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How to Reject a Job Offer by Email Properly, Saying No with Grace!

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How to Reject a Job Offer by Email Properly – You’ve been through the job recruitment process, and you’re wondering what the outcome will be every day. Then suddenly, you get an email notification about a job offer from the company you applied for.

Of course, it must be a relief. However, after you receive an offer letter from a prospective new company, you feel unsuitable and confused about how to refuse. In addition, if you refuse there is a concern that you will be blacklisted and considered unprofessional. Then what to do next? Don’t worry. Here are tips about how  to reject a job offer politely and remain professional by email.

1. Change the subject of the email

If you get a job offer, the best way to reject it is to reply directly in the email thread. However, you should change the email’s subject to include your reply. For example:

Email subject: Rejecting Job Offer Letter [Position] at [Company Name] 

This way, to reject a job offer can directly notify the relevant company of your decision, so your email will be processed faster.

2. Show gratitude

A professional way to decline a job offer email is by expressing gratitude for the time and opportunity given to you. Here is an example:

  • Thank you for offering me the [position name] position with your company. 
  • I am grateful for your offering me an opportunity at your company. 
  • Many thanks for offering the role of (title of the position) and for your help throughout the process. 
  • Thank you for the interview opportunity. It was great to meet the team and see the office. I enjoyed learning about the [position name] and appreciate this generous offer.

3. Tell us the reason for your refusal

You may have your own reasons for rejecting the job offer. It could be because the company doesn’t offer the benefits you need. You may not be sure you can work well in that company. Whatever the reason, it’s right to reject it if it feels right. If you’re determined to reject the job offer, reply appropriately. You should include why you reject the job offer, but don’t be too specific. For example, you can say you have received a job offer elsewhere. Here is an example sentence that you can use as inspiration:

  • I must regretfully decline the offer as it does not suit my path to pursuing my career goals. 
  • I am afraid I must decline the position because I have accepted a position with another company. 
  • I will not accept the offer since I suddenly had to move out of town. 
  • After careful consideration,  I’ve decided that now is not the best time to leave my current position. 
  • After much thought, it’s not quite the right fit for my career goals. 
  • While this position seems like a great opportunity, I have decided to pursue another role that will offer me more opportunities to pursue my interests in [position]. 

4. Express a desire to stay in touch

The world of work is small, especially in certain industries. Therefore, take the opportunity to maintain good relationships. Some people may see this job offer as another way to build professional connections. You should be able to make small talk to offer to keep in touch with said:

  • It’s been a pleasure getting to know you, and I hope we cross paths in the future.
  • Again, I am grateful for your time and support and wish you all the best. 

5. Make sure there are no typos or misspellings

Don’t be afraid to reject a job offer if it’s different from what you expected. However, you don’t want to leave a bad impression on the recruiter by rejecting a job offer carelessly. Reread your draft email reply first before sending it. Check if there are any typos, misspellings, or impolite words.

For more clarity, here is an example of a good, correct and polite reply template for rejecting job offers via email.

Template 1: How to Reject a Job Offer by Email Properly

Subject line: Rejecting [Position] Offer Letter at [Company Name]

Dear [insert name of recipient],

Thank you for offering me the position of [job position]. It was a pleasure to meet you and discuss the future at [company name] during the interview process.

After much deliberation, I decided to decline the offer and look for a position in another field.

Once again, thank you for your time and consideration. I hope we can meet in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template 2: How to Reject a Job Offer by Email Properly

Subject line: Rejecting [Position] Offer Letter at [Company Name]

Dear [insert name of recipient],

Thank you for your time and generous offer for the [job title] position at [company name]. After careful consideration, I have decided to take a different position that suits my interests in the field of [field].

On a more personal note, I would like to add that I thought the employee engagement activity you mentioned in the follow-up interview was outstanding. I hope you don’t mind if I borrow it for our next [activity]. I look forward to meeting you in the future.

Thank you again for your time. I wish [company name] all the best in finding a suitable person for [position name].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template 3: How to Reject a Job Offer by Email Properly

Subject line: Rejecting [Position] Offer Letter at [Company Name]

To [insert name of recipient],

Thank you for the generous offer as [job title] at [company name]. After much consideration, I have decided to stay with my current company. Unfortunately, new and unfavorable circumstances make this not the right time for me to change companies. However, I would like to keep in touch with future opportunities at [company name].

You mentioned looking for an exceptional [role] during recruitment. I would like to connect you with one of my colleagues through LinkedIn to see if they match your requirements.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to interview. I appreciate your time, and I hope we cross paths in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Turning down a job offer is one of the hardest things to do. Even so, you can get the bright side. By rejecting this job offer, you may get a more appropriate job for your future career. So don’t worry if you must reject a job offer by email. 

If you are still looking for a suitable job, you don’t need to worry. WorkClass is here to help you find your dream job. By visiting our website, you can find many job opportunities that are available from many trustworthy companies in Singapore.

Thank you for reading this article until the end. We hope this  information will be useful for you.

Good Luck!

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