Last Updated on September 20, 2024
There’s nothing more exciting than getting a job offer and accepting it. Unfortunately, circumstances can change. So, what happens when you have to turn down a job offer that you previously accepted? This article will run through everything you need to know on how to decline a job offer you already accepted.
What do you do if you change your mind after accepting an offer?
If you decide that a job offer isn’t right for you, then it is important to not wait around. Once you’ve decided that you will not accept the offer, then you should move forward with the process of declining the offer by notifying your employer.
Reasons You Could Decline an Offer:
- Family circumstances prevent you from being able to accept the offer
- You received a better offer or opportunity elsewhere
- After further consideration, the company values/location/salary/work hours/culture will not be the best fit for you
Fast Company provides a great insight on reasons why you should decline a job offer.
Is it bad to accept an offer and then decline it?
While it is not considered unethical or the end of the world to decline a job offer that you accepted, it certainly is not recommended. While it is acceptable at times, do not make a habit out of declining accepted job offers.
How to Decline a Job Offer You Already Accepted – The Steps
Here are the steps you need to take in order to decline your job offer:
- Review Your Decision
Before anything else, you want to be sure that declining the offer is the best choice. Make sure that this is the appropriate action for you to take, because once you decline the offer it likely won’t be on the table again.
- Check Your Contract
Next, review the job offer and any contracts that you signed along with that. Look out for any details that might describe a specific window for when you can reject the offer. Ensure that you can reject the offer. With some companies, you may be legally obligated to work a certain amount of time before resigning.
- Act Quickly
Once you know that you are able to decline the job offer, you should act quickly. This is the most respectful thing to do. Being prompt in telling your employer you won’t be working for them will give them more time to find someone else to fill the position.
- Craft Your Message
The next step is writing out a message to the hiring manager or employer to let them know you can’t fill the position. When you go to write out how you will decline the offer, there are 4 crucial things to remember when crafting your message:
- Be Sure to State Your Gratitude For the Offer – This should be a main focus of your message to the employer. They must know that you didn’t make the decision lightly. Repeatedly express your gratitude to them for extending the offer.
- Be Both Polite and Apologetic – The employer wasn’t in the wrong for extending you an offer, so there is no reason to be anything but polite and apologetic in your message. Make sure that your message conveys your apologies.
- Explain Why, But Do So Briefly – Don’t go in depth on why you cannot accept the role. Simply state your reasoning and then move on. The employer has the right to know the reason, but they have no need to know the details.
- Don’t Burn the Bridge – While the action of declining an accepted job offer might burn bridges with some employers, that won’t be the case for every company. That is why it is important to be polite and professional, while also mentioning that you want to keep in touch or be considered for other roles in the future.
Declining a Job Offer You Accepted Templates
Below are 4 different templates/examples that you can use when trying to let an employer know that you can no longer fill a position.
Generic Template
Dear [hiring manager name],
To begin, I’d like to thank you for offering me the position of [position name] at [company]. I was incredibly excited to work for the team at [company].
Unfortunately, I have to retract my acceptance of this position. [State a brief rationale as to why you need to decline the role].
Once again, I really appreciate this job offer. I’d love to keep in touch with you and hope our paths cross again. I wish you the best of luck in filling this role.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Job Doesn’t Align with Career Goals Template
Hi [hiring manager name],
Thank you very much for the offer to join [company] as a [position name]. This is an incredible opportunity and I was very excited to accept the offer.
Unfortunately, I have to withdraw my acceptance of this offer. After further consideration, this position does not fit the career goals that I have moving forward.
I wish you the best of luck in filling this role. I’d love to stay in touch via LinkedIn.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Changes in Family Situation Template
Dear [hiring manager name],
Thank you so much for the offer to work for [company] in the [position name] role. I was incredibly excited to work for the team at [company].
Unfortunately, I have to retract my acceptance of this offer. My family circumstances have changed and I will no longer be able to accept the role at this time.
I regret having to decline this offer. As this change was unforeseen, I’d love to be considered for future positions should my circumstances change.
Once again, I really appreciate this job offer. I’d love to keep in touch with you and hope our paths cross again.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Accepted Another Offer Template
Hi [hiring manager name],
Thank you very much for the offer to work as a [position name] at [company]. I was really excited to join your team.
Unfortunately, I have to retract my acceptance of this offer. I received an offer from another company that would be more practical for me and my family.
I am very grateful for this job offer and for your time and consideration for this position. I wish you the best of luck in filling this position.
I’d love to keep in touch via LinkedIn.
Sincerely,
[your name]
These are just a handful of examples of how you can decline a job offer. If you decide to use any of these templates, be sure to personalize them and make adjustments according to your personal situation.
Final Thoughts
As you work through how to decline a job offer, count this as a learning experience. Try to avoid a future situation that would cause you to decline another job offer that you’ve already accepted. It’s an awkward situation that could burn bridges with an employer, so avoid it when you can!
With that being said, it’s not the end of the world to decline a job offer. At the end of the day, you are declining the job offer because it is what is best for you. Push through the awkwardness so you can move onto what’s most important, your other opportunities.
Best of luck!
Still looking for a job? Here’s more advice:
Emily Rushton, Founder and CEO of Hire Integrated, has over a decade of experience in recruitment, helping companies solve high-volume hiring challenges. Her unique, storytelling approach has made her a trusted leader in the industry, helping both businesses and candidates succeed.
