Decline Counter Offer Letter Sample: How to Politely Turn Down a Job Offer

Hey there, are you in the process of negotiating a job offer but find yourself stuck on how to decline a counter offer? It can be a tricky situation to navigate, but luckily, there are decline counter offer letter samples available that you can use as a guide.

These samples are a great starting point for crafting a professional and respectful response that will maintain a positive relationship with the prospective employer. Plus, editing them as needed will ensure that the letter reflects your personal style and circumstances.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to approach this delicate situation, take a deep breath and check out some decline counter offer letter samples. They can help guide you towards a solution that everyone involved can ultimately feel good about.

The Best Structure for a Decline Counter Offer Letter Sample

Introduction

When it comes to declining a job offer and providing a counter offer, it’s essential to have a well-written letter that conveys your thoughts in a clear and concise manner. The structure of your letter can make all the difference in how your message is perceived by the employer. In this article, we will discuss the best structure for a decline counter offer letter sample.

Main Body

The main body of your letter should be divided into several paragraphs that convey your points in a coherent and organized manner. Here are the essential sections to include:

  • Opening Paragraph: Begin your letter by expressing gratitude to the employer for offering you the job. Let them know you appreciate their time and consideration.
  • Reason for Declining: After your opening paragraph, you should briefly explain your reason for declining the initial job offer. Be honest and concise, but also be sure to express appreciation for the opportunity.
  • Counter Offer: This is the most important part of your letter. Clearly state your counter offer and why you believe it is a fair proposal. You should also explain how this new offer would benefit both you and the employer.
  • Additional Considerations: In this section, you can provide additional information that may be relevant. This could be anything from your availability to start the job to any extenuating circumstances that may affect your employment.
  • Closing Paragraph: End your letter on a positive note by thanking the employer again for their time and consideration. Let them know you’re open to continued communication and look forward to their response.

Conclusion

The best structure for a decline counter offer letter sample is one that is well-organized, clearly conveys your thoughts, and is persuasive in nature. By following the above structure and using a well-crafted opening and closing, you can effectively convey your message and improve your chances of securing the job offer on your terms.

7 Decline Counter Offer Letter Samples

Sample 1: Declining Counter Offer Due to Better Options

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

Thank you for considering our job offer and for responding with a counter offer. We appreciated the opportunity to review it, but we regret to inform you that we cannot accept it at this time. After careful reviewing and consideration, we have decided to pursue other candidates that are better suited for the position.

Please know that we thoroughly enjoyed the interview process with you and we have no doubt that you have the qualities that make for a highly capable candidate. We also want to express our appreciation for your interest in our company, and we hope you will keep us in mind for any future career opportunities.

Thank you again for your time and understanding, and we wish you the best of luck in your job search.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 2: Declining Counter Offer Due to Budget Constraints

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

We appreciate your acceptance of our initial job offer and your interest in the position. We received your counter offer, and we were impressed by the amount of time and effort you put into it, but we cannot accept the increased salary due to budget constraints.

We understand that this may be disappointing, and we hope you can appreciate our position. We value the work you have done for us, and we hope you continue to be part of the team with the initial salary and benefits package.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to continue working with you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 3: Declining Counter Offer Due to Company Policy

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

We received your counter offer and appreciate the amount of thought and consideration you put into it. We regret to inform you that we cannot increase our initial offer amount due to our company policy that sets salary ranges according to specific job roles and responsibilities.

Please know that we see you as highly qualified for the position, and we would be thrilled to have you on board with us. Nevertheless, we hope you can appreciate our position and understand that the initial salary package is the best we can offer.

We appreciate your interest in our company and the time you took to consider our offer. Unfortunately, this decision is final.

Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you will consider our company for future career opportunities.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 4: Declining Counter Offer Due to Inadequate Qualifications

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

We received your counter offer, and we appreciate your interest and commitment to joining our team. We have carefully considered your request and regret to inform you that your qualifications and experience do not merit an increase in the salary of the initial job offer.

This decision is in no way a reflection of our evaluation of your skill set or your potential to contribute to our organization. Instead, it is based solely on the set of qualifications and experience required for this particular role.

Please know that we are happy to receive your interest in our company and we want to thank you for your time and effort in the job application process. We sincerely hope that the feedback we have provided will help guide you to find a new role that better aligns with your qualifications and pay expectations. We wish you all the best in your future career pursuits.

Respectfully,

[Your Name]

Sample 5: Declining Counter Offer Due to Ethical Concerns

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

We received your counter offer, and we appreciate your willingness to negotiate the terms of your employment. Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that we cannot accept it due to ethical concerns.

We take these issues seriously and uphold high standards of integrity and fairness in all our business practices. We have thoroughly reviewed your request, and we do not feel that it aligns with our values and principles.

We appreciate your interest in our company, and we want to thank you for your time and effort in the job application process. We believe that you have a lot to offer and we hope that you will find another employer that aligns with your career goals and values.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you the best of luck in your job search.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 6: Declining Counter Offer Due to Cultural Fit

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

Thank you for your acceptance of our initial job offer and for negotiating with us. After conducting further interviews with other candidates, we have decided to move forward with someone else for the position. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns regarding the job offer and the opportunity to work with you more closely. We believe that you are a qualified and talented individual, and we hope that you will find a company that better aligns with your professional and cultural needs.

We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

With best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 7: Declining Counter Offer Due to Company Restructuring

Dear [Candidate’s Name],

Thank you for your interest in our company and the time you took to consider our offer and negotiation. We have received your counter offer and appreciate the amount of thought and consideration you put into it. We regret to inform you that we cannot increase our initial offer amount due to company-wide restructuring.

We appreciate your interest in our company and value the work you have done for us so far. We understand that this decision may be disappointing, but we hope that you can appreciate our position and understand that it is out of our control.

We want to assure you that you have contributed significantly to our company, and we hope that you will continue to work with us at your current salary and level of benefits.

Thank you for your understanding and continued commitment to our organization. We look forward to continuing to work with you.

Best wishes,

[Your Name]

Tips for crafting a professional decline counter offer letter

When you receive a job offer that is not quite what you were hoping for, it can be tempting to immediately decline the offer. However, there are times when submitting a counter offer can be beneficial to both you and the employer. Here are some tips for crafting a professional decline counter offer letter:

1. Thank the employer for the offer. Even if you ultimately decide not to accept the offer, it is important to show gratitude for the employer’s time and effort in extending the offer to you. This can help you maintain a positive relationship with the employer for future opportunities.

2. Be specific about what you are declining. Clearly state that you appreciate the offer, but that you are declining the specific terms outlined in the offer. This can help avoid confusion or miscommunication about what you are rejecting.

3. Explain your reasons for declining. If you are submitting a counter offer, be sure to explain your reasons for doing so. This can include a desire for a higher salary, additional benefits, or a different job title or responsibilities. Be sure to highlight your qualifications and achievements that support your request.

4. Keep the tone professional and respectful. Even if you are frustrated or disappointed with the offer, it is important to maintain a professional and respectful tone in your letter. This can help you maintain a positive relationship with the employer, and may even convince them to reconsider their initial offer.

5. Provide a specific counter offer. If you are submitting a counter offer, be sure to provide a specific alternative offer that you would be willing to accept. This can help the employer understand what you are looking for, and can also help facilitate negotiation and compromise.

By following these tips, you can craft a professional and effective decline counter offer letter that helps you achieve your desired outcome.

Decline Counter Offer Letter Sample FAQs


What is a Decline Counter Offer Letter?

A Decline Counter Offer Letter is a letter that you write when you have received a job offer that isn’t suitable for you. In this letter, you politely decline the offer and explain your reasons for doing so.

How do I write a Decline Counter Offer Letter?

To write a Decline Counter Offer Letter, you need to start by stating your appreciation for the offer, followed by the specific reason for declining the offer. It’s important to keep the tone professional and polite, as this could impact your future relationship with the company or recruiter.

What are some common reasons for declining a job offer?

Some common reasons for declining a job offer include salary, job duties, company culture, geographic location, and lack of career growth opportunities. It’s important to clarify why the offer isn’t suitable for you in your decline counteroffer letter.

Do I need to provide a reason for declining a job offer?

No, you do not need to provide a reason for declining a job offer. However, it can be helpful for the company or recruiter to understand why you’re declining the offer, as they may be able to improve their offer for a future hire.

Should I respond to a counteroffer letter from the company?

It’s courteous to respond to a counteroffer letter from the company, even if you plan to decline the offer. This gives them closure and allows them to move on to other candidates.

What is the benefit of declining a counteroffer letter?

Declining a counteroffer letter can improve your professional reputation and help you maintain a strong relationship with the company or recruiter. It can also help you find a better-suited opportunity that aligns with your long-term career goals.

Can I change my mind after declining a job offer?

You may be able to change your mind after declining a job offer, but it’s important to be transparent with the company and recruiter. Changing your mind could impact your professional reputation, so be sure to carefully consider the decision before making any moves.

Thanks for Stopping By!

We hope this decline counter offer letter sample has been helpful! Remember, there’s no shame in politely declining a job offer that isn’t the right fit for you. Keep practicing your negotiation skills and exploring your options until you find the perfect fit. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check back soon for more career advice!