How to Reject a Job Offer Politely (Plus Email Template)

Been through the job application process only to be offered a job that does not feel like the right fit? You can put a lot of time and energy into applying for a job. So if you are offered a role, and it is not right for you, it can feel hard to reject the job offer. 

However, rejecting a job offer is not the end of the road. In fact, it's a normal part of the job search process. What is most important is ensuring that you don’t burn any bridges and reject an offer politely. After all, you never know what trajectory your career will take you.

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Why Should You Reject A Job Offer

It's important to remember that accepting a job offer is a big decision, and it's completely normal to have doubts or reservations. If an offer doesn't feel right for you, it's always better to decline it, even if it may be difficult to do so. It is acceptable to reject a job offer for several reasons:

1. Compensation and benefits: If the compensation or benefits offered do not meet your expectations or needs, it may be appropriate to reject the offer.
2. Location and commute: If the location or commute is not feasible for you, it may be best to reject the offer.
3. Company culture and values: If the company culture or values do not align with your own, you may choose to reject the offer.
4. Other job opportunities: If you have accepted another job offer, it would be appropriate to reject the current offer.
5. Doubts or reservations: If you have any doubts or reservations about the position or company, it may be best to decline the offer.
6. Professional growth: If the job doesn't align with your career goals and aspirations, it would be wise to decline the job offer.

(Read more: 10 Best Reasons for Leaving Your Job & Ways to Tell Your Boss)

Best Way to Reject a Job Offer

When rejecting a job offer, it is best to send a written decline, either by email or letter. This is considered the most professional and courteous way to decline an offer.

Email is a convenient and efficient way to decline a job offer, as it allows you to express your thoughts clearly and in writing. An email should be short and to the point and should include all the necessary information, such as the position, company, and reason for declining the offer.

Sending a letter is another option, but it may take longer for the employer to receive it, and it may not be as efficient as email.

Declining a job offer in person is less common, and it's not typically recommended. It may put the employer in an awkward position, and it may not give you the opportunity to express your thoughts as clearly as you could in writing.

It’s important to remember that whatever method you choose, make it a point to be respectful, professional, and gracious when declining a job offer.

How to Decline a Job Offer Politely

1. Express your appreciation for the time and effort the employer has invested in the hiring process.
2. Reiterate your reasons for declining the offer: Explain your reasons for declining the offer in a respectful and professional manner.
3. Be honest and direct: Clearly state your reasons for declining the offer, but avoid being negative or critical.
4. Include your contact information: Provide your email address, phone number, and JobStreet profile, if relevant.
5. Keep the door open: Let the employer know that you would be open to future opportunities with the company and that you would like to stay in touch.
6. Take the extra step and follow up: Send a thank-you note to the hiring manager and anyone else you interviewed with to maintain a positive relationship.

Here is an example of a decline letter:

How to Decline a Job Offer You Already Accepted

When you need to reject a job offer you have already accepted, it is important to do so as soon as possible and in a professional manner. Contact the employer and explain the reason for your decision, and apologise for any inconvenience it may cause. Be honest and direct but also respectful and courteous. It's also important to make sure you have a valid reason for rejecting the offer, as you might burn bridges with that company in the future.

There are several reasons why someone might choose to reject a job offer after accepting it:

1. A better job opportunity arises: You may choose to reject the previous job offer if you receive a more attractive job offer with better pay, benefits, or career advancement opportunities.
2. Change in personal circumstances: If you experience a change in your personal life, such as a move, illness, or family emergency, that may no longer allow you to accept the job.
3. Realisation that the job is not a good fit: After accepting the offer, you may come to realise that the job or company culture is not a good fit.
4. Health issues: Maybe you discover that you have health issues that you were not aware of before accepting the job and now are not able to comply with the job requirements.
5. Breach of contract: The employer may have broken a term of the job offer, such as by not providing the agreed-upon compensation or benefits.

It is important to have a valid reason and communicate professionally when rejecting a job offer that you have already accepted. Be sincere and professional and express gratitude for the opportunity in this kind of letter. It's also important to be willing to collaborate in the transition of the position. This will show your good faith and maybe open doors for future opportunities.

Here is an example of a decline letter:

(Read more: Leaving Your Job Make It Professional With This 7-Step Resignation Checklist)

What to Expect After Declining a Job Offer

After declining a job offer, you should expect the following:

1. The employer may ask for feedback: The employer may ask for your reasons for declining the offer and for any feedback on the hiring process.
2. The employer may move on to other candidates: The employer will likely begin considering other candidates for the position.
3. You may be considered for future opportunities: If you expressed interest in future opportunities with the company, the employer may keep your resume on file and consider you for other positions.
4. You may be able to maintain a professional relationship: If you decline the offer in a respectful and professional manner, you may be able to maintain a positive relationship with the employer.
5. You might not hear from them again: if the employer finds other candidates, they may not reach out to you again.

It's important to remember that declining a job offer is not the end of the road, and it is a normal part of the job search process. Employers expect that some candidates will decline their offers, and it's not a reflection of your qualifications or your future job prospects.

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