Start Here
- Congrats on the job offer! Even if you don’t plan on taking it, it sure is nice to have options!
- First things first, share your gratitude. A job offer is an incredibly flattering compliment. Not only do they think you can do the job, but they want to work with you. Showing gratitude is the most important part of this interaction.
- Give them a good reason why you’re turning them down. You don’t have to (and shouldn’t) go into the gory details.
- Close by leaving the door open for working together in the future. This is a small world— you might get the opportunity to work with them at another time.
Talking Points
- Thank you so much for the kind offer of the <role> role.
- I truly appreciate the time you spent with me and for answering all my questions about the company and the role.
- After careful consideration, I’ve decided that now is not the right time for me to leave my current role.
- As much as I enjoyed getting to know you and the team, I’ve decided to accept another role that is more focused on …
- While you and your team would be wonderful to work with, I have decided to pursue a role more focused in …
- As much as I know I would enjoy working with you, I have accepted a position with another company. Their offer was just too good to turn down.
- Please keep in touch. I hope we have the chance to work together in the future.
- I’m attending <meeting/conference> and hope to see you there next month!
- I would love to stay in touch. I’ve sent you a connection request in LinkedIn.
Dear <NAME>,
I hope you are having a wonderful week. Thank you so much for the opportunity to interview for the <role name>. While I think the <Company> Team would be great to work with, I have accepted a position with another company. That said, I hope we will get the chance to work together in the future!
All the best,
<NAME>
