Turning down a job is easier in writing. Thank them, say no clearly, give a short reason if you want to, and leave on good terms: you may want to work there one day. Free to copy into an email, download or print.
How to decline a job offer
Reply quickly, so they can offer the job to someone else.
Thank them for the offer and their time.
Say clearly that you are declining.
Give a short reason if you want to: another offer, the salary, or a change in your circumstances. You don't have to.
Leave the door open if you would consider them in future.
Email or letter?
Email is fine and quickest. If you spoke on the phone, send a short email afterwards so it is in writing.
Decline a job offer letter examples
Declining a job offer after accepting another
Thanks them and keeps the door open.
21 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Job offer: Customer Service Team Leader
Thank you for offering me the position of Customer Service Team Leader at Northgate Energy, and for the time you and the team spent with me during the interviews.
After careful thought, I have decided to accept another offer, so I must decline this one.
I enjoyed learning about Northgate Energy and hope our paths cross again. Thank you again for considering me.
Yours sincerely,
Aisha Khan
Declining a job offer because of the salary
Short and polite.
21 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Job offer: Customer Service Team Leader
Thank you for offering me the position of Customer Service Team Leader at Northgate Energy, and for the time you and the team spent with me during the interviews.
After careful thought, I have decided to decline the offer, as the salary does not meet my needs at this stage.
I enjoyed learning about Northgate Energy and hope our paths cross again. Thank you again for considering me.
Yours sincerely,
Aisha Khan
Declining a job offer with no reason
Just a polite no.
21 October 2026
Dear Sarah,
Job offer: Customer Service Team Leader
Thank you for offering me the position of Customer Service Team Leader at Northgate Energy, and for the time you and the team spent with me during the interviews.
After careful thought, I have decided to decline the offer.
I enjoyed learning about Northgate Energy and hope our paths cross again. Thank you again for considering me.
Yours sincerely,
Aisha Khan
Questions people ask
Do I have to give a reason for declining a job offer?
No. A short reason is polite, but "after careful thought" is enough.
Can I decline a job offer after accepting it?
You can, but do it as soon as you can and apologise. If you have signed a contract, check it for any notice you have agreed to give.
Should I decline by phone or email?
Either, but put it in writing. If you call, follow up with a short email.
Could I ask for more instead?
Yes. If the salary is the problem, you could ask for more before you decline: choose "Ask for more" on the job offer letter page.
More letters for work
Resignation letter: Notice to leave, with your last working day worked out.
Retirement letter: Formal notice that you're retiring, with your last day worked out.
Character reference: For a job, a tenancy or court, written from real examples.
Job offer letters: Accept, decline or ask for more, with your resign-by date.
Reference letters: Ask someone to be your referee, or write a reference.