What is a rejection email for a job offer
You may have been interviewed for different job roles to explore your professional options. Now you have been accepted for the job of your dreams, and you want to inform your choice of the employers that have considered your application.
The rejection email for a job offer is a formal communication tool you need to use in order to inform the employers of your final decision, so both parties can effectively position themselves in the recruitment process.
In this short article, we offer advice on how to turn down a job offer in a way that is respectful and polite, with some email examples you can customize based on your situation.
Why send a rejection email for a job offer
You may have spent a considerable amount of time in the recruitment process: time spent with the recruitment team, and/or with the line managers of the organization you have applied for.
Informing the employer you are turning down the job offer is a critical step that needs to be taken by you, the candidate. Although you may feel uncomfortable turning down the offer, informing the organization is a mandatory step you need to carry on.
Here is why :
- Avoid being blacklisted by the organization: Candidates who are ghosting the organization that has selected their application will leave a bad impression. If you are not answering back to the employer’s attempt to know the status of your application, you are very likely to be blacklisted for current/future opportunities by the organization.
- Get contacted for future opportunities: If you have left a positive impression throughout the recruitment process and you inform the employer about the reason for your decision. The recruiter and line manager will be more likely to contact you back for future opportunities.
Keep in mind: the recruiter and the line manager(s) that have selected your application may also leave for another company at some point. If you have left a negative impression by not informing them about your final decision, they are very likely to not consider your application the next time you will be looking for another job opportunity.
Essential requirements to take into account for your job offer rejection email
- Make your decision known as fast as possible: Do not procrastinate to inform the recruiter about your final decision!
- Keep your message as simple and straightforward as possible: Be honest and straightforward. It is important to remain concise in order to convey the right message to the recruiter.
- Express your gratitude for the time spent considering your application: Maintain a positive tone in your email and thank all the stakeholders that have been involved in the process.
- Provide a reason why you are turning down the offer: You do not need to expand too much about the specifics, just be straight to the point.
- Consider keeping in touch for future opportunities: Offer ways to keep in touch for future opportunities. This is optional if you feel the organization could be a future employer.
Rejection email for job offer templates
If you are interested in the organization, but not the role
Subject line: {Your name} - {Job role name} application at {Company name}
Dear Mr./Ms. {Name of hiring manager},
Thank you very much for offering me the role of {name of the job} and for your time spent throughout the interview process. I have decided to accept another position that better suits my skills and my professional career goals at this time.
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity and I would like to express my gratitude for the chance to have met you and your team. Again, Thank you for your time and consideration.
I wish you all the best in finding the right talent for the (name of the position). I would be happy to keep in touch if another role opens up with {carreer goal position} in the future.
Sincerely
{Your full name}
If you are not interested in the organization
Subject line: {Your name} - {Job role name} application at {Company name}
Dear Mr./Ms. {Name of hiring manager},
Thank you very much for offering me the role of {name of the job} and for your time spent throughout the interview process. I have decided to accept another position in an organization that better suits my professional expectations and career goals.
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity and I would like to express my gratitude for the chance to have met you and your team. Again, Thank you for your time and consideration.
I wish you all the best in finding the right talent for the {name of the position your applied for}.
Sincerely
{Your full name}
