If you need to decline a job interview request, it’s in your best interests to do so politely and without burning any bridges.
The business world has a habit of coming back to bite you if you do burn bridges, so it’s always a smart career move to be professional.
Here are some examples of how to decline a job interview without burning bridges:
How to Decline a Job Interview Without Burning Bridges – 10 Examples
Examples of How to Decline a Job Interview without Giving a Specific Reason:
Hello [Employer],
Thank you for considering me for the [position] position at your company. However, at this time I have to respectfully decline your interview request.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Hello [Employer],
Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [position] position at your company. Unfortunately, I am not able to interview at this time due to a change in circumstances since we last made contact.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Hello [Employer],
Thanks for reaching out with this kind invitation to interview for the [position] role at [company].
However, my circumstances have changed since I submitted my application and unfortunately, I need to respectfully decline this opportunity.
I would love to stay in touch and hope we’ll have another chance to work together in the future.
All the best,
[Your Name]
Related – Here are examples of how to decline a job interview by email.
Examples of How to Decline a Job Interview With A Specific Reason:
Hello [Employer],
Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [position] position at your company. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to interview on the date proposed as I’m busy [on holiday/working] on that date.
I understand if you’re not able to accommodate me with another date.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Hello [Employer],
Thank you for inviting me to interview for the [position] position at your company. After giving it some more thought, I realized this isn’t the right job for me at this point in my career.
I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Examples of How to Decline a Job Interview Because You Already Landed a New Job:
Hello [Employer],
Thank you for arranging an interview for the [position] position at your company. Unfortunately, I have already accepted another job offer and am no longer available for an interview.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Hello [Employer],
I was looking forward to hearing back from you with a date to interview, but my situation has recently changed.
I was offered a role as an [position] at another company last week and as I hadn’t heard back from you I accepted the role.
Hopefully, this doesn’t close the door on me working at [company], if my circumstances change in the future I’ll be in touch.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Hello [Employer],
I appreciate the opportunity to come along for an interview at your company and learn more about your organization.
However, since making my application, I have been offered a position at another company and have accepted their offer.
Therefore, there is no need for me to interview with [company].
Thank you for your time and understanding in this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Examples of How to Decline a Job Interview Because You Don’t Agree With The Terms:
Hello [Employer],
After taking some time to consider the whole package being offered at [company], unfortunately, I’m going to have to pass.
I’m looking for a role that offers more paid leave and a higher starting salary.
If you would like to discuss my requirements I’m happy to do so.
But for now, there is no point in me coming in and interviewing as it will be wasting your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Hello [Employer],
Thank you for arranging a date for me to come in and interview.
However, after taking a close look at the proposed contract I have decided that the salary doesn’t meet my financial requirements.
Therefore I will save us both time by not accepting your interview unless you want to propose a higher salary.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How Do You Avoid Burning Bridges?
The most important thing to remember when declining a job interview is to be respectful.
If an employer has taken the time to reach out and invite you to interview, they deserve your courtesy in return.
Be polite and thankful for the opportunity, even if you’re not interested.
It’s also important to avoid being too specific about your reasons for declining.
If you’re not interested in the job, you don’t need to give a detailed explanation.
A simple “thank you, but I’m not interested” will suffice.
The key things to remember when you’re trying to maintain good business relationships and not burn bridges are:
- You need to let the company know as soon as possible that you’ll not be able to interview
- You should keep your email, text, or phone call professional
- You must always thank them for the opportunity to interview, and apologize for not being able to make it
- You should give them a reason – if possible – as to why you can’t accept their interview
Related content:
Here is how to tell your boss you’re pregnant;
Here are tips for telling your boss you want to leave your job;
Reasons why your job application was rejected even though you interviewed well.
Why It’s Important to Not Burn Bridges in Business
It’s always important to try not to burn bridges in business.
You never know when you might need that contact again, or when they might be able to help you in the future.
Maintaining a good relationship with employers, even if you’re not interested in their job offer, is vital to your success.
It’s a small world, especially within certain industries and news travels quickly.
If you come across as rude or inconsiderate, you’ll get a reputation that precedes you and it can affect your future employment opportunities.
Even if you think that isn’t going to happen, it’s common courtesy and good manners to be respectful and polite – so why not do so?
It doesn’t take long to send an email along the lines of the samples above and it will make a huge difference to the company offering you an interview.
It might even result in them keeping you in mind for future opportunities, I’ve heard it happen on more than one occasion!
Image credits – Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.