Rejection/Decline Letters

There are many ways to decline an offer. A formal way to decline an offer is in writing. Declining an offer is not always an easy task. It is important that you display your professionalism throughout all stages of the job search, even if you are not interested in the job. It is to your advantage that you communicate your decline in a professional matter, simply as a courtesy to the organization and as a good business etiquette. The basic components of a rejection/decline letter include the following.

• Paragraph 1 (Opening paragraph) — Greet the employer, and thank him/her for the offer.
• Paragraph 2 (Your Decline) — Communicate to the employer your decline of the job offer and reasons for declining the job offer.
• Paragraph 3 (Closing Paragraph) — Provide a positive closing, wishing the employer luck in his/her search for a candidate.