I'm flattered you reached out, but I'm very happy in my current role. I'm not interested in a lateral move like that right now. I'd really only be in a position to consider moving for a sales management role. My experience and skill set lend themselves to leading a team.
Tell them you appreciate their offer and are glad they picked you for the job. After that, mention that you will not take it and give them a reason. You don't have to go into much detail, but it's good for the employer to have a clue of why you declined their offer.
To avoid burning bridges, express gratitude, provide feedback (just like you'd expect to receive), don't ghost them or lie, and lend a helping hand to network with them to find another ideal candidate.
How to Reject Candidates Without Burning Bridges Reject Promptly (and Kindly) ... Personalize Emails When Applicable. Request Feedback on the Candidate Experience. Consider a Phone Call For Late-Stage Candidates. Notify Promising Candidates About Future Job Openings.
The following are steps on how to politely decline a business offer, including contracts, partnerships and services: Be sure of your decision. Respond promptly. Be professional. Express appreciation. Provide reasons. Consider offering a referral. Maintain communication. Seek legal counsel.
Dear Hiring Manager's Name, I want to express my sincere appreciation for offering me the position of Job Title at Company Name. While I am grateful for the opportunity, I have decided to respectfully decline the offer as I have received an offer that better aligns with my career goals and aspirations.
Say something akin to: ``I'm sorry but after our interview I realized that the position being offered is not going to be a good fit for me and I must decline your offer. Thank you for your time and consideration and I wish you the best of luck in finding the right match.''
Keep the Door for Opportunities Open Express gratitude for their effort and inform them that you'll keep them in mind for other job openings later. If you have a career page on your website, direct them to find out about new job postings and be considerate and wish them success in their job search.
How to turn down a job offer but keep the door open Respond quickly. A pivotal step in rejecting a job offer is to respond quickly. Express your gratitude. When writing your decline letter, thank your interviewer and the company for their efforts, time, and the job offer. Politely decline the offer.
Clearly stating that you will not be accepting their job offer. A brief explanation as to why you have chosen to work somewhere else. A statement of thanks for their time and effort through the interview process. Leave the door open to future correspondence.