How to Respectfully Decline a Job Offer
Congratulations – after a long application and interview process, you’ve got the job! Oh, but you don’t want and don’t need this anymore. What are you doing? What do you have to say? This is a tricky situation , but we are here to discuss it. Here’s what to do.
Call first
So you know this job is not for you. Maybe it’s because you got a better deal from somewhere else. Or perhaps the salary they are offering does not even come close to what you asked for. Whatever the reason, you need to let them know as soon as possible. Being responsive is the key to not being rude and burning bridges that you might want to cross in the future.
But don’t just send an email or god forbid a text message. Trudy Steinfeld, executive director of career development at New York University, recommends that you pick up the phone and call . Contacting the recruiter or hiring manager you have worked with is professional and recognizes the time and energy they have put into you.
Write an email or letter to confirm your decision
After informing them by phone, provide written confirmation of your decision so that they have it on their records. It doesn’t have to be a whole book about why you turn down their offer – just a short, polite, and respectful message.
If you’re unsure of what to say, Kim Isaacs, resume expert at Monster.com, offers a sample letter (slightly modified):
Dear [contact]:
Thank you so much for offering me [position]. After careful consideration, I am sorry to have to reject your offer. While you were very encouraged by your description of future promotion opportunities at [company name], I took another opportunity that was more in line with my skills and career goals.
I enjoyed getting to know you and the rest of your team. You have been very helpful and accommodating throughout the entire interview and I just want the circumstances to allow me to accept your offer.
Best wishes and best wishes.
Sincerely,
[your name]
You can provide specific reasons why you are leaving the position, such as salary, company attitude, you took another position, etc., but you don’t have to do that if you don’t want to. However, if you do decide to argue your position , Muse’s Adrian Granzella Larson recommends keeping it short. A quick offer will do. There is no need to mention anything that you disliked in the people you met, in the workplace, or in the company itself. You can also offer referrals if you have them, but this is not necessary unless they ask. Remember: short and sweet.
Send a thank you letter and ask to stay in touch
You can thank the people you spoke to in your phone call or email, but it’s also a good idea to send a very simple thank you letter and post facto. Let them know that you value them for thinking of you and for taking the time to sit down and chat with you. Yes, it’s their job, but showing a little gratitude can go a long way, and people don’t forget. You never know what the future will bring.
Your thank you note is also a great opportunity to expand your network. Feel free to mention your LinkedIn page, website, or other professional pages and ask them to stay connected. You might as well find another ally, and who knows, another job in the company may suit you in the future.
This story was originally published in 2017 and has been updated on 11/14/19 to provide more complete and up-to-date information.