How to Politely Decline a Job Offer

How to Politely Decline a Job Offer

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How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridges

Step 1: Show your appreciation. First and foremost, it’s important to thank the hiring manager for the offer and for their time.  Yes, interviewing potential candidates is part of the job, but this person likely spent several hours reading your resume, trolling your social media profiles, and sitting 

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How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridges

down with you for interviews. They also may have gone out on a limb to talk you up to other people at the company. So a heartfelt —and specific—thank you for that time and effort will go a long way. For example: – Thank you so much for the offer for the marketing manager position. I so appreciate you taking the time to consider me 

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How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridges

and for answering so many of my questions about the company and role. – Thank you again for the interview last week—it was great to meet the team and see the offices. I enjoyed learning about the operations director position, and I appreciate this generous offer.

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How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridges

Step 2: Give a good, brief reason. Especially if you’ve spent a lot of time interviewing or the job offer is from a company you’d consider working for in the future, it’s right and respectful to not leave a hiring manager in the dark about why you’re declining the position.  That said, there’s also no need to go into detail about the red 

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How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridges

flags you saw in your would-be boss, spill about the amazing perks at the job you did accept, or moan that you’ve spent the past week agonizing over your decision. The best approach is to be brief but honest about your specific reason for not accepting the position, saying something like: – After careful consideration, I’ve decided to accept a 

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How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridges

position at another company. – After much thought, I’ve decided that now is not the best time to leave my current position. – While this position seems like a great opportunity, I have decided to pursue another role that will offer me more opportunities to pursue my interests in marketing and social media.

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How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridges

You can elaborate to the extent that it makes sense—for example, at one point, I had been referred to a company by a friend and gone through three interviews before getting an offer and felt that I owed the hiring team a thorough explanation.  I expressed how much I enjoyed getting to know the group and why the position 

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How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridges

was so interesting to me, but shared that I had another offer that would ultimately point me more in the direction of my career goals.  But if the position seems terrible and the only real reason you have is that you’d rather stand in an unemployment line than accept it, a simple, “It’s not quite the right fit for my career goals at this time” will suffice.

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How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridges

Step 3: Stay in touch. The working world—especially in certain industries—can be surprisingly small. So offering some small pleasantries before you sign off is always a good idea.  If you can reference something you discussed, like an event or conference you’re both attending, do so. Otherwise, you can make a simple mention

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How to politely turn down a job offer without burning any bridges

that you wish this person all the best in the future. – I hope to see you next month at the conference we’re both attending. – It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, and I hope that we cross paths in the future. – Again, thank you for your time and support, and I wish you all the best.

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Tips for turning down a job offer

Here are a few more things to think about as you write your email—especially if this is a situation where you’d really like to keep communication lines open. – Respond promptly once you’ve made your decision to let the employer continue their search as quickly as possible. The tendency to procrastinate difficult communications is human, but this isn’t the time to give in.

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Tips for turning down a job offer

– Offer referrals if you have them, especially in the case that you really think the company is awesome. You might say something like: “That being said, I have a few connections I think would be great for the role and would be happy to send their information along to you.” – Keep your email short and sweet. There’s no need to justify your decision at length

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Tips for turning down a job offer

or heap excessive praise on the company. Just rip off the Band-Aid fast and hit send. – Consider a phone call if it feels appropriate in your situation. Instead of breaking the news via email, use that email to set up a quick call at the hiring manager’s convenience and have the conversation live—particularly if you already had or have developed a rapport with the hiring manager.

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