Decline a Job Offer, Promotion, or Transfer • Letter Templates and Guides
How to write this letter:
1 | Express appreciation for the offer. |
2 | Explain briefly your reason for declining the job offer. |
3 | Close on a positive note. |
Guides
A letter turning down a job offer, promotion, or transfer should decline the position graciously while still expressing appreciation for the offer.
Example Letter #1
Thank you for offering me the position of senior software engineer at Doe Corporation. After evaluating the offer, considering the team you assembled and the technical and financial opportunity, I turned down other job offers in anticipation of accepting yours. You presented a wonderful opportunity to work with talented people on a project destined to make a great impact on the market. Unfortunately, a sudden change in my family situation makes moving at this time very difficult. Given this reality, I feel I have little choice but to accept a position at Doe International here in Springfield.
My commitment here will be for a minimum of six months, so I hope we can keep in touch and perhaps a future opportunity will arise. I will send you my e-mail address as soon as they give me one. Good companies with spectacular opportunities are hard to find. I know I would enjoy working with you.
Example Letter #2
Thank you for considering me for the position of area manager at Doe Corporation. I am honored that you would choose me to fill the vacancy, but I must decline. My family is demanding an increasing amount of time, and I am reluctant to take a position that requires more traveling. Thank you again for your confidence in my abilities.
Example Letter #3
I am flattered by your offer to work as a safety specialist for Doe Construction. I have always wanted to join your firm, but when I signed on with Springfield Construction, I agreed to a one-year commitment. Six months remain of my contract, so I will stay with Springfield for the present. Thank you again for your generous offer. I hope to meet with you again in the future when my circumstances change.
Example Letter #4
Thank you for offering me a position in the international division at Doe. I have considered it carefully and must decline the offer because the position will require too much travel. I want to enjoy my children while they are young. I enjoyed meeting with you. Thanks again for considering me.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1
Express appreciation for the offer.
Example Sentences for Step 1
Example Phrases for Step 1
2
Explain briefly your reason for declining the job offer.
Example Sentences for Step 2
Example Phrases for Step 2
3
Close on a positive note.