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HowtoDeclineaJobOfferWithLetterExamples
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By Alison Doyle
Updated July 06, 2016
What's the best way to decline a job oer? How you turn down a job oer depends on your reasons
for rejecting the oer. Review advice on the best way to say "no thanks" to a job, so you can decline
gracefully.
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If the job wasn't a good t, but you liked the company, you could state in your email or phone call
that you were impressed with the organization, but didn't view the job as right for you.
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Your response might include a mention of the key skill sets that you would like to employ, level of
responsibility that you aspire towards, or other elements of the prospective job that were missing.
For example, if the target job involved only inside sales, you could say that you were interested in a
sales position handling major accounts that would provide a clear pathway to sales management.
The possible upside will be that the employer might consider you for another role currently
available or a job that might open up in the future.
When You Don't Like the Company
If the company is unappealing because of its culture, your prospective supervisor, products, or
services, etc. then a simple thanks for the opportunity with a vague reference to the job not being a
great t at this point in your career will be sucient. Candidates are generally better o not
expressing any dissatisfaction with the sta with whom they interacted or sharing any criticisms of
the organization.
You never know when your path might cross with any of the players in the future.
When the Job Doesn't Pay Enough
If a job and organization are attractive, but a salary oer is insucient, you might address this issue
in your communications. Normally this would be done after rst arming your excitement about
the oer and trying to negotiate a higher salary.
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HowtoDeclineaJobOfferWithLetterExamples
If this eort is futile you could send a communication expressing your thanks and rearming how
excited you were about the job, but stating that you need to decline due to the level of the salary.
Sometimes an employer will come back to you with a better oer at this juncture once they see that
you are truly willing to walk.
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Once you send a rejection letter, there is almost no chance you will be oered the job again.
When you do write your letter, avoid procrastinating. Make sure to send your letter as soon as
possible after youve decided to decline the oer. A timely letter is much more thoughtful than a
late one.
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HowtoDeclineaJobOfferWithLetterExamples
Address the letter to the person who oered you the position. Include your contact information
and phone number, even though it is on le with the employer.
You don't have to give extensive details as to why you're declining the job. Denitely do not include
any potentially oensive reasons, such as a poor work environment or feeling uncertain about the
company's long-term future and protability. Avoid these kinds of specics in your letter to ensure
your letter is received positively.
However, it is appropriate to briey mention a reason for turning down the job. For example, you
might explain that you accepted another oer, decided it was best to stay at your current job, or felt
that the position didnt ultimately match your career goals. However, keep your explanation brief.
As with any communication sent to an employer, it's important to make sure that your letter is well
written and does not contain typos or grammatical errors. Even though you aredeclining the job,
you want to make sure all your correspondence is professional.
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HowtoDeclineaJobOfferWithLetterExamples
Thank you very much for oering me the opportunity to work at Bronson Associates.
Unfortunately, I will not be accepting the position as it does not t the path I am taking to achieve
my career goals.
Once again, I'd like to express my gratitude for the oer and my regrets that it didn't work out. You
have my best wishes in nding someone suitable for the position.
Signature (hard copy letter)
Your Name
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Getty Images/Darkcloud
By Alison Doyle
Updated August 08, 2016
Crafting eective letters are an important part of your working life, whether you're job hunting or
making connections to help grow your career. At some point you'll need to compose not the basic
cover letter, follow up and interview thank you letter, but also a reference letter and resignation
letter. Here's how:
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Here's everything you need to know about job search email etiquette including what to include in
your emails, formatting, and how to make sure your email message is read.
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Writing eective cover letters: Writing an eective cover letter is the rst step in grabbing a
prospective employer's attention en route to securing an interview. According to Monster's resume
expert Kim Isaacs, job seekers often make the mistake of using their cover letter to express what
they're looking for instead of speaking to the employers needs. Review the essential elements to
craft a successful letter.
How to write an interview thank you letter: Writing a thank you letter or email after an
employment interview is a must. In fact, some employers think less of those interviewees who fail
to follow-up promptly.
Writing follow up letters: If you've sent a resume to a company you'd like to interview with and you
haven't heard back right away, what do you do next?
What do you write? Here's advice on composing a follow-up letter.
How to write a resignation letter: How you write a resignation letter is important, because it
usually isn't easy to resign and stay on good terms with the company you are leaving. Even if you
hate your work and can't wait to start your new job, it can be dicult to resign diplomatically and
tactfully.
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Well-written resignation letters can help ensure your resignation goes smoothly.
How to write a reference: Almost everyone is asked to write a reference letter at some time during
their career. Whether it's for an employee, a friend or someone you've worked with, here's how to
compose an eective letter of recommendation.
Letter Templates
Letter templates for applying for jobs including cover letters, resignation letters, thank you letters
and other job search related letter templates.
Letter Samples
Letter samples for job seekers, including cover letters, interview thank you letters, follow-up
letters, job acceptance and rejection letters, resignation letters, appreciation letters and more
useful employment letter samples.
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