Job offers can range from call-your-mom exciting to start-venting-to-the-group-text insulting. Regardless of your reaction, you still need to respond. Of course, it’s easier if you’re accepting the position, or just asking for more details or more time. But figuring out how to decline a job offer is a different story.
Whether you’re faced with an offer that you’d never accept in a million years or one that you actually would consider (if not for the other, better offer you also received), here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reject a job offer—plus, examples of gracious “thanks but no thanks” emails.
Still looking for that perfect next role? One of these open jobs on The Muse might just be the one »
It can be tough to find nice ways to reject someone, especially a hiring manager whom you've convinced that you were the perfect fit for the job. But don’t obsess over it—recruiters understand that candidates may say no. If you're thinking about declining the job, that's totally fine—as long as you do it gracefully.
Follow these steps to craft your email:
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 down with you for one or more 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. Some examples:
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 flags you saw in your would-be boss, spill about the amazing perks that come with 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:
You can elaborate to the extent that it makes sense—for example, at one point, I was referred to a company by a friend and went through three interviews before getting an offer. As a result, I 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 was so interesting to me, but shared that I had another offer that ultimately would point me more in the direction of my career goals.
But if the position seems terrible and you’d simply 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.
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 that you wish this person all the best in the future.
Not quite there yet? Let's see what this advice might look like all together. Here are four examples of how to decline a job offer: due to salary considerations, because you've accepted a different offer, because the job isn't a good fit for you, and because you've decided to stay at your current job. (In case you're wondering, all super valid reasons!)
What's the best job for you?
Use The Muse to find a job at a company with a culture you love. Select the career path that aligns with you:
