How to Decline a Job Offer Politely | Latest Approach with 3 Free Samples

Decline a Job Offer Politely

Declining a job offer can be simple but technical.  The number of questions I get as to a systematic way to politely decline a job offer is amazing. The challenging thing is that this simple issue has landed many in some ugly situations because they don’t know that organisations interoperate. Some workers are not in good working or communicative relationships with their previous hiring managers. Therefore, there is a need to school job seekers on the importance of declining a job offer as politely as possible. Imagine having searched for a job opportunity for some months, only to finally get one and you see many reasons to reject the offer. Very annoying right? Sometimes, you need to take that leap for something better to show up. However, there can be many reasons for turning down job offers. These reasons are very peculiar to each one of them. Nevertheless, it is very crucial to handle the situation politely and professionally in other to maintain a good working relationship with the resource manager in case of another day or in case there is a better opportunity. A lot of job seekers have landed into trouble and couldn’t land their dream job because of turning down job offers badly instead of politely.

In this article, you shall be learning how to decline a job offer without having to break the camel’s back. Moreso, you will learn the reasons why job seekers decline job offers, things you must know when rejecting a job offer and email examples on how to decline a job offer politely. Now, let’s dive right in.

When to Deline a Job Offer

There are many reasons people turn down job offers. However, I have to give you a summary of the major reasons several people decline job offers. Such reasons include but are not limited to:

When the Job is not in Alignment with your Career Path

People who are more intentional about their goals and aspirations in life tend to be very selective when it comes to job offers. In fact, you just can’t do everything that comes your way despite how enticing they may be. This is because, you want to maintain your career lane, learn new things, and improve on what you already know. It is just simple and not a crime to know what you want and go for it. These cognitive steps ensure your career growth.

When Pursuing a Personal Project

The personal project could be starting up a business or any other activity you feel the season is right for. People decline job offers to enable them to focus and build their projects until they see positive results. This is also a genuine reason why most people reject job offers.

Anticipating a Better Job Offer

This is another cogent reason most people decline job offers. They accept the one that resonates most with their standards, comfortability and career advancements. It could also be due to better pay and convenience. I am sure nobody rejects good things! Do you?

When the Position does not Fit your Standard Qualification.

Imagine a company offering a first-class graduate of Economics the position of a receptionist. That doesn’t fit, right? Yea, actually there is no job, but what will some job that will never help you do for you? It will waste your time, energy and resources. Therefore, there is a need to choose wisely when there are several offers to choose from.

When the Salary is not favourable

Salary is one of the core reasons to decline a job offer. Some jobs make candidates spend their own money on the job. When not offering charity work or other social services, people don’t fancy working where they will spend their own money on the job.

Now that you know when to decline a job offer, let’s quickly look at how to reject a job offer politely.

3 Things to Know When  Rejecting a Job Offer

Here are a few tips to take into consideration when writing your rejection email or letter.

  • You must be prompt. When you have decided to decline the offer, reply to the organisation as soon as possible
  • You must be clear with the reason why you are rejecting the offer
  • You must show sincere gratitude
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How to Decline a Job Offer in a Polite Manner

The following are what you must take into consideration when rejecting a job offer. They include:

Let’s go ahead and see how it is done.

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Show Appreciation and Gratitude

The very first step to take when rejecting a job offer is to tender your heartfelt appreciation. Recruiting can be very hectic and time-consuming. You must show gratitude for a whole lot of process of considering your application, interviewing and finally offering you a position in that firm. For investing their time and energy throughout the process.

You can start by appreciating the recruiting or hiring team for the time and energy invested, and also for their thoughtfulness towards offering you that particular position. You must be very specific in your appreciation. For example, the privilege to learn new things and the opportunity to meet the team. Most importantly you took the opportunity very seriously.

For example

Dear [Resource Manager’s name],

“Thank You very much for the opportunity to function as [ job title] at [name of the company]. I am sincerely grateful and quite honoured for considering me for that position”

Make it Clear and Concise

As important as showing appreciation might be, you must make sure to keep it simple, clear and honest about the reason for which you’re declining the job offer. Do not use ambiguous or vague statements to avoid misunderstandings which may arise in the future. State some specific reasons for your decisions which are important to the job, which may include job position, salary, career path etc. Nevertheless, it’s still fine if you do not want to give reasons why you’re rejecting the offer.

For Example

“I have carefully considered this offer and I have decided to respectfully decline this offer. Even though I’m greatly impressed with the company’s  values and goals, I have another job that suits better my career path, goals and aspirations”

You can add any reason whatsoever that better fits your situation.

Give a simple and clear explanation

When you want to decline a job offer, there is no need for too much explanation as to why you’re rejecting the offer. Just make simple and straight-to-the-point sentences when discussing why you can’t take the job. While you are trying to keep it simple, make sure it is reasonable and also relevant to the position at the same time. Avoid using negative words or saying too many bad things about the company.

For example

“Please know that this decision was very difficult for me to make, but I have to. I appreciate the efforts, time and energy that you and your team have invested throughout this recruiting process”

Be Polite and Professional

It is important to note that even when you’re declining the job offer, you must stay professional and respectful. Do not use negative or abusive words against the firm, manager or hiring team. Remain grateful and humble and request to maintain a good relationship with the firm.

For instance

“Please I want you to know that I regard your firm so highly and I’m super grateful for the professionalism and loads of experience I had throughout this recruiting process. I wish that you and your team will continue to achieve greater success in your company goals and aspirations.”

Offer to Keep in touch

Keeping in touch with the resource manager goes a long way to build connections and relationships for future opportunities that may arise. Therefore, is a need to express your interest to keep in touch with the company, possibly by linking up on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or by attending their events and conferences. Also, you can offer to give referrals if you have any, even though it’s not an obligation.

For Example

“I humbly would love to keep in touch with your organisation and to receive updates based on any future development or event that might be of my interest, I hope that our paths will cross again soon. Thank you for your efforts and consideration so far”

Email Templates for Rejecting Job Offers

How to Decline a Job Offer Due to Low Salary

One of the commonest reasons to decline a job offer is salary. If you politely reject a job offer due to salary, the firm could rethink you if they want you to join their team. Here is a sample;

Dear [Resources Manager’s Name]

Thank You very much for the recent job offer to function as [ job title] at [name of the company]. I am sincerely grateful and quite honoured for considering me for that position.

I’ve carefully reviewed the terms and conditions and unfortunately, I will be turning down this offer because the salary doesn’t fit my standards and expectations for the role.

Please I want you to know that I regard your company so highly and I’m super grateful for the professionalism and loads of experience I had throughout this recruiting process.

Thank you for your consideration. I wish that you and your team will continue to achieve greater success in your company goals and aspirations.

Best regards

[Your name]

How to Reject a Job Offer Due to Location

Dear [Resources Manager’s Name]

Thank You very much for the recent job offer to work as [ job title] at [name of the company]. I am sincerely grateful and quite honoured for considering me for that position.

I, unfortunately, will have to reject this great offer due to the cost and difficulty of relocating.

Please I want you to know that I regard your company so highly and I’m super grateful for the professionalism and loads of experience I had throughout this recruiting process.

I humbly wish you understand and respect my decision, and I wish that you and your team will continue to achieve greater success in your company goals and aspirations.

Best regards

[Your name]

How to Reject a Job Offer If you have Accepted a Better One

Dear [Resources Manager’s Name]

Thank You very much for the recent job offer to work as [ job title] at [name of the company]. I am sincerely grateful and quite honoured for considering me for that position

Though this decision was really difficult for me to take, unfortunately, I have accepted another job offer with another company.

I sincerely hold your company in high regard and I’m super grateful for the professionalism and loads of experience I had throughout this recruiting process.

I humbly wish you understand and respect my decision, and I wish that you and your team will continue to achieve greater success in your company goals and aspirations.

Best regards

[Your name]

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I reject a job offer?

Simple and professional ways to reject a job offer have been fully discussed in this article, do well to refer to it for the best tips.

Should I send an email or make a phone call?

Though a phone call is good, Sending an email is a more professional way to reject a job offer. Whichever one you’re doing make sure you follow the guide outlined in this article.

Photo credit: Resumegiants.com

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