Declining a job offer takes careful consideration, and there are many reasons why people decline a job offer. Perhaps the offered salary was too low even after negotiations, there was a disconnect with your future manager, or you sensed that you would not be a good fit with the company culture. In this article, we will guide you on how to politely decline a job offer, specifically when the salary is the primary concern and provide you with sample letters to guide you.
Sample Letters to Reject a Job Offer Due to Salary
Sample 1: Polite and Direct Approach
Subject: Job Offer at [Company Name] – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’d like to sincerely thank you for extending the offer for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I genuinely appreciate the time and effort you and your team spent getting to know me and explaining the nuances of the role.
After thorough consideration, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept the offer in its current form due to the salary package. I was hoping for compensation more in line with my experience and the industry standard for this role.
I remain deeply enthusiastic about the potential to contribute to [Company Name] and would be open to discussing the terms further if possible. Otherwise, I hope we might cross paths again under different circumstances.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Openness to Future Opportunities
Subject: Regarding the Offer for [Job Title]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you so much for considering me for the role of [Job Title]. It’s been a pleasure learning about [Company Name] and the incredible team.
While I am genuinely excited about the role and its responsibilities, the current salary offer falls short of my expectations based on my experience and qualifications.
While I have to decline this particular offer, I hope there might be an opportunity for us to collaborate in the future.
Thanks once again, and I wish the team success in finding the right candidate.
Best wishes,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: Emphasis on Matched Skillset
Subject: Response to Job Offer for [Job Title]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’d like to express my gratitude for the offer for the [Job Title] position. I truly believe that my skills and experiences align well with the responsibilities of the role.
However, after careful consideration, I’ve decided to decline the offer due to the proposed salary. My decision is based on the competitive market rates for professionals with my skill set and experience.
I am still keen on the opportunity to work with [Company Name], and if there’s any room for negotiation, I’d be happy to discuss further.
Thank you once again for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 4: Short and Sweet
Subject: Job Offer Response – [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for the offer for the [Job Title] role. While I’m honored, I’ve decided to decline due to the salary component. I hope we might reconnect in the future.
Best,
[Your Name]
Sample 5: Mentioning Another Offer
Subject: Decision on [Job Title] Position Offer
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am truly grateful for the offer to join [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. Your team and the company’s vision resonated with me during our discussions.
However, I’ve been presented with another offer that aligns more closely with my salary expectations. With this in mind, I regretfully have to decline your offer.
I genuinely hope our paths might cross again in a more fitting capacity in the future.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Key Elements to Consider:
- Appreciation: Always begin your letter by expressing gratitude for the job offer. Recognize the effort the employer has made in the recruitment process.
- Clarity: Be clear about your reasons without being confrontational. The tone should convey your position without sounding demanding or unappreciative.
- Openness to Negotiation: If you’re still interested in the role and are open to negotiation, indicate this in your response.
- Professionalism: Always maintain a professional and respectful tone. Remember, industries can be small, and you might cross paths with this employer again in the future.
Conclusion:
Rejecting a job offer, especially due to salary, requires a delicate balance of honesty, tact, and professionalism. Using the above samples as a guide, you can craft a message that conveys your decision respectfully, ensuring the relationship with the potential employer remains positive.