You Aren't the Only One: How to Professionally Decline a Job Offer

So, you’ve found yourself in a position where you have now been offered a new position, but you don’t want it. On one end, how awesome, that someone saw your skills and wants you a part of their team! But on the other end, if this position doesn’t align with your future goals, desired company culture, or doesn’t meet your salary requirements, this can be a gut-wrenching and anxiety rid feeling!  

You could be going back and forth in your mind on if it’s the right time to take a new position, or if you should decline the offer. If you have found yourself in this position, you should first ask yourself these questions:  

• Does this job have an impact on my salary? Is it more than what I make, the same, or less? 
• How does the company’s benefits package weigh into the salary being given? How much coverage does the company give for things like Health Insurance? 
• How would accepting this new position affect your mental health? Would it make it better than the current state you’re in with your current employer? Do you think it could make it worse? 
• Are there growth opportunities available in this new role? Does the company have a structured review process and bonuses to employees? 
• What is the company’s culture like? Are the people you interviewed or saw during the process happy and excited? ted? Or are they burnt out and non-engaged? 
• Do your personal values align with the company’s values? 

After you’ve asked yourself these questions and decided that declining the offer is still best, you will need to politely and professionally decline the offer. This can be stressful, and you may not want to hurt someone’s feelings since a lot of time goes into a job search and interview process. First, pinpoint why it is that you’re not accepting the offer. Look at our email templates below to utilize if you find yourself in this position.  

If you’re declining because of limits on growth:

Hi <Name of person who made the offer>,  

I want to thank you for the generous offer to work for <company>. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the role, the organization, and the company culture. 

After careful consideration, I have come to a difficult decision. Unfortunately, I must decline this opportunity. My career goals and aspirations are focused on growth and <other items>. 

I do sincerely appreciate the offer and want to express my gratitude. I know this opportunity isn’t the right fit for my career trajectory. I wish you all the best in finding the right candidate for the role. Please do keep in touch if another position opens with <insert career goals> in mind.  

Thank you, 

<Your name>  

If you’re declining because of salary requirements:

Hi <Name of person who made the offer>,  

I want to thank you for the generous offer to work for <company>. I’ve enjoyed learning more about the role, the organization, and the company culture. 

After careful consideration, I have come to a difficult decision. Unfortunately, I must decline this opportunity. We previously discussed my salary requirement of <insert salary requirement> and I am going to move forward with other roles that align with that salary. 

I do sincerely appreciate the offer and want to express my gratitude. I know this opportunity isn’t the right fit for me currently. I wish you all the best in finding the right candidate for the role. 

Thank you, 

<Your name> 

If you’re declining because you’ve accepted an offer that’s better:

Hi <Name of the person who made the offer>,  

Thank you for the opportunity to work for <company> as a <job role>. I’ve truly enjoyed learning more about the role, the organization, and the company culture. 

After careful consideration, I have come to a difficult decision. Unfortunately, I must decline this opportunity at this time. I’ve received a better offer that I can’t refuse. While I’m extremely interested in <company name>, I’ve accepted another offer with <higher salary, flexibility, career advancement>.  

I do sincerely appreciate the offer and want to express my gratitude. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and I wish you all the best in finding the right candidate for the position.  

Thank you, 

<Your name> 

Conclusion:

Above all else, when declining a job offer, you want to be sure that you’re grateful for the opportunity you were offered to the employer. You don’t want to burn bridges when it comes to this situation, because you never know how others are connected, or, if later in life this employer could come back into your life for another reason!  

And if you’re still stuck on what to do, go with your gut. If something feels off or not right, it probably isn’t.