Decline Interview Email Sample: How to Politely Decline a Job Interview

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to decline a job interview? It can be a tricky process that requires a delicate touch. Luckily, there are ways to make the process easier, such as using a professionally written decline interview email sample. In this article, you will find various examples that you can use and customize to your own liking. Whether you’re rejecting an interview due to scheduling conflicts, a better job offer, or personal reasons, we’ve got you covered. So why stress yourself out when you can use our samples and make the process a breeze? Let’s dive in and explore the different decline interview email options you can use to gracefully step back from the opportunity.

The Best Structure for a Decline Interview Email Sample

Declining a job offer or an interview invitation can be a difficult and uncomfortable task. However, it is important to handle it professionally and respectfully in order to maintain good relationships with the company and the people involved in the hiring process. This is why having a well-structured decline interview email sample is crucial.

The first paragraph of the email should be a brief introduction, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to interview or the job offer. It is important to make the recipient feel appreciated and valued, even if the offer is being declined. This can help to maintain a positive relationship and leave open the possibility for future opportunities.

The second paragraph should clearly state the reason for declining the offer or interview invitation. This should be done in a respectful and honest manner. It could be due to personal reasons, the job not meeting expectations, or simply due to other job offers that align better with the candidate’s career goals and aspirations. Whatever the reason, it should be clearly stated without giving too many details or sounding negative.

The final paragraph should express gratitude once again and offer any assistance or suggest alternative contacts if there is someone else who might be a better fit for the role. This helps to maintain a positive relationship and shows professionalism and courtesy in declining the offer or invitation.

Overall, a well-structured decline interview email sample should express gratitude, state the reason for declining the offer, and express willingness to maintain positive relationships for future opportunities. It should be professional, respectful, and honest while leaving open the possibility for future opportunities.

Decline Interview Email Samples

Declining Due to Personal Reasons

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for inviting me for the interview. I appreciate the time you have taken to consider my application for the position. However, I must decline the interview offer due to some personal reasons that require my immediate attention.

I regret any inconvenience this may have caused, and I would like to thank you and the team for considering my application. If the opportunity arises again in the future, I would be happy to consider it again.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Declining Due to Accepting Another Job Offer

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you so much for offering me the position. I am grateful to have been considered for the role and appreciate the time and effort that you and the team invested in interviewing me for the position. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I have accepted another job offer that aligns with my career goals and aspirations.

Thank you again for the opportunity, and I wish you and the team all the best for the future.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Declining Due to an Unfavorable Job Description

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for extending me the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role. After reviewing the job requirements, I found that the role is not a suitable match for my skills and interests, and thus I am respectfully withdrawing my candidacy from consideration.

Although I am disappointed to decline this opportunity, I believe it will be in the best interest of the company and myself if I were to explore other potential paths. I appreciate your consideration and kind words and hope that we can stay in touch in the future.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Declining Due to the Location of the Role

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for considering my application for the [Position] role and inviting me for the interview. Unfortunately, the role’s location will not be practical for me, and I am unable to continue with my application.

I appreciate your understanding and the time and effort invested in considering my application. I hope that the company finds the talent it requires to excel in the role. Please keep me in mind for future job opportunities.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Declining Due to a Change in Priorities

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [Position] role. After careful consideration, I have decided to decline the offer due to a change of priorities in my personal life.

I genuinely appreciate your consideration and the opportunity to meet with you and your team. I wish the company and the team all the best in looking for the right candidate and hope that our paths cross again in the future.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Declining Due to Salary/Compensation Discrepancies

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for considering my application for the position of [Position Name] with [Company Name]. I appreciate your interest in my background and achievements. Unfortunately, after further consideration, I think my salary expectations and compensation package requirements are different from the company’s offerings.

I would like to sincerely thank you and the team for affording me this opportunity and hope that the company will succeed in finding the perfect candidate. I hope we can work together in the future when the opportunity is more suitable.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Declining Due to Lack of Progress in the Interview Process

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for considering my candidacy for the position of [Position] and the chance to learn more about [Company Name]. I have enjoyed connecting with the team and getting to better understand the company. However, I believe at this point; I must decline the offer to continue with the interviewing process.

While I have enjoyed meeting with the team and learning more about the company, I feel that the interview process has been going on for more extended than I anticipated, and I would like to pursue other opportunities. Thank you for your understanding, and I wish the team all the best.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Decline Interview Email Sample

Declining a job interview may seem awkward, but it’s better than wasting your time and the interviewer’s time. Here are some tips to help you craft a professional email that politely declines your interview offer:

  • Be prompt: Sending your decline email as soon as you decide not to attend is respectful and gives the interviewer an opportunity to find a replacement.
  • Be courteous: Thank the interviewer for their time and consideration in the email. Let them know that you appreciate the opportunity that they extended to you.
  • Be brief: Keep your email concise and to the point. Mention briefly why you are declining the interview offer, but do not provide unnecessary details.
  • Be professional: Use a professional tone and language in your email. Your email represents you, so make sure it aligns with your brand.
  • Be honest: Provide valid reasons for declining the interview offer. It could be that you secured another job or decided to pursue other options. Avoid lying or making up reasons as this could damage your reputation.
  • Be friendly: Close the email with a friendly tone and express your willingness to stay in touch with the interviewer in the future.

Remember that declining an interview offer doesn’t mean burning bridges with the company. Your email should convey grace and professionalism in all aspects.

Conclusively, crafting a decline interview email sample with the above tips will provide an excellent opportunity for strengthening your professional network for the future. It is always important to treat rejection with respect and give clear explanations for why you cannot attend. So, be truthful, professional, and courteous while declining an interview offer.

Decline Interview Email Sample FAQs


What is a decline interview email?

A decline interview email is a formal email that is sent to an employer or recruiter to let them know that you are no longer interested in the job opportunity or will not be attending an interview.

When should I send a decline interview email?

You should send a decline interview email as soon as possible after you have made the decision not to attend an interview or pursue a job opportunity. This shows respect for the employer’s time and allows them to move on to other candidates.

What should I include in a decline interview email?

A decline interview email should include a polite greeting, an expression of gratitude for the opportunity, a clear statement of the decision not to attend the interview or pursue the job opportunity, and a cordial closing.

Why should I send a decline interview email?

Sending a decline interview email is a professional and courteous way to decline a job opportunity. It shows respect for the employer’s time and allows them to move on to other candidates.

Can I decline an interview over the phone instead of via email?

If it is not possible to send a decline interview email, it is acceptable to decline over the phone. However, it is still important to be polite and professional in your communication.

Should I explain why I am declining the interview?

You do not need to explain why you are declining an interview, but you can do so if you feel it is appropriate. Keep the explanation brief and professional.

Will declining an interview or job opportunity hurt my chances with the employer in the future?

Declining an interview or job opportunity will not necessarily hurt your chances with the employer in the future. However, it is important to be polite and professional in your communication to maintain a positive relationship.

Cheers to Future Opportunities!

Thanks for taking the time to read through our decline interview email sample. We hope it has given you some ideas for crafting your own polite and professional email response. Remember, a decline interview email doesn’t have to be a one-way street – it can be an opportunity to open up future possibilities for collaborating with the company. So, keep it positive, be gracious and thank them for the opportunity! We look forward to seeing you again on our site. Good luck out there!