10 Professional Decline Email Templates After Interview (with Examples)

Have you ever found yourself in the uncomfortable position of turning down a job offer? It’s never easy, and one of the most challenging aspects is crafting the perfect decline email template after an interview. But fear not, dear reader, for help is at hand.

In this article, we’ll break down the elements that make up a successful decline email and offer tips on how to personalize the message to fit your specific scenario. You’ll also find examples that you can use as inspiration, and edit as needed to suit your own style.

Whether you’re declining an offer because the role isn’t the right fit for you, you’ve received a better offer elsewhere, or simply because the timing just isn’t right, we’re here to help you navigate this delicate situation with grace and professionalism.

So, let’s dive in and start crafting that perfect decline email template after an interview.

The Best Structure for Decline Email Template After Interview

Declining a job offer or informing the hiring manager that you’re not interested in continuing the job application process can be an uncomfortable and daunting task. However, it’s important to communicate your decision in a professional and diplomatic manner. The best way to do so is through a decline email template that’s well-structured and clearly conveys your message.

Firstly, start by thanking the employer for their time and consideration, as well as expressing your gratitude for the opportunity. It’s important to acknowledge the time and effort invested by the hiring manager and emphasise your appreciation for their interest in you as a candidate.

Next, state your decision in a clear and concise manner. Be polite and direct, but also brief and to the point. Avoid getting into unnecessary details or explanations that might prolong the conversation.

You may also offer a reason for your decision if you feel comfortable doing so, but it’s not necessary. If you do provide a reason, make sure it’s respectful and professional and not unnecessarily critical of the company or its employees.

Lastly, end the email on a positive note, reaffirming your appreciation for the opportunity and wishing the company and its employees the best in their endeavours. The tone of your email should be gracious and professional, even if you’re declining the job offer or terminating the application process.

Ultimately, the key to crafting a great decline email template is to be honest, direct, and polite. Keep in mind that you may encounter the employer or its employees again, so you want to make a good impression on them even if you’re not accepting the job offer. By following this best structure for decline email template after interview, you can ensure that your message is respectful and professional, leaving a good impression on the employer.

Decline Email Template after Interview

Unable to relocate for the job

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for inviting me for an interview at your organization. After much consideration, I have decided that I am unable to relocate for the job due to personal reasons.

Although I am not able to accept the offer, I appreciate the opportunity and the time you have taken to review my application. Your company impressed me and I enjoyed learning more about your role and organization.

Thank you for considering me for the position and I wish you and your team success in your endeavours.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Accepted another job offer

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. After careful consideration, I have accepted another job offer that aligns better with my career goals.

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I wanted to extend my profound gratitude to you and your team for taking the time to speak with me about the position, and for providing me with a more in-depth understanding of your organization. I enjoyed our conversations regarding [the Company’s culture, the position, the organization’s vision], and I will keep this in mind as I pursue my career goals.

Again, I appreciate your interest in my application, and I wish you and your team the very best of luck in future endeavours.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Not enough salary offered

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for extending an offer for the role of [Job Title]. However, after considering the salary package, I am unable to accept the offer and must decline it.

During the interviewing process, I appreciated learning about the company’s culture and vision. I also enjoyed getting to know more about the job, and feel grateful for the time and effort that you and your team put into our conversations.

Please know that I still have a high level of respect for your organization and hope that our paths may cross in the future. I wish you and your team much success.

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

Not interested in the job offered

Dear [Interviewer Name],

I wanted to extend my sincere thanks to you and your team for offering me the opportunity to interview for a role at your organization. However, after much consideration, I have come to the decision that I must decline your offer as the position does not align with my career goals.

I genuinely appreciated the time we spent during the interview process and learning about the role and the company. I believe this organization will continue to achieve its goals with the dedication, commitment, and passion of employees like you, and I wish you and your team all the best as you move forward.

Thank you once again for your consideration of me for the role at [Company Name] and the opportunity to learn more about your organization.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Personal circumstances do not support job requirements

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for considering me for the role of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. After a careful consideration of the requirements for the role, I have concluded that my personal circumstances will not allow for me to take on the role at this time.

I am enormously grateful for the opportunity to have interviewed for the position and the time you afforded me to learn more about your company and the role. Your organization has a reputation for being exceptional and productive, and I believe that your team will continue to drive growth and innovation.

Thank you again for considering my application and the opportunity to interview with your team. I hope our paths intersect again in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Not comfortable with job responsibilities

Dear [Interviewer Name],

After evaluating the expectations and essential responsibilities of the [Job Title] role at [Company Name], I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept the job offer.

I am grateful for the opportunity you extended me to learn more about the role and your company. I enjoyed discussing the company’s mission and vision with you and your team and appreciated the magnitude of the organization’s impact in the industry. I am most certain that your company will continue to have a great impact.

Please also know that while I have turned down the offer, I remain interested in future opportunities with your organization, and I am open to staying connected in the meantime.

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Thank you once again. I wish you and your team the best of everything.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Not a match for company culture or vision

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. However, upon careful reflection, I have determined that my vision and career aspirations are not in alignment with your company culture and vision.

I wholeheartedly appreciate the time and resources you and your team invested in considering my candidature. Your organization has a well-deserved reputation for its unwavering commitment to professionalism and efficiency, and I have great respect for this.

I want to express my gratitude and regret that I cannot be a part of your organization at this time. Thank you again, and I hope our paths cross again in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Crafting a Polite and Professional Decline Email template after an interview

After attending an interview, it’s quite common to receive a job offer that you may not be interested in taking up. In such cases, it’s essential to turn down the job offer courteously and professionally. Here are some tips to consider when crafting your decline email template:

  • Express gratitude and appreciation: Start your decline email by thanking the interviewer or recruiter for taking the time to meet with you and considering you for the position. This shows your professionalism and gratitude for their time and consideration and also leaves a good impression in case of future job opportunities.
  • Provide a clear and concise explanation: Let the interviewer know why you are declining the offer. Be honest, concise, and clear with your reasons for turning down the job offer. This can help the company in making better decisions in the future and also gives closure to the interview process.
  • Offer to keep in touch: If you are genuinely interested in working for the company in the future, consider stating it in your decline email. You might also want to provide a brief explanation of why that specific role wasn’t a good fit for you and indicate that you would still like to remain in contact for future opportunities. This leaves the door open for possible future collaborations.
  • Invite future communication: End your decline email positively by inviting future communication in case the company requires further information from you. You should also express your willingness to help in any way you can, whether it’s in the form of recommending someone else for the role or providing further feedback on your interview experience.
  • Be Concise: Ensure that your email is brief and to the point. Don’t go into too much detail or waffle on about your reasoning, as this may come across as unprofessional or insincere.
  • Check for Errors: Mistakes in an email can be embarrassing and may ruin your chances of being considered for future job openings, even in other departments. Proofread your email to ensure that there are no spelling errors, poor grammar, or punctuation mistakes.

When writing your decline email template for a job offer, it’s essential to keep it polite, professional, and straightforward. It may seem intimidating, but with these tips and a little bit of practice, you should be able to politely turn down an offer without burning any bridges.

Frequently Asked Questions about Decline Email Templates After an Interview


What is a decline email template?

A decline email template is a pre-written message that you can send to a potential employer to let them know you’re not interested in the job or you’re declining their offer after an interview.

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Why do I need a decline email template?

A decline email template can save you time and ensure that you show professionalism when declining a job offer. It can also help you maintain good relationships with potential employers.

When should I send a decline email after an interview?

You should send a decline email as soon as you’ve decided that you’re not interested in the job or you want to decline the offer. It’s best to do this within a few days after the interview to leave a good impression.

What should I include in a decline email?

In your decline email, you should thank the employer for the opportunity, let them know that you’re declining the offer or not interested in the job, and wish them the best of luck in their search for a candidate.

Should I give any reasons for declining?

You do not have to give a reason for declining a job offer, but you can do so if you think it’s appropriate. However, ensure that you’re not being negative or critical of the company or their decision-making process.

Can a decline email hurt my chances of getting a job in the future?

No, declining a job offer or expressing your lack of interest professionally will not hurt your chances of getting a job in the future. Maintain professionalism in your message and ensure that you don’t burn bridges.

Can I decline a job offer over the phone or in person?

Yes, declining a job offer over the phone or in person can be more personal and can help you maintain good relationships with potential employers. However, it’s best to send a follow-up decline email to confirm your decision and show professionalism.

What if I change my mind after sending a decline email?

If you change your mind after sending a decline email, you can send a follow-up email to let the employer know that you’ve had a change of heart. However, you should not do this frequently as it can reflect negatively on you.

Should I respond to a decline email from an employer?

You don’t have to respond to a decline email from an employer, but it can be a good idea to do so to maintain good relationships with them. You can thank them for considering you and let them know that you’d be interested in any future opportunities that fit your skillset.

Can I reuse a decline email template?

Yes, you can reuse a decline email template, but ensure that you personalize it for each job you apply for and that you don’t use the same template for every job/employer. This way, you can show that you’re still interested in the job and maintain professionalism.

Thanks for Stopping By!

Well, folks, that’s all for now on the topic of the decline email template after an interview. I hope you found this article helpful and informative! If you’re currently job hunting, remember that finding the right position can take time, so don’t get discouraged. Keep applying and practicing those interview skills, and you’ll land your dream job eventually! Thanks for taking the time to read this piece, and be sure to visit again later for more great career tips and tricks!

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