Job Offer Rejection Email Sample: How to Decline a Job Offer Professionally

Are you tired of struggling to craft the perfect job offer rejection email? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many job seekers find it difficult and uncomfortable to decline a job offer. However, it’s important to handle the situation with professionalism and grace. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide for crafting the perfect job offer rejection email sample. We understand that every situation is unique and the reasons for declining an offer may vary. That’s why we’ve included various examples that you can edit as needed to fit your specific circumstances. With our guide, you’ll be able to decline a job offer with confidence and maintain a positive relationship with the employer. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s take a closer look at our job offer rejection email samples and start crafting your perfect response today.

The Best Structure for a Job Offer Rejection Email Sample – How to Do It Right?

When it comes to job offers, there are times when we have to say no. While rejection can be a tough pill to swallow, it’s important to be courteous and professional when declining an offer. Sending a formal job offer rejection email can help maintain a good relationship with the employer and leave the door open for future opportunities. Here’s the best structure for a job offer rejection email sample that you can use:

1. Thank the Employer

Start by thanking the employer for offering you the job. This shows appreciation and respect for the effort they put in during the recruitment process. You can also acknowledge their time and effort spent in considering you as a candidate. This can be as simple as saying, “Thank you so much for offering me the role. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into the recruitment process.”

2. Explain Your Decision

It’s important to provide valid reasons for declining the job offer. Employers appreciate honesty and transparency, and it’ll help them understand your perspective better. You can say, “After a lot of consideration, I have decided to decline the job offer. While I was impressed with the company mission and values, I feel that this role isn’t the right fit for my career goals at the moment.” You can also express gratitude for the opportunity and highlight what you liked about the company and the role.

3. Wrap Up Professionally

Conclude the email with a professional tone. You can add a statement to stay in touch or thank them again for the opportunity. End with a polite closing and your contact information if they need to reach you in the future. You can say, “I appreciate the opportunity you have provided me with. Thank you again for your time and effort. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you ever need anything from me in the future. Best regards, [Your name].”

4. Keep It Short and Sweet

It’s important to keep the email concise and to the point. Avoid going into too much detail or being too negative in your tone. Be respectful and professional throughout the email. A short and sweet email is more likely to be received positively by the employer.

In summary, using this structure for a job offer rejection email sample can help maintain a positive relationship with the employer and keep the door open for future opportunities. Remember to be polite, professional, and concise in your communication, and you’ll leave a good impression on the company.

Job Offer Rejection Email Samples

Sample 1: Salary Negotiation

Dear [Employer]

Thank you for extending a job offer to me. While I thoroughly enjoyed our interview and was excited about the opportunity to work with your esteemed company, I regret to decline your offer due to salary constraints. After careful consideration, I have decided to pursue another opportunity that offers better compensation.

I’d like to thank you once again for your time and consideration. It’s been a pleasure to learn about your company and to meet the team, so I’m sure our paths will cross again.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Sample 2: Company Culture Fit

Dear [Employer]

I really appreciated the time you took to interview me for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. The more I thought about the role and the company culture, the more I realized it’s just not a good fit for me. Although your organization is amazing, and your team is filled with smart and dedicated individuals, I don’t think I would thrive in an environment like yours.

I’m grateful for the opportunity you offered me and will keep an eye out for other positions. It was fascinating to learn more about your company during the interview process.

Thank you,

[Your name]

Sample 3: Personal Circumstances

Dear [Employer],

Thank you so much for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I am grateful for the time, effort, and interest that you have given me throughout the job search process. Unfortunately, after careful consideration, I am unable to accept the position due to pressing personal circumstances that have arisen within my family.

I deeply apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and I appreciate the understanding that you have shown. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Sample 4: Better Offer

Dear [Employer],

I hope this email finds you well. Thank you for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. After careful consideration, I have decided to pursue a different opportunity that is more aligned with my career goals. The offer of [salary/benefits] is generous, but I have received an alternate offer that is too good to refuse.

I appreciate all the time and effort that you and your team put into the interview process. You run an excellent organization, and I am grateful for the opportunity to get to know you. I hope that our paths might cross again in the future.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Sample 5: Job Description Mismatch

Dear [Employer],

Thank you for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I enjoyed learning about your organization and appreciated the chance to meet members of your team. After carefully evaluating the job offer and conducting a thorough assessment of the position’s responsibilities, I have come to the conclusion that the role isn’t an ideal fit for my skills, experience, and interests.

It was a challenging decision to make, and I truly appreciate the opportunity you offered me. Please know that I will remain committed to helping you in any way that I can.

Thank you,

[Your name]

Sample 6: Commute Time

Dear [Employer],

Thank you for offering me the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. Unfortunately, after further consideration, I have concluded that the lengthy commute required to get to the office would not be feasible for me, and I cannot relocate at this time.

I respect your company and your values and enjoyed getting to know the team during the interview process. Regretfully, I find it best to decline this offer and look for alternative work options that are closer to home.

Thanks again,

[Your name]

Sample 7: Delayed Decision

Dear [Employer],

Thank you for your recent job offer for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. After carefully considering the opportunity and conducting a thorough assessment of my current career path, I have decided that it would be best if I take some additional time to make a final decision on whether to accept the position or not.

I hope to get back to you within the next few days with my final decision. In the meantime, thank you again for your offer, and I appreciate your patience and understanding regarding my extended response time.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Tips for Writing Job Offer Rejection Emails

Receiving a job offer can be an exciting moment in your career journey, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to accept the offer if it doesn’t align with your goals or requirements. In such cases, it’s important to write a polite and professional email declining the offer. Here are some tips to help you craft a job offer rejection email:

1. Start with a grateful tone

It’s always a good idea to start your email on a positive note and express gratitude for the opportunity. Thank the employer for considering you for the position and for taking the time to review your qualifications and experience. This shows the company that you were genuinely interested in the position and appreciative of the opportunity.

2. Clearly state your decision

While it may be tempting to beat around the bush or provide unclear reasons for your rejection, it’s important to be direct and clear in your email. State your decision to decline the offer in a straightforward and concise manner. It’s not necessary to go into detailed explanations, as this can open up room for negotiation or debate.

3. Provide a brief reason (optional)

If you feel comfortable doing so, you can include a brief reason for your decision to decline the offer. This can be helpful for the employer to have feedback on their hiring process or for them to understand why you weren’t the right fit for the position. However, be mindful of providing too much information, as this can come off as unprofessional or unnecessary.

4. Offer to stay connected and express interest in future opportunities

Even if you’re not accepting the job offer, it’s always a good idea to leave a positive impression on the employer. Offer to stay connected and express interest in future opportunities within the company. This shows that you value the company’s mission and vision, and that you’re open to potential opportunities down the line.

5. Proofread and edit before sending

As with any professional email, it’s important to proofread and edit your job offer rejection email before sending it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that the tone of your email is polite, professional, and respectful. This can go a long way in leaving a positive impression on the employer and maintaining a good relationship.

Declining a job offer can be a nerve-wracking process, but these tips can help you craft a professional and respectful email that leaves a positive impression on the employer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Job Offer Rejection Email Sample


What is a job offer rejection email?

A job offer rejection email is a message sent by a candidate to an employer to decline or reject a job offer for a certain position.

When should I send a job offer rejection email?

You should send a job offer rejection email as soon as you have made your decision not to accept the job offer. It is better to do it sooner rather than later to allow the employer to move on with their recruitment process.

What are the reasons for rejecting a job offer via email?

There can be several reasons for rejecting a job offer via email. Some of the common reasons include finding a better job offer, personal reasons, or not feeling fit for the position.

How should I write a job offer rejection email?

Your job offer rejection email should be professional, concise, and courteous. You should thank the employer for the opportunity and provide a brief reason for declining the offer, followed by expressing your best wishes for the company.

Can I negotiate a job offer after I receive it?

Yes, if you receive a job offer that is not up to your expectations, you can negotiate with the employer to come to a mutually acceptable agreement. However, you should do it before accepting the offer.

What are the consequences of not responding to a job offer?

If you do not respond to a job offer, it will be considered a rejection. This can tarnish your reputation and future chances of getting employed by the same employer or the industry.

Is it appropriate to decline a job offer over the phone?

It is not necessary to decline a job offer over the phone, but it can be a courteous gesture. However, you should always follow up with a written email as a record of your decision.

How soon can I reapply to the same company after rejecting their job offer?

There is no set time limit for reapplying to the same company after rejecting their job offer. It depends on the employer’s recruitment policies and the reason for your previous rejection.

Is it possible to change my mind after rejecting a job offer?

It is possible to change your mind after rejecting a job offer, but it depends on the employer’s readiness to consider your offer and whether the job position is still open. You can reach out to the employer to explain your situation and negotiate for a second chance.

Say no to the job offer with ease!

Well, that’s all for today’s article on the job offer rejection email sample. We hope that this article has been helpful to you in drafting your email to let the hiring team know that you won’t be joining them. Always remember, declining a job offer is not the end of the world and it’s essential to do it with grace. We want to thank you for taking the time to read and visit our site. Don’t forget to check back for more useful tips and guides for your job search. Good luck on your job hunting journey!