10 Effective Tips for Writing a Polite Decline Job Offer Email Sample

Hey there, have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to decline a job offer? It can be a tough decision to make and the thought of writing a decline job offer email sample can add to the stress. However, it’s important to do it professionally and with empathy towards the company and the individual who offered you the job.
Don’t worry though, you don’t have to start from scratch! There are many decline job offer email samples available online that you can use as a starting point and edit as needed. In fact, we’ve compiled a few examples that you can customize to match your situation. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the process of writing a decline job offer email that’ll leave a positive impression on the company.

The Best Structure for a Job Offer Decline Email

Declining a job offer can be a difficult task, but it is important to be professional and courteous throughout the process. One way to ensure that you handle the situation with poise and grace is to structure your decline job offer email in the most effective way possible. In this article, we will outline the ideal structure for a job offer decline email that will help you convey your thoughts and feelings in a clear and concise manner.

First Section: Gratitude and Appreciation

Begin your decline job offer email by expressing your gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity. This is a crucial aspect of maintaining a positive relationship with the hiring manager or employer, and it can also serve as a reminder that you are a professional who values the effort put forth by the organization. Mention specific elements of the job offer that you found particularly interesting or enticing, such as the company culture or benefits package.

Second Section: Explanation of Decision

The second section of the job offer decline email should provide a clear and concise explanation for why you have decided to decline the position. Be honest but tactful in your approach, and avoid speaking negatively about the employer or position. It is also important to keep the explanation brief and to the point. It’s important to remember that you are declining the job offer professionally, so try to use a polite but firm tone when delivering this information.

Third Section: Next Steps

In this section, you should outline any next steps that need to take place. This could include returning any materials or documents that were sent during the application or interview process. This creates a clear pathway for both you and the employer to move on from the job application process without any loose ends or confusion.

Fourth Section: Closing Remarks

To conclude the decline job offer email, express your gratitude and thank the hiring manager or employee for their time and consideration. Be sure to leave the door open for potential future collaboration and continue to maintain a positive and courteous relationship with the employer—this is especially true if you are planning on applying for other positions within that organization.

By structuring a decline job offer email in this way, you can communicate your decision professionally and tactfully, and maintain a positive relationship with the employer. As Tim Ferriss once said, “Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.” By using this structure, you can effectively convey your thoughts and feelings in a respectful and professional manner.

Read :  5 Effective Bid Rejection Email Sample Templates to Communicate Your Decision

Decline Job Offer Email Samples

Sample #1: Declining Job Offer Due to Accepting Another Offer

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I appreciate the opportunity that you have extended to me to become a part of your team. After much consideration, I would like to inform you that I am declining the job offer since I have accepted another offer with a different company.

Your company is highly reputable and I was impressed with the culture, values, and mission of your organization. I hold your company in high regard and I respect the professionalism demonstrated throughout our interactions.

I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and I sincerely appreciate your time, effort, and interest in me. Thank you for the opportunity to see firsthand how wonderful your organization is.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Sample #2: Declining Job Offer Due to Relocation

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the invitation to join your team. After taking some time to reflect, I regret to inform you that I am declining the job offer, as my family and I have decided to relocate to a different city.

I deeply appreciate your confidence in me and your willingness to provide me with this exceptional opportunity. I find your team to be outstanding in all aspects, from the work culture to the people you employ. I am deeply grateful for your kind offer, and I express sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please do keep in touch, as I would love to keep abreast of the work you’re doing and any progress made along the road. It would be beneficial to stay connected for possible opportunities in the future, and I hope we will be able to maintain a supportive relationship.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample #3: Declining Job Offer Due to Salary

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I truly appreciate the opportunity you offered me to become a part of your team. After a thorough analysis of my finances, I realized that I will not be able to work for you at the salary you are offering.

I highly value your organization, the work culture, and the professional way in which you conduct business. However, I must respectfully decline this outstanding opportunity since I need to be paid more fairly for my skills and experience.

Please be assured that this decision was not an easy one, and I thank you for your efforts during the recruitment process. I would cherish the opportunity to stay in touch with your team, and feel free to contact me for any future job openings that align closer with my salary expectations.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample #4: Declining Job Offer Due to Job Duties

Dear [Hiring Manager],

Thank you so much for extending the job offer and affording me the opportunity to work with your organization. After careful consideration, however, I have decided to decline the offer.

While I am honored and grateful for your offer, the job duties of the position wouldn’t be suitable for me. After a careful analysis of my skills and experience, I have come to the realization that it would not be a good fit for me.

I truly appreciate your time and consideration throughout the recruitment process and wish you all the best of success in the future.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Sample #5: Declining Job Offer Due to Personal Reasons

Dear [Hiring Manager],

Thank you for the offer of employment with your esteemed organization. I genuinely appreciate all the time and effort that you have invested in the hiring process for this position. Unfortunately, I have decided to decline the job offer.

Read :  A Sample Email to Announce Holiday: Make Your Employees Excited

After much deliberation, I have concluded that the role and the position wouldn’t be an ideal fit for me due to personal reasons. Please understand that the decision was not an easy one and I have the deepest respect and admiration for your team.

I am sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns and it would be lovely if we could seek possible future collaborations.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample #6: Declining Job Offer Due to Company Policy or Procedures

Dear [Hiring Manager],

Thank you kindly for extending me the offer to become part of your esteemed organization. It was a pleasure going through the recruitment processing with your team. However, after thorough consideration, I have decided to respectfully decline the job offer.

I have come to realize that the company policy or procedures may be an obstacle or challenge for me and this realization influenced my decision. In general, I believe that it’s beneficial to work for an organization that aligns with both my professional and personal goals to achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Please accept my profound apologies for any inconvenience that this change of mind may have caused. I wish your team success in all your future endeavors and thank you again for the opportunity.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Sample #7: Declining Job Offer Due to Lack of Growth Opportunities

Dear [Hiring Manager],

Thank you for the offer of employment with your organization, and the time taken to guide me through the recruitment process. I loved meeting with your team and learning about the impressive work you do in the industry. However, after some careful thought and consideration, I have decided to decline the offer.

I acknowledge that this was a hard decision to make, but the lack of professional development opportunities within the position contributed to this choice. While I grasp the necessity of learning on the job, it’s critical to me that I can continue to develop new abilities and talents on a professional level.

Please do keep in touch as I would like to stay informed about your organization’s progress in the industry. I hope we will maintain the same level of communication for any future opportunities that may align more with my professional goals.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Tips for writing a decline job offer email

Declining a job offer can be a daunting task. It requires the right tone, words, and approach to ensure that you do not burn bridges with the employer, while also maintaining a professional image. Below are some tips that you can use when crafting your decline job offer email.

  • Be timely: It’s important to let the employer know as soon as possible that you won’t be accepting their offer. This shows professionalism and respect for their time and resources.
  • Express gratitude: Even if you have decided not to take the job, expressing gratitude for the opportunity is always a good idea. It shows that you have respect for the employer’s decision and have taken the time to consider their offer.
  • Avoid negative language: Avoid using negative language or criticism when declining the offer. Stick to neutral language that communicates that you are grateful for the offer, but you have decided to pursue other opportunities.
  • Provide a reason: While it is not necessary to provide a reason for declining the job offer, doing so can provide closure for both parties. It can also help the employer better understand any areas that they can improve in the future.
  • Offer to stay connected: Even though you are declining the offer, it is always good to offer to stay connected with the employer. This can be in the form of networking or keeping in touch if future opportunities arise.
Read :  Effective Sales Promotion Email Samples to Boost Your Business: Get Inspired with Our Sales Promotion Email Samples

Remember that a well-crafted decline job offer email can help you maintain good relationships with potential employers. It is also crucial to think about the employer’s perspective and communicate your decision in a professional and respectful manner.

Decline Job Offer Email Sample FAQs


What is a decline job offer email?

A decline job offer email is a message sent to the employer to express your decision of rejecting their job offer.

Do I need to send a decline job offer email?

Yes, it is essential to send a decline job offer email to show your gratitude and professionalism towards the employer.

What should be the tone of my decline job offer email?

Your decline job offer email should be polite and courteous, expressing your appreciation for the opportunity offered.

How do I start my decline job offer email?

You can start your email by expressing your appreciation for the employer’s time and consideration and stating your decision to decline the job offer.

Can I give a reason for declining the job offer in my email?

Yes, you can give a brief, honest, and professional reason for declining the job offer, but it’s not necessary.

Do I need to mention other job offers in my email?

No, it is not professional to mention other job offers, and it could give the wrong impression to the employer.

How can I end my decline job offer email?

You can end your email by thanking the employer for the opportunity and expressing your desire to stay connected in the future.

Should I ask for feedback in my decline job offer email?

It’s optional to ask for feedback, but it shows your willingness to improve and grow professionally.

Can I ask for reconsideration of the job offer in my email?

Yes, you can ask for reconsideration, but be respectful and provide a valid reason for your request.

Is it okay to decline a job offer after accepting it?

No, it is not acceptable to decline a job offer after accepting it unless something serious arises that is beyond your control.

Thanks for stopping by!

It’s always a tough decision to decline a job offer, but sending a thoughtful email will go a long way in maintaining a positive relationship with the company. I hope you found this sample email helpful in crafting your own message. Remember to express gratitude and be professional in your wording. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back for more career advice and tips!

Leave a Comment