Job offers can range from jump-out-of-your-chair-and-call-your-mom exciting to start-venting-to-the-group-text insulting. But regardless, you still need to respond. Show
Of course, it’s easier to reply to a job offer if you’re delivering positive news or just asking for more details or more time. But turning one down is a different story. Whether you’re faced with an offer that you’d never accept in a million years or one that you’d consider (if not for the other, better offer you also received), here’s how to craft a gracious “thanks but no thanks.” How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridgesFollow these steps to craft your email: Step 1: Show your appreciation.First and foremost, it’s important to thank the hiring manager for the offer and for their time. Yes, interviewing potential candidates is part of the job, but this person likely spent several hours reading your resume, trolling your social media profiles, and sitting down with you for interviews. They also may have gone out on a limb to talk you up to other people at the company. So a heartfelt—and specific—thank you for that time and effort will go a long way. For example:
Step 2: Give a good, brief reason.Especially if you’ve spent a lot of time interviewing or the job offer is from a company you’d consider working for in the future, it’s right and respectful to not leave a hiring manager in the dark about why you’re declining the position. That said, there’s also no need to go into detail about the red flags you saw in your would-be boss, spill about the amazing perks at the job you did accept, or moan that you’ve spent the past week agonizing over your decision. The best approach is to be brief but honest about your specific reason for not accepting the position, saying something like:
You can elaborate to the extent that it makes sense—for example, at one point, I had been referred to a company by a friend and gone through three interviews before getting an offer and felt that I owed the hiring team a thorough explanation. I expressed how much I enjoyed getting to know the group and why the position was so interesting to me, but shared that I had another offer that would ultimately point me more in the direction of my career goals. But if the position seems terrible and the only real reason you have is that you’d rather stand in an unemployment line than accept it, a simple, “It’s not quite the right fit for my career goals at this time” will suffice. Step 3: Stay in touch.The working world—especially in certain industries—can be surprisingly small. So offering some small pleasantries before you sign off is always a good idea. If you can reference something you discussed, like an event or conference you’re both attending, do so. Otherwise, you can make a simple mention that you wish this person all the best in the future.
Email examples for turning down a job offer:Here’s what this advice might look like all together: Email example if you decided to accept a different offerHi Jade, Thank you so much for the generous offer to join your team. As we discussed, I’ve admired the company for a number of years, and am a proud endorser of its products. However, after further consideration of where I currently am in my career, I’ve decided to accept an offer at another company. I would love to stay in touch via LinkedIn and have already started following you on Twitter. Again, thank you so much for your time and consideration. Thanks again, Cameron Email example if the role or offer isn’t the right for youHi Lonzo, Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me over the last few weeks. It was a pleasure to learn more about all the great work you and the team are up to at Company Inc. While I’m flattered to receive such a great offer from your team, I’ve decided to pursue a role that has more of a focus on writing than editing. So I will unfortunately have to decline. It’s been terrific to get to know you and the team, and I wish you all the best. Regards, Tomas Email example if you’ve decided to stay at your current jobHi Victor, Thank you again for offering me the software development role on your team. I appreciate you all taking the time to interview me and answer my questions about the job and the company. After a lot of consideration, I’ve decided that this isn’t a good time for me to leave my current position. I hope we can stay in touch and that I might have the pleasure of working with you in the future. Thanks again, Jamal Tips for turning down a job offerHere are a few more things to think about as you write your email—especially if this is a situation where you’d really like to keep communication lines open.
Updated 6/17/2022 How do you politely reject a job offer?How to politely decline a job offer. Make sure you want to decline the offer. ... . Show appreciation and gratitude. ... . Keep the networking door open. ... . Explain your decision. ... . If the offer doesn't help you achieve your career goals. ... . If you're interested in the company — but not the role. ... . If you've accepted a better offer.. How do I decline a job offer without burning bridges?How to Turn Down an Offer without Burning a Bridge. It may feel awkward, but do not delay.. Sincerely thank them for their time.. Tell them why you are turning down the offer.. Keep in touch.. How do you politely reject a job offer email?“After much deliberation, I will not be accepting the job offer, as it is not the right fit for my long-term career goals.” “After much consideration, I have decided to pursue another role that will offer me more opportunities to pursue my interests in [insert interest] and [insert interest].”
Is it unprofessional to decline a job offer?Is it unprofessional to decline a job offer? No. It is not unprofessional to decline a job offer. Hiring managers and recruiters may expect candidates to have multiple job offers to compare and will expect some candidates to decline.
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