Declining a job offer is a subtle art—and it’s not necessarily as straightforward as you might think, especially because you don’t want to burn bridges with a potential future employer even if the current offer didn’t work out for you.
Generally, you might choose to decline a job offer if you’ve received a superior competing offer, whether due to higher compensation, a stronger growth trajectory, or greater opportunities to move up in your career—something all job seekers should be seeking.
In this guide, you will learn how to politely and professionally decline an offer in a way that enables you to continue to stay on good terms with the employer. The focal point is this: remain brief and firm. Read on to learn how to decline a job offer.
How to Decline a Job Offer Due to Salary
You’ve completed the interview process, but salary negotiations didn’t go as planned. One of the most common reasons to decline an offer stems from salary considerations. The key here is to remain polite but direct. Explain that you appreciate the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the hiring team and consider the offer, but the competing firm better meets your compensation needs.
Declining an Offer by Email
Generally, declining a job offer by email should only be done if you have not yet established a strong rapport with a recruiter or hiring team. A personal phone call is better, and it’s also a great way to maintain a strong relationship with your recruiter.
However, if you need to decline an offer by email, it’s important to stay focused and professional. To do so, start by expressing gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity. Thank the person or organization for the time, effort, and consideration throughout the process. Acknowledge any positive aspects of the role, company, or interaction to show that you value the offer and the experience.
Then, politely decline the offer in clear terms. Be concise and professional, mentioning that you’ve decided to pursue a different direction that better aligns with your goals or current situation. Avoid being overly detailed or negative. Conclude by expressing goodwill, such as wishing them continued success or hoping to stay in touch.
Here’s an example email you might consider sending to your recruitment team:
“Dear [Hiring Manager / Recruiter], Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak with you and the hiring team for [role] at [company]. I appreciate all the time and effort you and the team invested to make it a truly positive experience. Unfortunately, I have decided to go in a different direction with my career, and I will not be accepting the offer. I wish you the best of luck with the search, and I have no doubt you will succeed in finding the right candidate for the role. I hope that we can keep in touch if a new opportunity arises that would be a great mutual fit. Kind regards, [Your Name]”
This type of message can effectively balance keeping the line of communication open while also ensuring you part ways on good terms. After all, you might one day want to reopen an employment conversation, and this allows those bridges to remain intact.
Declining an Offer by Phone
When declining an offer by phone, start by thanking the person for the opportunity. Express your gratitude for the time, effort, and consideration throughout the process. Highlight something positive about the company or the experience to show that you genuinely appreciated the interaction.
Next, politely and clearly decline the offer. Use respectful language, such as “After careful consideration, I have decided to pursue another opportunity that aligns better with my goals.” Avoid going into unnecessary details or criticisms. Be honest and tactful, ensuring your tone conveys appreciation rather than dissatisfaction.
You’ll also want to be ready for some questions about your reasoning, and it’s okay to engage in some back-and-forth with the other side. It can also be in your interest to be honest about your reasons for not accepting the offer—it’s up to you to gauge the tone of the conversation!
Conclude the conversation by leaving a positive impression. Thank the recruiter again for understanding, and express your best wishes for the team’s continued success. If appropriate, note that you’d like to stay connected to consider future opportunities with the company, leaving the door open for professional goodwill.
The conversation might go something like this:
“Hi [Hiring Manager], this is [Your Name] calling you back about the [Offer]. I appreciate the time we spent getting to know each other and the company, but I’ve decided to go in a different direction.”
At this point, the hiring manager may ask you some questions about your reasons. Keep it short and brief, such as saying:
“I’ve received an offer with a stronger compensation package, and that will be a better fit for my future career goals. I appreciate your understanding, and I wish you and your team success in your search for the right candidate. If anything comes up in the future, it would be great to stay in touch and to potentially explore other opportunities.”
The goal is to keep things short, brief, and respectful—all factors that will help you avoid burning bridges with a potential future employer.
What if You’ve Already Accepted an Offer?
A tricky situation can arise when you decline an offer after you’ve accepted it. To maintain goodwill, you should generally not decline offers that you’ve already accepted.
Nevertheless, a much stronger offer can arise. In these instances, it’s important to deliver the news as professionally as possible to both the employer and the recruiting team.
Ultimately, this can be a difficult decision, and generally, it is not advisable to go back on your original acceptance. But, things happen, and sometimes it can be necessary to have to do so. Handling the situation with a certain amount of delicacy and finesse will be necessary if you decide to go down this path.
Next Steps to Take Before Declining a Job Offer
Before you decline a job offer, take the time to fully understand the details. Review the base salary, potential bonuses, and overall compensation package. Many candidates may focus only on salary, but benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and a 401(k) match can significantly impact long-term financial security. These perks play a crucial role in shaping financial stability and career satisfaction. Always consider the full picture before deciding.
Next, evaluate how the role supports your career growth. Ask yourself whether the position aligns with your long-term goals and whether it provides opportunities to develop skills, gain valuable experience, and expand your professional network. If you have another offer, compare the potential for advancement and job satisfaction. Make sure you decline a role based on a well-thought-out strategy rather than a short-term preference.
Finally, consider your circumstances, including family needs and financial goals. Your career stage and life situation influence what matters most in a job offer. Some people prioritize job stability and work-life balance, while others focus on earning potential and rapid career growth. Take the time to assess what fits your needs so that when you decline an offer, you do it with confidence, knowing you made the best choice for your future.
How Daley And Associates Can Help You Find Your Dream Job
As you decide on the next steps, it’s important to look out for yourself when making your decision. Understanding why a certain offer may not be the best fit will lead you to gaining the knowledge of exactly what you need from a position and what will ensure professional and personal growth.
Gaining the experience of declining a job offer will serve you well throughout your career. Navigating the trickiness of these types of situations is something that all candidates will likely encounter at some point in their search. Knowing how to handle the situation while staying true to your goals and needs, and also maintaining professionalism, is crucial.
If you’re looking for a role that better suits your needs, Daley And Associates can help you find the perfect opportunity. Our team specializes in matching professionals with roles that align with their skills, goals, and financial expectations. Contact us today to explore opportunities that truly fit your career aspirations.
