Being at the receiving end of a job offer can spark feelings of delight but that excitement can quickly turn sour when, after careful consideration, you realize this is not the job for you and you have to say no.
Although you might nurse a fear of saying ‘no’ because you don’t want to hurt or disappoint the recruiter especially if you felt connected to a company, ultimately, you have to decide what is best for you and in this case, it would be choosing to not accept a job offer, in 2023 and the years to come, that will not serve you.
Maybe the salary is not what you expected, the employee benefits are off-putting or you just don’t align with the company culture; whatever your reason, simply replying with a “No, I’m not interested” is not only unprofessional, it can come across as being harsh and rude.
Even if you wouldn’t work with them now, leave the window of opportunity slightly ajar. You never know what that slightly open window can serve you in the future.
In this article, you would be presented with 3 email templates that can be employed to decline a job offer that just isn’t right for you.
How to Decline a Job Offer
Due to changing trends, job offers in 2023 are slightly different when compared to previous years with regard to appropriate communication.
Due to the increased sensitivity of the populace, it takes very little effort to have your message misconstrued and to prevent the social assassination that sometimes ensues.
This hints at something, you have to exert significant care and politeness in conveying your decision to decline a job offer.
Depending on your reasons for declining a job offer, these 3 email templates will guide you in conveying your decision.
Template 1
Reason- The salary and employee benefits are subpar
Hello *name of recruiter*;
I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to fill the role of *job title* at *company name*. I genuinely enjoyed learning about the company’s goals and operations.
Sadly, I’ve come to a rather tough decision to turn down this job offer.
I have received another offer that I find more suitable for my financial needs. Although I possess a keen interest in your company, my new position at *company name* will better aid my financial life due to the pay and benefits package offered.
Again, I am wholeheartedly grateful for the opportunity bestowed upon me and I would like our connection to be sustained via Linkedin if you are willing.
Best wishes in your quest to find the right candidate for the position.
Best regards;
*your full name*
Template 2
Reason- Misalignment between values
Dear *Hiring manager’s name*;
Thank you so much for presenting me with the opportunity to take up the position of *Job role* at *company name*. The process of becoming acquainted with the organization was a particularly pleasing experience.
However, I would like to state my intention to reject the job offer.
During the process of learning about the company, I realized it is ruled by strong work values and culture that unfortunately creates a mismatch with my personal values.
I personally believe every employee should feel a significant level of identification with the organization’s value system in order to facilitate optimal work output and when the reverse occurs, employee output would dwindle.
Having my best interests and that of your organization at heart, I had to come to that conclusion.
Even though I would not be a part of your company, I am very much open to network linkage on Linkedin.
I wish you luck in filling the position.
Regards;
*your full name*
Template 3
Reason- Excessive job responsibilities
Dear Mr/Miss/Mrs *last name*;
I sincerely appreciate being given the chance to be found as a good match for the open position of *job role* at *company name*. The process of becoming familiar with the intricacies of the company was a particularly pleasing experience.
Nevertheless, I have arrived at a difficult decision to decline this job offer.
After careful consideration of the job duties, I realized that I could not give myself the level of commitment that the job demanded.
I am grateful for the positive professional relationship we have built thus far and if you are willing, I would prefer our connection to be sustained. You would receive a connection request from me on Linkedin for this purpose.
I hope for the best as you navigate the process of filling this role.
Warm regards;
*your full name*
From keen observation of the templates, it can be noted that job rejection emails share some common attributes;
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Gratitude
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Statement of the decision to reject the offer
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Reason(s) for refusal
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Hint at a possible network
Bearing this in mind will simplify the process of declining an offer and enable you to adapt emails to your unique situation.
Conclusion;
We all fear rejection to some extent, both in giving and receiving the rejection. Even though your guilt and fear are valid because no one likes to disappoint another or dish out a rejection, it is sometimes necessary.
Being polite, expressing gratitude, and stating reasons for the rejection will usually offset any ill the recruiter has towards you.
In some instances, a recruiter will have you to thank for being a source of valuable feedback that can spur a review of the job terms and conditions.