Declining a job offer is never easy, but sometimes it’s necessary. Whether you’ve received a better offer, your circumstances have changed, or the role isn’t the right fit after all, it’s crucial to withdraw gracefully and professionally. A well-crafted withdrawal letter maintains a positive relationship with the company, leaving the door open for potential future opportunities. The goal is to be direct, respectful, and prompt in your communication.
This article provides 16 sample letters of withdrawal from a job offer, covering various scenarios. These templates are designed to help you write a professional and courteous letter, ensuring you leave a positive impression. Remember to personalize each template to reflect your specific situation and maintain honesty and integrity in your communication.
Sample Letters of Withdrawal from Job Offer
Contents
- 1 Sample Letters of Withdrawal from Job Offer
- 1.1 Sample Letter 1: Standard Withdrawal
- 1.2 Sample Letter 2: Better Offer
- 1.3 Sample Letter 3: Change of Circumstances
- 1.4 Sample Letter 4: Not the Right Fit
- 1.5 Sample Letter 5: Concern About Company Culture
- 1.6 Sample Letter 6: Salary Negotiations Failed
- 1.7 Sample Letter 7: Concerns about Job Responsibilities
- 1.8 Sample Letter 8: Relocation Issues
- 1.9 Sample Letter 9: Family Emergency
- 1.10 Sample Letter 10: Further Education Pursuit
- 1.11 Sample Letter 11: Feeling Unprepared
- 1.12 Sample Letter 12: Changed Mind on Industry
- 1.13 Sample Letter 13: Ethical Concerns
- 1.14 Sample Letter 14: Travel Requirements Too High
- 1.15 Sample Letter 15: Health Concerns
- 1.16 Sample Letter 16: Contractual Issues
- 2 Key Takeaways & Best Practices
Sample Letter 1: Standard Withdrawal
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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 at [Company Name]. While I appreciate the offer and enjoyed learning more about the company during the interview process, I have decided to pursue a different opportunity that aligns more closely with my long-term career goals.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I wish you and [Company Name] all the best in finding a suitable candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Better Offer
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
Thank you so much for offering me the position of [Job Title] at [Company Name]. After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my acceptance. I recently received another offer that is a better fit for my current career aspirations and long-term goals.
I was very impressed with the team and the company culture during my interviews. I appreciate the time you and your colleagues took to speak with me.
I wish you the best in your search for a qualified candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Change of Circumstances
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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], due to unforeseen and significant changes in my personal circumstances.
I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I was genuinely excited about the opportunity and regret having to decline at this point. Thank you for your understanding.
I wish you and the company continued success.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Not the Right Fit
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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 at [Company Name]. After further reflection, I have concluded that this role is not the best fit for my skillset and career aspirations at this time.
I appreciate you taking the time to interview me and explain the details of the position. I value the opportunity to have learned more about your company.
I wish you the best in your search for a suitable candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Concern About Company Culture
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to inform you of my decision to withdraw my acceptance of the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. During the interview process, I had some concerns regarding the overall company culture that, upon further consideration, lead me to this decision.
I thank you for your time and the opportunity you presented. I wish you the best in finding a candidate who is a better fit.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6: Salary Negotiations Failed
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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. Unfortunately, after further discussion, we were unable to reach a mutually agreeable compensation package.
I appreciate the offer and enjoyed learning more about the company. I wish you and [Company Name] success in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 7: Concerns about Job Responsibilities
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to inform you that I am withdrawing my acceptance of the [Job Title] position. After further consideration of the job responsibilities and expectations, I have determined that this role may not be the best fit for my current skills and experience.
Thank you for the offer and your time. I appreciate you providing additional detail during the interview process.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 8: Relocation Issues
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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 at [Company Name]. Due to unforeseen circumstances, I am no longer able to relocate to [City, State] at this time.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I was very excited about the opportunity. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 9: Family Emergency
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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 due to a family emergency that requires my immediate and full attention.
I sincerely apologize for any disruption this may cause, especially at such short notice. I was looking forward to joining your team and regret having to decline under these circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 10: Further Education Pursuit
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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 at [Company Name]. I have decided to pursue further education at this time. This was a difficult decision, but I believe it’s the right path for my long-term career goals.
Thank you for your consideration and the offer. I wish you and [Company Name] all the best.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 11: Feeling Unprepared
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Hiring Manager Name],
I am writing to inform you of my decision to withdraw my acceptance of the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. After reflection, I have determined that I am not as prepared for this role as I initially believed. I would like to gain more experience before taking on a position with this level of responsibility.
Thank you for offering me the position. I wish you the best in your search for a more suitable candidate.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 12: Changed Mind on Industry
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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 at [Company Name]. I have decided to change my career path and pursue opportunities in a different industry.
I thank you for your time and consideration and wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 13: Ethical Concerns
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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]. During my interviews, I learned about certain practices that do not align with my personal ethical standards.
I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I wish you the best in your search for a candidate who is a better fit.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 14: Travel Requirements Too High
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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 at [Company Name]. After further consideration of the required travel, I have determined that I am unable to meet these obligations at this time.
Thank you for your consideration. I wish you the best.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 15: Health Concerns
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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] due to unforeseen health concerns that will prevent me from fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.
I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I was very much looking forward to joining your team. Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 16: Contractual Issues
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]
[Date]
[Hiring Manager Name]
[Hiring Manager Title]
[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 at [Company Name]. After reviewing the contract in detail with my legal counsel, I am unable to agree to some of the terms presented.
Thank you for your offer and time spent. I wish you success.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Key Takeaways & Best Practices
Withdrawing a job offer, while difficult, can be handled with professionalism and grace. Remember to: (1) Be prompt and inform the company as soon as you make your decision. (2) Maintain a respectful and courteous tone throughout your letter. (3) Be honest and provide a clear explanation for your withdrawal (without oversharing). (4) Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. (5) Proofread carefully for any errors before sending. By following these guidelines and adapting the sample letters provided, you can minimize any negative impact and preserve potential future relationships.
