{"id":1887,"date":"2022-11-16T12:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-16T17:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/?p=1887"},"modified":"2024-08-21T15:45:54","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T19:45:54","slug":"decline-job-offer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theforage.wpengine.com\/basics\/decline-job-offer","title":{"rendered":"How to Decline a Job Offer (With Examples)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Congratulations, you got the job! But what if you\u2019re not sure you want to take it and have no idea how to say no? If you\u2019re unsure how to decline a job offer, here\u2019s your go-to guide for knowing when to decline an offer, top tips for doing so, and email and phone examples when you\u2019re ready to share the news. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should I Decline a Job Offer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first step in declining a job offer is knowing when to say no. If you\u2019ve gone through a long, anxiety-provoking job search<\/a>, it can be tempting to say yes to the first offer you get. However, it\u2019s in your best interest to thoroughly consider the offer before signing any official documents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michelle Doan, ICF certified career coach<\/a> and founder of Rising Tide Coaching and Consulting, suggests creating two lists: first, \u201cnon-negotiables\u201d that you absolutely want out of a role, and second, things that are important to you but won\u2019t make or break whether you accept.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Non-negotiables include things like your compensation, benefits, opportunities for promotion, and the company\u2019s size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE: How to Accept a Job Offer<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The things that are important to you are \u201ca bit broader than the non-negotiables list, but related,\u201d Doan says. \u201cThis list could include things like team environment, company culture, interest in the day-to-day work, commitment to inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and justice. Rate the offer against each one of these categories on a scale of 1-5. Once you see the point total at the end, assess how you feel about the offer rating higher or lower than expected.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making these lists can help you figure out what it will be like to work in this role and whether it\u2019s the right fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>>MORE: <\/strong>How to Find a Job You Love: 3 Things to Do (and 4 to Avoid)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRemember to look beyond the salary, check through the terms of the offer thoroughly, and assess how the job will impact your life beyond work,\u201d Nema Smith, recruitment specialist, says. \u201cOnce you\u2019ve evaluated your job offer thoroughly, you will be in a much better position to judge whether you should take the job, try to negotiate a better deal, or reject the offer completely.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Find a job you love<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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How to Respectfully Decline a Job Offer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ve made the hard decision that the job isn\u2019t right for you. Now, it\u2019s crucial to communicate this to the hiring manager<\/a> quickly and respectfully. Here’s how to decline a job offer in the most professional and polite way possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decline Right When You Know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDon\u2019t delay in letting the company know you\u2019ve chosen an alternative opportunity,\u201d Steven Waudby, senior recruiter at Delta Hire, a workforce development and hiring solutions firm, says. \u201cThe sooner you know and can let the team know the better.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you might feel stressed and overwhelmed, getting this part out of the way makes it easier for the hiring team to move on and find another candidate. It also ensures you don\u2019t burn a bridge by waiting too long to let them know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Try the Phone, Then Email<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While hopping on the phone might sound daunting, declining the offer over the phone is often more personal than writing an email. It also gives you another chance to build a relationship with the hiring team. (Even if you don\u2019t want this job now, that doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re not a good connection to add to your network<\/a>!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you don\u2019t have anyone\u2019s phone number from the team or calling them would delay the news \u2014 for example, they aren\u2019t responding to your call \u2014 an email works just as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe more personal the better,\u201d Bill Catlette, executive coach and partner at Contented Cow Partners, a leadership development firm, says. \u201cI would try phone at first. If that\u2019s not going to work, use email, with copies to the hiring manager and recruiter<\/a>. I would also send a thank you note<\/a>. With any luck, this won\u2019t be your last dance with them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Say Thank You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether you decline over the phone or via email, start by thanking the hiring team. While the job might not be right for you, acknowledge that they\u2019ve taken valuable time and effort to interview you and decide to give you an offer. Make sure to say (or write) that you\u2019re genuinely grateful for the opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\t

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Interview Success<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Ace the interview by practicing your answers to five commonly asked interview questions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAvg. Time:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4-5 hours\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSkills you’ll build:<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCommunication, presentation, public speaking, poise, attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEnroll Now\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Get to the Point<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While declining the offer can be uncomfortable, you want to get to the point and tell them quickly you won\u2019t be taking the offer. This ensures no misunderstandings about whether you are or aren\u2019t joining the team, and you won\u2019t waste anyone\u2019s time (including yours) further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Only Give a Specific Reason if It Has a Purpose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Generally, you don\u2019t need to give a specific reason for declining the offer. You can be straightforward and say you\u2019re declining it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you can give a specific reason if it will open the door for future opportunities or if you share feedback you think might be helpful to the hiring team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt certainly helps if you can [give a specific reason] as this will help your case to be considered again in the future,\u201d Waudby says. \u201cIf you\u2019re declining a job for another opportunity that has better benefits, be sure to share this information with the recruiter or in-house hiring manager as this feedback will be considered when the company does its annual evaluation of benefits offerings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connect With Them<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even though you didn\u2019t accept an offer from the hiring team at this time, there may be future opportunities you might want to accept. If you want to stay in touch, you can offer to do so and provide any additional contact information. You can also connect with people from the hiring team on LinkedIn<\/a> to keep your name, future experiences, and achievements top of mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKeep in touch if you felt a connection with the hiring manager or genuinely liked the company and are interested in a role there,\u201d Smith says. \u201cGrowing your network is a good thing, and you never know how that connection might help both of you in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Politely Decline a Job Offer Email Template <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether declining a job offer over the phone or by email, you\u2019ll want to be prepared with a concise, respectful talking track. Your email or conversation should include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n