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Decline Job Offer Email Template:

Download this free example email template in MS Word Format.

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Decline Job Offer Email Example:

Email Subject line: Job offer – [Your name]

Dear Mr./Ms. [insert the last name of hiring manager]

Thank you for offering me the role of Assistant Manager. I appreciate you taking the time to consider my application and answering my questions about the company and the position.

Though it was a difficult decision, I have decided not to accept your offer. After much consideration, I have accepted a senior managerial position at a different organization.

If you are still looking to fill this open position, I know someone who would be a great fit for the company. I would be happy to pass on their contact information.

It was a pleasure meeting everyone at [insert company name] and I look forward to staying in touch. I have sent through a connection request on LinkedIn and hope to hear from you.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

How to Decline a Job Offer:

$0.00 USD
30 Minutes
How to Decline a Job Offer:

You want to ensure that you decline a job offer respectfully and for the right reasons, Below, we offer a complete step-by-step guide on how to decline a job offer.

1. 

Chose a communication method.

1.1 

Communicate via email or telephone.

Communicate via email or telephone.

Most companies require written confirmation of declined offers for their records, so choosing to email your decision is fine. If you are on good terms with the hiring manager, or know them pretty well, consider paying a visit to the office or picking up the phone.

This will work in your favor if you want to keep the company on good terms for any future job offers.

2. 

Show your appreciation.

2.1 

Thank the hiring manager and/or employer for the opportunity.

Thank the hiring manager and/or employer for the opportunity.

When turning down a job offer, it is important to show your appreciation for the time and energy the company has spent reviewing your resume, interviewing you, and putting together the job offer. Saying thank you will go a long way in maintaining a professional relationship with the company.

Example: "Thank you for offering me the role of Assistant Manager. I appreciate you taking the time to consider my application and answering my questions about the company and the position."

3. 

Make your intentions clear.

3.1 

Clearly state that you are rejecting the offer.

Clearly state that you are rejecting the offer.

It might sound a bit strange, but your email should explicitly state that you are declining the job offer. If you fill your email with compliments and apologies, your message may be lost in the pleasantries. This does not mean you should be harsh in your wording, but you do need to be clear about your intentions.

Example: "Though it was a difficult decision, I have decided not to accept your offer."

4. 

Provide a reason for your decision.

4.1 

Briefly explain why you declined the job offer.

Briefly explain why you declined the job offer.

You may be tempted not to provide any reasons for your decision, but the company deserves to know why you turned them down. Provide, a brief and honest explanation without being too personal.

Example: "I have accepted a senior managerial position at a different organization."

5. 

If possible, provide a recommendation.

5.1 

Provide contact information.

Provide contact information.

You may not be able to provide the company with a recommendation, but if you do know someone searching for a job who would be perfect for the role, offer to provide the company with their information.

Example: "If you are still looking to fill this open position, I know someone who would be a great fit for the company. I would be happy to pass on their contact information."

6. 

Stay connected.

6.1 

Offer to stay in touch.

Offer to stay in touch.

You should end off your email, meeting, or telephone call with an offer to stay in touch. It is always a good idea to stay connected with professionals in the industry, especially when starting a new job. If any future positions become available at a higher level, they might just contact you for the opportunity to apply.

Example: "It was a pleasure meeting everyone at [insert company name] and I look forward to staying in touch. I have sent through a connection request on LinkedIn and hope to hear from you."

FAQs:

Is it okay to reject a job offer?

Yes, you may receive more than one job offer when looking for a job in which case you would need to turn down one or more offers.

What is the best way to decline a job offer?

  • In-person.
  • By telephone.
  • By email.

Will declining a job offer hurt my future job prospects?

No, if you respectfully decline the offer and provide a valid reason for your decision, you should have no issues applying for a job in the future.

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