It is always a great relief to be able to say no to a potential employer, but how do you write a polite email or letter to decline their offer? What do you say to make sure they understand your reason for declining? What are some gentle ways to decline their offer? Is there an industry standard way to do this?
While it is essential to say no to an employer who you believe doesn’t value you as an employee or who you don’t feel confident will treat you fairly, it is also important to write a professional letter that will make the employer understand your position. So how can you write a polite letter to decline a job offer? Let’s examine the various options available to you and the best ways to write each one.
Option One: The Awkward Cold Email
This is the easiest and sometimes the least effective way of declining an offer. It comes with the benefit of being the least composed and thus the simplest, and in some cases it is even delivered over email, so there is very little to go wrong with it. The downside is that it requires very little thought and effort to write, and it is almost certain to offend the person who you are emailing. So although you may achieve your goal of sending the message precisely when you want it to be delivered, you are also guaranteed to hurt someone’s feelings along the way.
If you decide to go this way, I recommend writing a short and to-the-point email stating your reason for declining their offer. Be mindful not to write something that is too long or overly detailed, as this might make the person reading it feel like you aren’t taking the matter seriously. It’s always better to write something that is concise, yet informative enough for the person reading it to understand your reasoning. After sending the email, you can always decide whether you want to follow up with a phone call or send a formal letter.
Option Two: The Formal Letter
This is the most conventional way of writing a letter of refusal. It has been around for a very long time and it continues to be used because people believe it is a professional and respectful way of saying no to an employer. The downside to this approach is that it requires a lot of work to write and ensure that it is delivered in a timely manner. Sending a handwritten or typed letter takes a lot more effort than sending an email, but it also shows that you are more invested in the outcome. There is also the added bonus of sending a formal letter, which some employers may see as a positive indication of your commitment to the position. You should be aware that a handwritten letter is more likely to be kept as a permanent record, so think carefully about what you are risking by declining this route.
Why Would You Want to Decline a Job Offer?
There are countless reasons why you might want to decline an offer from a potential employer. Perhaps you feel that the pay is not what you’re looking for, or it is not adequate for your current needs. Whatever your reason is, be sure to state it clearly in your letter. An employer cannot argue with you that they did not know your reason for declining the offer, so be sure to lay the blame firmly at their feet. Some employers might even be willing to renegotiate the terms of the agreement if they feel that you are being reasonable and amenable to negotiation. In some cases, the employer might even decide to revoke the offer altogether and re-draw a new one involving different terms and conditions. So although it’s usually a good idea to say no to an employer, in this particular case, you might just want to say yes.
How To Write A Polite Letter To Decline A Job Offer
So how can you write a polite letter to decline a job offer? You can start by thanking the employer for their time and consideration. A handwritten gesture goes a long way, especially when you don’t have to do it directly on the envelope. You might also feel that a short email would be more appropriate, as it will give you the opportunity to explain your position more briefly and accurately. Once you have established a respectful tone, you can add in the necessary information about why you are declining their offer. Finally, you can sign the letter with your contact information, should the recipient wish to follow up with you about the matter. Something as simple as a professional sign-off can go a long way in establishing your credibility, so be sure to include one.
When To Write A Polite Letter To Decline A Job Offer
As in any other situation where you are facing difficult decisions, it is essential to establish the right time to write your letter. You don’t want to send it too soon, as it might come off as impatient or even arrogant, and you might also hurt your chances of securing better terms in the future. On the other hand, you don’t want to wait too long to write it, as it might seem that you are not taking the matter seriously or that you are re-negotiating on a whim. So write it as soon as possible after receiving the offer. This will give you a chance to think about it and consider all the pros and cons, and it will also allow you to find the time to write a formal letter, without feeling pressured to do so.