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Rejecting a job offer can feel uncomfortable, but it’s a normal part of building your career. Handling it well helps protect your reputation and keeps future opportunities open.
In this guide, you’ll find simple steps, templates, and answers to common questions to help you decline a job offer while keeping relationships positive. Get started by tailoring our templates to your situation with a wide range of sample scripts including:
Turning down a job offer is completely fine, especially if you have another offer or the role is not the right fit. Respond promptly, thank the employer, and keep your reason brief. This helps you leave the door open for future roles.
Before you decide, take a moment to look at a few key factors:
If two or more of these do not meet your expectations, it may be time to decline. If you are unsure, ask a few more questions before you decide. Once you’ve made your choice, respond quickly and professionally.
Once you’ve decided, let the employer know as soon as you can.
A phone call can feel more personal. Email works well if timing is tight.
Thank them → give a brief reason → close on a positive note → optionally stay in touch.
If you spoke on the phone, send a short email to confirm. You can also connect on LinkedIn to keep in touch.
“Hello [Name], thank you for the offer to join [Company] as [Title]. After careful thought, I’ve accepted another role that better fits my goals, so I’ll need to decline. I appreciate your time and hope we can stay in touch.”
“Hello [Name], thank you for the offer and our conversations. I’ve decided the role is not the right fit for my long-term goals, so I’ll decline. I appreciate your time and hope we cross paths again.”
“Hello [Name], thank you for the offer. I’ve decided to decline as the package does not meet what I need to make a move. I appreciate your time and wish the team the best.”
Choose one of the job offer rejection email templates below and tailor it with a brief reason, a thank you, and a polite closing.
Subject: Offer for [Job Title]
Dear [Name],
Thank you for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company]. After careful consideration, I’ve accepted another role that more closely aligns with my current career goals, so I must decline. I’m grateful for the time and effort you and the team invested throughout the hiring process, and I wish you every success finding the right candidate.
Kind regards,[Your Name]
Thank you for the generous offer. After much thought, I won’t be accepting, as the role isn’t the right fit for my long-term plans. I appreciate your consideration and hope we can stay connected.
Kind regards, [Your Name]
Thank you for the offer and our discussions around compensation. I’ve decided to decline, as the package sits outside the range I need to make a move.
I appreciate the opportunity and wish you and the hiring team well with the search.
Thank you for the offer. While the role is compelling, I’ve decided to remain in my current position for now, so I must decline. I’m grateful for your time and hope we cross paths again.
Subject: Update on [Job Title] Offer
I’m grateful for your offer and the confidence you placed in me. After further reflection, I must withdraw my acceptance, as the role isn’t the right fit for my goals at this time. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this causes. Thank you again for the opportunity; I hope we may connect in future.
Give a short, general reason, for example “another role fits my goals better”. Keep it neutral.
As soon as you’ve decided. A quick reply shows respect and helps the employer move forward.
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Carol is a Content Writer at Michael Page, creating content for audiences across the APAC region. She writes articles, contributes to annual salary reports, and helps maintain high standards of quality through editing and proofreading.With experience...
