there is room for learning, advancement, and professional growth in line with your career goals where you work. If not, you may decline the offer using our template.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you for extending an offer to me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I appreciate the time and effort you put into considering me for this opportunity.
However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline the offer. While I am impressed with [Company Name]'s reputation and the attractive salary package, I have concerns about the lack of career progression and professional growth opportunities within the role.
I am truly committed to advancing my career and developing my skills in line with my long-term goals. Therefore, I believe it is best for me to explore other opportunities where I can find the necessary learning, advancement, and growth prospects.
Thank you again for considering me for this position. I genuinely appreciate your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to turn down a job offer due to family reasons
You should find this template useful if you are declining a job offer due to family reasons. You are free to customize it and describe these reasons in full if you want to. The email should express gratitude, communicate in clear terms why you are declining, offer alternative solutions, and express appreciation for the relationship.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you for offering me the position at [Company Name]. I have carefully considered the opportunity and it is with regret that I must decline due to unforeseen family circumstances.
This decision was not easy for me to make, as I was genuinely excited about joining your team. However, my current family situation requires my full attention at this time.
I appreciate your understanding and would like to explore the possibility of working together in the future. I am open to discussing alternative solutions, such as starting at a later date or exploring other roles within the company.
Once again, I want to express my gratitude for the offer and apologize for any inconvenience caused. I have great respect for [Company Name] and hope to have the opportunity to work with you in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to turn down a job offer and recommend another one to it
For specialist jobs or roles that are difficult to recruit people to fill, you may want to recommend someone else for the role after declining. This way, you help the employer find a suitable candidate with minimal fuss.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you so much for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I appreciate the time and effort you have put into the recruitment process.
After careful consideration and evaluating my current career goals, I have decided to decline the job offer. However, I want to recommend another qualified candidate who I believe would be an excellent fit for the role.
[Candidate's Name] has recently impressed me with their skills and qualifications, which I believe align perfectly with the requirements of the [Job Title] position. I highly recommend considering them for the role. Please find their contact details below:
[Candidate's Name]
[Candidate's Email Address]
[Candidate's Phone Number]
Once again, thank you for considering me for the position. I apologize for any inconvenience caused and I hope that my recommendation can help you find a suitable candidate with minimal fuss.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to turn down a job offer because of a lack of job security
Job security is one thing many job seekers look out for, and you should do too. No one wants to leave the job-hunting market and get back to it in only a few months. The typical red flags are restructuring, seasonal layoffs, and uncertain financial stability. You can decline with our template if you’ve found yourself at this juncture.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you for offering me the position at [Company Name]. I appreciate the time and effort you and your team have put into the hiring process.
However, after careful consideration, I have decided to decline the job offer due to concerns about job security. I believe that job security is an important aspect for long-term career growth and stability.
I understand that [Company Name] has recently undergone restructuring, which has raised questions about the company's financial stability. Although I am impressed with the opportunities and potential at [Company Name], I am unable to proceed further due to this uncertainty.
Thank you once again for considering me for the role, and I hope you understand my decision. I wish you and the team at [Company Name] all the best in your future endeavors.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to reject a job offer due to work-life balance concerns
What’s a lucrative job without time for yourself and your family? Sometimes, you want a juicy offer but not at the expense of time for other things. This template is ideal for you if you are declining a job because you foresee frequent long travels, overtime, night shifts, and other demands that might significantly cut down on your time for activities outside work.
Dear [Recipient's Name],
Thank you for offering me the opportunity to join your esteemed organization. After careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision to decline the job offer.
Although I appreciate the attractive compensation package and the potential for growth, I have concerns regarding work-life balance. The role's demands, including frequent long travels, overtime, and night shifts, would significantly impact my availability for personal and family commitments.
I believe that achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for both personal well-being and professional success. Regrettably, I must prioritize this aspect at this stage of my career.
I sincerely appreciate your understanding and consideration. It has been a pleasure interacting with your team throughout the recruitment process, and I genuinely hope to have the opportunity to collaborate in the future.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
How to reject an internal job offer
Declining a promotion or internal job offer can be a little tricky because it involves parties you currently work with. To not get on anyone’s wrong side, you must decline gracefully. But not to worry, the principles are about the same as the rest: show appreciation for the offer, decline it, and give reasons. Basic!
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I truly appreciate your offer for the internal job position. However, after careful consideration and reflection, I have decided to decline the opportunity. I believe that my skills and experience are best suited for my current role, and I am committed to excelling in it.
I would like to express my gratitude for considering me for the position. I sincerely appreciate your confidence in my abilities. Nevertheless, I am confident that this decision is in the best interest of both the company and myself.
Thank you once again for the offer and your understanding. I am looking forward to continuing to contribute to the team in my current position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
FAQs about job offer decline email
These are some of the commonly asked questions about declining a job offer and our expert answers to them:
What is a good reason to email to decline job offer?
Our experts say there is no good or bad reason. Just be as honest as possible. Are you rejecting because the salary is low, you got a better offer, or you are concerned about the benefits? Just say it as politely as you can.
Can I turn down a job offer after accepting and signing a contract?
This is a little trickier because you have shown some sort of commitment. In theory, you are at liberty to choose who to work for and, thus, can turn down an offer even after accepting it. In practice, though, this can affect your relationship with the company since you could be causing the recruiter problems.
Conclusion
Writing a job offer rejection email is a delicate process; hence, it must be done with professionalism. With our templates, you can clearly communicate your reasons without fear of being misunderstood. You may also try turning down a job offer with our AI-powered tool, HIX.AI. It helps you draft a rejecting job offer email just in seconds.
