Declining a job offer after you’ve already accepted it is a delicate situation. While it’s not ideal, sometimes circumstances change. It’s crucial to handle this situation with professionalism and respect to avoid damaging your reputation. This article provides sample letters and guidance to help you navigate this tricky scenario gracefully.
Before you write your letter, reflect on your reasons for declining. Be honest with yourself and the employer, but keep the explanation concise and professional. Focus on future opportunities or a significant change in personal circumstances rather than dwelling on negative aspects of the original offer. Prompt communication is key – notify the employer as soon as possible.
Consider expressing your gratitude for their time and the opportunity they presented. Apologize for any inconvenience your decision may cause. Briefly explain your reasoning without over-explaining. End on a positive note, wishing them well in their search for a suitable candidate.
Remember to review your offer letter and any agreements you signed. Ensure there are no clauses that would penalize you for declining after acceptance. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek legal advice if you’re unsure about any potential consequences. Maintaining professionalism and honesty will minimize any negative impact.
Sample Letters: Declining a Job Offer After Accepting
Here are 22 sample letters to help you draft your own:
Sample 1:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Please accept my sincerest apologies, but I must withdraw my acceptance of the [Job Title] position. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am no longer able to fulfill the role. I deeply regret any inconvenience this may cause. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 2:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to inform you of my decision to decline the [Job Title] position, which I previously accepted on [Date of Acceptance]. A significant change in my personal circumstances necessitates this difficult decision. I apologize for any disruption this may cause. I wish you all the best in finding a suitable candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It is with considerable regret that I must rescind my acceptance of the [Job Title] role. Since accepting, I have received an offer that more closely aligns with my long-term career goals. I apologize profusely for any inconvenience this decision may cause you and the team at [Company Name]. I truly appreciate the time you invested in the interview process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to formally withdraw my acceptance of the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have recently been presented with an opportunity I cannot refuse. I sincerely apologize for the lateness of this notice and any difficulty it may create. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 5:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Please accept this letter as notification that I am withdrawing my acceptance of the [Job Title] position. After careful consideration, I have decided to pursue a different career path that is a better fit for my current aspirations. I am truly sorry for any disruption my decision may cause. I wish you the best in your search for a qualified candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 6:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to formally retract my acceptance of the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. Unexpectedly, a prior commitment has become unavoidable, making it impossible for me to join your team. I deeply regret this change of plans and any inconvenience it may cause. Thank you for your understanding and the opportunity you offered.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 7:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
This letter is to inform you that I must withdraw my acceptance of the [Job Title] position. I recently had a significant change in my family situation that requires me to prioritize my family’s needs at this time. I apologize for any hardship this may cause [Company Name]. Thank you for your consideration and understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 8:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to let you know that I am no longer able to accept the [Job Title] position that I previously accepted. I have been offered a position that is a much better fit for my skill set and long-term goals. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and I wish you all the best in your search for a suitable candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 9:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Please accept this letter as formal notification that I am withdrawing my acceptance of the [Job Title] position. Due to a change in my health, I am unable to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the role at this time. I am truly sorry for the disruption this causes. I appreciate your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 10:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to inform you that I must rescind my acceptance of the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. After a great deal of thought, I have realized that this role is not the best fit for my long-term career objectives. I am very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and I thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 11:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Please accept this email as formal notification that I am withdrawing my acceptance of the [Job Title] position. Since accepting the offer, my family has made the decision to relocate, making it impossible for me to take on the role. I deeply regret this and apologize for any problems this may cause. I greatly appreciate the time you spent with me during the interview process.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 12:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to inform you of my decision to decline the [Job Title] position which I accepted on [Date of Acceptance]. Since that time, I have been offered another opportunity that more closely aligns with my skill set. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and I appreciate your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 13:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
It is with deep regret that I must inform you that I am withdrawing my acceptance of the [Job Title] position. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I will no longer be able to take on this new opportunity. I sincerely apologize for the timing of this decision and any inconvenience it may cause. Thank you for everything.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 14:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to you today to let you know that I will be unable to accept the [Job Title] position. Although I am excited about the role, I have realized that my personal circumstances will not permit me to relocate at this time. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and I am grateful for the offer.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 15:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I regret to inform you that I will be unable to fulfill my commitment to accept the [Job Title] position. I have recently been offered a position within my current company that aligns more closely with my long-term goals. I apologize for the last-minute nature of this decision and the inconvenience this causes [Company Name]. I appreciate the job offer and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 16:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to formally withdraw my acceptance of the [Job Title] position. After further consideration, I have accepted a similar role at another company. I apologize for any complications this may cause and hope it does not impact your timeline significantly. I thank you again for considering me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 17:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my withdrawal from the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. A change in my family’s plans necessitates that I will be moving sooner than expected, preventing me from relocating to the area. Thank you so much for this opportunity, I regret that I am unable to accept it at this time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 18:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to inform you that I must decline the [Job Title] position that I previously accepted. Since accepting, my priorities have shifted due to new family obligations that demand more of my time. I am very sorry to have to withdraw from the position and hope this doesn’t affect your current staffing plan. Thank you for considering me and I wish you all the best in your search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 19:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I regret to inform you that I must withdraw my acceptance of the [Job Title] position. A situation has arisen at my current workplace, requiring me to stay in my current role. I sincerely apologize for this sudden change of plans and the impact it may have. I appreciate your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 20:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
This letter is to formally notify you that I am unable to accept the [Job Title] role I accepted on [date]. I was unfortunately diagnosed with a medical condition that will prevent me from performing the responsibilities of the role at this time. Thank you for the opportunity and your understanding of my situation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 21:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to inform you that I must withdraw my acceptance of the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I have recently accepted another position that is more aligned with my current experience and skill set. I am sorry for the change and any inconvenience it may cause. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 22:
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Please accept my sincerest apologies; I am writing to withdraw my acceptance of the [Job Title] position that I agreed to accept on [Date]. Since accepting the role, I have thought hard on the offer and decided that the new position will not be beneficial to me long term. I hope this doesn’t harm your project schedule and I am appreciative of the opportunity that was offered.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Declining a job offer after accepting it is never easy. However, by being honest, professional, and prompt in your communication, you can minimize any negative repercussions. Use these sample letters as a starting point to craft a personalized message that reflects your specific situation and maintains a positive relationship with the employer.