How to you politely decline a job offer so you don't burn bridges?

Anonymous

January 8,2024 at 1:45AM UTC

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

How to you politely decline a job offer so you don't burn bridges?

After several interviews I realized that the position was not what I was expecting, pay was lower and not worth the extra commute. Ideas on how to decline? I like the company and would be interested in something, but it has to be worth it since the commute is much longer than what I currently have.

Why women love us:

Daily articles on career topics
Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
Advice and support from an authentic community
Events that help you level up in your career
Free membership, always

5 comments

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

5 Comments

Join the conversation

AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 2:01AM UTC
something along these lines might help,
Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my sincere appreciation for offering me the [Position] at [Company]. I am honored to have been considered for the role.
After careful consideration, however, I have decided to decline the offer. I have thoroughly enjoyed our conversations and learning more about the company, but after weighing various factors, such as salary and commute, (or exclude this section up to you) I have come to the conclusion that this is not the right fit for me at this time.
I genuinely value the opportunity you provided, and I want to be transparent about my decision. I believe it's essential to make choices that align with both personal and professional goals. I hope you understand my decision.
I am impressed by the team and the company culture at [Company], and I would love to stay connected. I remain enthusiastic about the possibility of working together in the future, should an opportunity arise that is a better match for my current circumstances.
Thank you once again for your understanding and for considering me for the position. I wish [Company] continued success and hope our paths cross again.
Best regards,
AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 2:02AM UTC
^that way you are still expressing gratitude, keeping the door open and explaining your needs. I hope that helps!
AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 2:03AM UTC
Would you consider a counteroffer, or did you not like the position? If the pay is the only problem, you could suggest it would be worth your extra commute if they paid $xxxxx instead of your offer. Otherwise, thank them for their consideration, but the position does not align with your career goals, so you regretfully have to decline.
AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 11:47AM UTC
The commute just adds to it. I thought the position in itself is higher with more responsibility. I am looking, because I think I have reached the ceiling at my company, but am not sure that this position is the right move.
AnonymousJanuary 8,2024 at 2:18PM UTC
Not sure if you've already done so, but if you really like the company, you can negotiate on salary and possibly a hybrid work arrangement, if that would be acceptable to you and hasn't already been taken off the table. That will allow both you and them to conclude that it's simply not a good fit, which shouldn't burn bridges. Since you asked how to decline, you can keep it short and truthful, something like "thank you so much for the opportunity, but I'm going to pursue other opportunities that more closely align with my career goals, so unfortunately I need to decline the offer."