Skip to content

Writing A Rejection Letter: Say No Without Burning Bridges

Receiving a job offer or being offered a new task is an exciting milestone for many. But sometimes, the position or job might not be in your best interest and you simply cannot accept it. Declining an offer is difficult, but necessary, so learning to craft a good rejection letter can go a long way in making the whole process easier. A good letter can perfectly explain your situation and why accepting this job might be difficult. It might even make you look better and leave the door open for future opportunities,

1, Start with Gratitude In Your Rejection Letter

Before you begin with rejection, take the time to acknowledge the offer and thank them for it. Even if you won’t accept it, saying thank you that they are considering you and reaching out is very important in your rejection letter. This will help maintain good relations and show that you aren’t snubbing them or looking down on your offer. Instead, it is simply not a good time. Once you thank them, then you should explain that you will not take the job.

2, Explain Your Reasoning For Rejection

Once you say no to their offer, you should follow up explaining why in your rejection letter. In a professional setting, it is good form to provide reasoning for your decision-making. This can be things like bad timing, personal reasons, or you are simply not comfortable with this role. This can allow the other party to adjust the offer and maybe negotiate a better deal.

3, Avoid Excessive Praise or Excuses

However, there is a difference between providing excuses and giving a simple rejection and the office will know that. No one likes brown nosing so avoid that at all costs. While you should be polite and explain yourself, it is better to keep these short and sweet. If you continue to praise them, it might turn your employers off as you will seem fake. But if you give too many excuses, it can seem like you are not taking the offer seriously and just want a way out. Both outcomes will not help you maintain good relations.

4, Recommend Someone Else

If you must turn something down, then maybe you can try recommending someone else who you feel might be a fit for the job. This costs you nothing and can help maintain relations with them. So in your rejection letter, you can mention someone you think might be a good fit for this job and provide their contact info so at least the company has a place to continue their search.

5, Wish Them Best

Last of all, when you finish writing your rejection letter, take the time to just wish them their best. Even if you won’t be part of the project, that doesn’t mean you don’t want them to succeed. The organization will certainly appreciate the sentiment and make you appear more professional by trying to remain cordial and friendly with them.

On the other hand, if you already have a job and you wish to leave, our guide here will show you the best way to make the most of it.

If you want to create vintage letters with your own or other people’s famous lines, our Vintage Letter service allows you to make and send them here.

Chat with us

While viewing the website, tap in the menu bar. Scroll down the list of options, then tap Add to Home Screen.
Use Safari for a better experience.