Declining an offer promptly and courteously helps maintain your reputation and future opportunities. Complete a few details to create a brief, polite email.
Your email
Subject:Declining the offer for [Job title in the offer] — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
I am grateful for the offer to join [Company name] as a [Job title in the offer], and for the time you and your team spent with me in the interviews.
After careful consideration, I have chosen to accept a different offer, so I must politely turn down this one. [A short reason]
This was a tough choice. I enjoyed getting to know [Company name] and meeting the team, and I hope we can connect again in the future.
Thanks again for your time and understanding.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Words in [brackets] are what you replace. The generator above fills them in for you.
Accepted another offer
Subject: Declining the offer for [Job title in the offer] — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
I am grateful for the offer to join [Company name] as a [Job title in the offer], and for the time you and your team spent with me in the interviews.
After careful consideration, I have chosen to accept a different offer, so I must politely turn down this one. [A short reason]
This was a tough choice. I enjoyed getting to know [Company name] and meeting the team, and I hope we can connect again in the future.
Thanks again for your time and understanding.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Role not the right fit
Subject: Declining the offer for [Job title in the offer] — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you for offering me the [Job title in the offer] position at [Company name]. I appreciate your time and the team's effort in discussing the role with me.
After careful consideration, I have decided that the role isn't the right match for me right now, so I must politely decline the offer. [A short reason]
I'm sorry to share this decision, and I wish you the best in finding the right candidate for the position.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Keep the door open
Subject: Declining the offer for [Job title in the offer] — [Your name]
Dear [Recruiter's or HR contact's name],
Thank you very much for offering me the position of [Job title in the offer] at [Company name]. After much thought, I have decided to decline the offer at this time. [A short reason]
I was impressed by [Company name] and the people I met during the process, and I would be glad to be considered for suitable roles in the future. I hope we can keep in touch.
Thanks again for your time and for the trust you have shown in me.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Tips
Say no as soon as you decide. The employer might have other candidates waiting.
If you've been in phone contact with the recruiter, a brief call before the email is polite. Follow up with the email for documentation.
You aren't required to provide a detailed reason, or to mention the other company's name or pay.
Express gratitude and stay positive. Recruiters often change jobs, and you might cross paths again.
If a better salary would change your mind, send a salary negotiation email instead. Once you decline, offers are seldom revisited.
Use the Offer Decline Tool Wisely
This tool is handy when you decide not to accept a job offer. It's useful right after you have made your decision. Before you inform the employer, come here. Fill in some quick details and get a polite email draft ready.
After receiving an offer through Careerwood Jobs, use this tool to keep relationships smooth. It complements your job search by ensuring you remain professional even when declining. Applying for roles in IT or other fields on Careerwood Jobs? Having a polite decline ready helps you manage opportunities gracefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I politely turn down a job offer?
Show appreciation for the offer and time, clearly state your decision to decline, optionally give a brief reason, and extend good wishes. Four or five sentences suffice.
Must I provide a reason when turning down an offer?
No. It's polite but not required to give a brief, honest reason, like accepting another offer.
Can I turn down an offer after saying yes?
Yes, but you should notify the company as soon as you can, both by phone and in writing, and apologise for the change. Check any documents you have signed, like a joining bonus agreement, for conditions.
Will saying no to an offer affect my chances with the company later?
Declining politely and quickly usually won't harm your chances. Recruiters remember candidates who handle it well. Using a "Keep the door open" approach also encourages them to consider you later.