How to decline a job offer politely, with email templates for accepting another offer, a salary that is too low, a role that is not the right fit, and more.
Worth It: The Salary Negotiation Guide for Women by Bhumika AT — Scripts, 10 email templates and worksheets for your first offer, your next one and every raise in between. Buy on Amazon.com · Amazon.co.uk · Amazon.de · Amazon.in
Turning down a job offer can feel awkward, especially after a long interview process. But declining well — promptly, politely and clearly — protects your reputation and keeps the door open for later. This guide shows you how to decline a job offer politely, with email templates for the most common reasons: you accepted another offer, the salary is too low, or the role is not the right fit.
If the only problem is pay, a polite counter offer may fix it. Employers expect some negotiation, and asking is unlikely to cost you the offer. Decline only once you know the offer cannot reach your walk-away number.
Accepted another offer:
Subject: [Job title] offer — [Your name] Dear [Name], Thank you very much for offering me the [Job title] position. I enjoyed meeting the team and learning about your work. After careful thought, I have decided to accept another offer that is a closer fit for my goals right now. This was not an easy decision. I hope our paths cross again, and I wish you and the team every success. Kind regards, [Your name]
If you have already negotiated and the offer still falls short, say so plainly. Sometimes this prompts a better offer — but only send it if you are ready to walk away.
Salary below your needs:
Subject: [Job title] offer — [Your name] Dear [Name], Thank you for the offer and for working with me on the terms. I really appreciate it. After careful consideration, I have decided to decline, as the compensation does not meet my requirements for this role. I would be glad to stay in touch, and if the budget changes in future, I would welcome the conversation. Thank you again for your time. Best regards, [Your name]
Not the right fit:
Subject: [Job title] offer — [Your name] Dear [Name], Thank you for offering me the [Job title] role. I am grateful for the time you and the team spent with me. Having thought it through, I have realised the role is not the right fit for the direction I want to take, so I must respectfully decline. I have a great deal of respect for [Company] and hope we can stay in touch. Kind regards, [Your name]
No reason given:
Subject: [Job title] offer — [Your name] Dear [Name], Thank you for the offer of the [Job title] position. After careful consideration, I have decided not to accept it. I appreciate your time and wish you the very best in finding the right person. Kind regards, [Your name]
Phone script:
"Thank you so much for the offer — I really enjoyed the process. I've thought about it carefully and I've decided not to accept. It wasn't an easy decision, and I'd love to stay in touch."
Follow the call with a short email, so there is a written record.
In the book: Worth It includes an offer evaluation checklist for comparing offers side by side — base, bonus, equity and benefits — so you can decide with confidence which one to accept and which to decline.
Compare offers properly, and negotiate the one you want. See the book: Worth It
Reply promptly by email, thank them, give a short reason if you wish, and say you would like to stay in touch.
No. A short, honest reason is courteous, but "after careful consideration, I have decided not to accept" is enough.
Yes. Try negotiating first. If the offer still falls short, decline politely and say you would welcome a conversation if the budget changes.
Email is standard. If you built a close relationship with the hiring manager, call as well and follow up in writing.
As soon as you have decided — ideally within a day or two — so the employer can move to other candidates.
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