{"id":1205,"date":"2022-06-03T06:57:21","date_gmt":"2022-06-03T06:57:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/?p=1205"},"modified":"2023-06-26T08:03:42","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T08:03:42","slug":"how-to-decline-an-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-decline-an-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"How to decline an interview without burning the bridge?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When you get an email from an HR manager with an invite to an interview, you should be happy. You\u2019ve done the work, you\u2019ve written a great resume, and now you got the interview. But sometimes you may not want the job anymore. Maybe, your career goals have changed. Or, you have received multiple replies to your application and have better options. In this case, you will need to decline an interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may still decide to go to the interview to practice your interview skills. Or, you may decide that you don\u2019t have time for practice and prefer to say \u201cno\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But how to decline an interview and <strong>still stay on good terms with a potential future employer?<\/strong> We believe there is a way. This is what this post is about.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"builder-button\">  \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img width=\"768\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/how-to-decline-an-interview.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"How to decline an interview without burning the bridge?\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/how-to-decline-an-interview.png 768w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/how-to-decline-an-interview-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/how-to-decline-an-interview-50x34.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d2b4903759e\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69d2b4903759e\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-decline-an-interview\/#Best_practices_for_declining_a_job_interview\" >Best practices for declining a job interview<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-decline-an-interview\/#Easy-to-customize_templates_for_declining_a_job_interview\" >Easy-to-customize templates for declining a job interview<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-decline-an-interview\/#If_you_are_declining_because_you_simply_dont_want_to_go\" >If you are declining because you simply don\u2019t want to go<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-decline-an-interview\/#If_you_are_declining_because_youve_already_said_%E2%80%9Cyes%E2%80%9D_to_another_offer\" >If you are declining because you\u2019ve already said \u201cyes\u201d to another offer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-decline-an-interview\/#If_you_are_declining_because_your_life_circumstances_have_changed\" >If you are declining because your life circumstances have changed<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-decline-an-interview\/#If_you_are_declining_the_invitation_but_have_someone_else_in_mind_for_the_job\" >If you are declining the invitation but have someone else in mind for the job<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-decline-an-interview\/#Reasons_to_decline_an_interview\" >Reasons to decline an interview<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-decline-an-interview\/#How_to_decline_a_job_interview_key_takeaways\" >How to decline a job interview: key takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_practices_for_declining_a_job_interview\"><\/span>Best practices for declining a job interview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how do you decline an interview? Below, we will offer you some easy-to-customize templates for declining a job interview. But before we do, let\u2019s look into several things that you need to take into account before hitting \u201csend\u201d on that email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>First, <strong>you need to be certain<\/strong> you want to decline. If you aren\u2019t sure and there is a chance you may consider the job offer, after all, it may be best to go in for an interview and keep your options open.<\/li><li>Try to respond to the interview <strong>request within a few days<\/strong>. But even if you know immediately that it\u2019s a definite \u201cno\u201d, it\u2019s often best to give it at least a day before replying. This may show the company you are declining that you\u2019ve taken the time to consider their offer and aren\u2019t simply waiving it off.<\/li><li><strong>Start your email with a &#8220;thank you&#8221;<\/strong>. Thank the hiring manager for considering you as a candidate. You may also mention that if the situation were different, you would probably have taken the offer. This leaves the door open for future conversation.<\/li><li><strong>Give a reason<\/strong> for why you are declining \u2014 but don\u2019t get too much into detail. You can truthfully say that you\u2019ve accepted another or that your life circumstances have changed. However, don\u2019t give up too much information on why you are declining, especially if it\u2019s because you don\u2019t like the company.<\/li><li>Finally, if you know someone who may be interested in this position, you may <strong>recommend<\/strong> them to the hiring manager. Don\u2019t be too pushy \u2014 instead, simply mention that you have an acquaintance\/former colleague who might be a good fit for the position and add a few lines about their background.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-introduce-yourself-professionally\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how to introduce yourself professionally<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"builder-banner-top\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__title\">\n            You'll Never Find a Good Job\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__text\">\n            It\u2019s a job hunter\u2019s common fear, but we can help boost your chances!\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner-top__a\">Click to use resume builder<\/a>\n    <\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Easy-to-customize_templates_for_declining_a_job_interview\"><\/span>Easy-to-customize templates for declining a job interview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s get to the most interesting part. Below you will find several quick templates that you can use as a base for your email when declining a job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_are_declining_because_you_simply_dont_want_to_go\"><\/span>If you are declining because you simply don\u2019t want to go<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><p><em>Hi (name of the hiring manager)<\/em><\/p><p><em>Thank you for reaching out to me and taking the time to review my application. I genuinely appreciate you inviting me for an interview to discuss the position further. However, unfortunately, I have to withdraw my application at the moment.<\/em><\/p><p><em>I would like to thank you once again for your time in reviewing my resume and cover letter. I hope we can stay connected.<\/em><\/p><p><em>All the best,<\/em><\/p><p><em>(your name)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_are_declining_because_youve_already_said_%E2%80%9Cyes%E2%80%9D_to_another_offer\"><\/span>If you are declining because you\u2019ve already said \u201cyes\u201d to another offer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><p><em>Hi (name of the hiring manager)<\/em><\/p><p><em>Thank you so much for considering my application. I really appreciate the time you\u2019ve taken to review my resume and cover letter and I feel honored to have been selected for a job interview for (name of company).<\/em><\/p><p><em>However, several days ago I formally accepted an offer from another company.<\/em><\/p><p><em>I wish you all the best in your search for the best candidate for this role. I also hope that we can keep in touch if anything changes in the future.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Thank you again for considering my application and I am genuinely sorry I can not accept the interview invitation at this time.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Best wishes,<\/em><\/p><p><em>(your name)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_are_declining_because_your_life_circumstances_have_changed\"><\/span>If you are declining because your life circumstances have changed<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><p><em>Hi (name of the hiring manager)<\/em><\/p><p><em>Thank you for the kind invitation to interview for the role of (name of position) at (name of company). Unfortunately, since I sent out my application, my life circumstances have changed and I am no longer seeking employment at this time.<\/em><\/p><p><em>I am genuinely thankful for you taking the time to review my application and, if the situation were different, I would have gladly accepted your interview invitation.<\/em><\/p><p><em>I would love to keep in touch and do hope we get another chance to work together.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Sincerely,<\/em><\/p><p><em>(your name)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/how-to-decline-an-interview_-300x145.png\" alt=\"how to decline an interview\" class=\"wp-image-1219\" width=\"800\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/how-to-decline-an-interview_-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/how-to-decline-an-interview_-50x24.png 50w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/how-to-decline-an-interview_.png 704w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"If_you_are_declining_the_invitation_but_have_someone_else_in_mind_for_the_job\"><\/span>If you are declining the invitation but have someone else in mind for the job<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><p><em>Hi (name of the hiring manager)<\/em><\/p><p><em>Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to interview for the (name of position) at your company. Unfortunately, while I did find your offer very interesting, I am not looking for any career changes at this time.<\/em><\/p><p><em>However, I\u2019ve mentioned your job offer to a good colleague of mine, (colleague\u2019s name), and he\/she expressed a lot of interest in the position. Based on my previous experience of working side by side with (colleague\u2019s name), I believe him\/her to be a great fit for filling the (name of position) role at your company.<\/em><\/p><p><em>I\u2019ve included a link to (colleague\u2019s name) LinkedIn profile in this email as well as his\/her contact details.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Thank you again for reaching out and I hope we can stay in touch!<\/em><\/p><p><em>Thanks,<\/em><\/p><p><em>(your name)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reasons_to_decline_an_interview\"><\/span>Reasons to decline an interview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There may be several reasons why you prefer not to go to a job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, let\u2019s take a look at some easy-to-use templates that can help you decline the unwanted job interview politely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>One of the most obvious reasons is that you are simply <strong>no longer interested in the job<\/strong>. Or, the job may not be your first priority anymore. Maybe you have received a better offer. Maybe, you are not happy with the work conditions that are being offered. Maybe, you have just changed your mind. These things happen \u2014 especially if a considerable amount of time has passed since your application.<\/li><li>Another reason you may not want to go to the job interview is that <strong>you\u2019ve done some research on the company and it doesn\u2019t align with your vision<\/strong>. When we are unemployed, we often tend to apply for any open position just to get some financial stability back. But once the interview offers to start rolling in, we start becoming more picky about where we actually want to work. If the company that has invited you for an interview hasn\u2019t made the cut, you will probably not want to go to the interview.<\/li><li>You may have <strong>accepted another job offer<\/strong>. If you have accepted another <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawinsider.com\/dictionary\/job-offer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">job offer<\/a>, there is, naturally, no reason for you to go to an interview for another job, since your decision has already been made. In this case, it\u2019s best to inform the company that invited you for an interview of your new status and leave the door open for possible cooperation in the future.<\/li><li>Your <strong>career goals may have changed<\/strong>. Perhaps, since you sent out your application, you have reconsidered your career path and would prefer to continue your professional development in a different direction. In this case, attending the interview will probably not be useful to you as you will now be looking for opportunities in a new niche.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/what-are-your-career-goals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how to answer the question \u201cWhat are your career goals\u201d?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>You may not have the time<\/strong>. While going to interviews is generally good practice that may help you land the perfect job in the future, sometimes, you may simply not have the time. Maybe you are looking at attending several interviews. Maybe you don\u2019t believe that going forward with the interview will be useful and would rather spend your time preparing for other interviews.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Whatever your reason may be, <strong>if you don\u2019t want to spend time on a job interview, you shouldn\u2019t have to<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What you will need to do is <strong>find a way to politely decline an interview<\/strong> while still leaving the door open for future opportunities. This is what we will look into below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_decline_a_job_interview_key_takeaways\"><\/span>How to decline a job interview: key takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>So, let\u2019s sum up all we now know about declining a job interview.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, if you\u2019ve received an invitation for a job interview that you are no longer interested in, consider going in for the interview anyway. This may be a good way to practice your interview skills, learn more about the industry, get useful connections and more. Plus, who knows, you might change your mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are sure that you will not be attending the interview, make sure you reply to the invitation and politely decline the offer. It\u2019s best to send your email within a day or two from the date you\u2019ve received the invitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When explaining the reasons behind your rejection, don\u2019t go into too much detail and try to leave the door open for future cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure to thank the hiring manager for the time they\u2019ve taken to review your application. If you have a recommendation for someone you know who could fill the position instead, you may also introduce them in the email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-resignation-email\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">writing professional emails<\/a>.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"builder-banner\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__title\">\n            Build your perfect resume in&nbsp;a&nbsp;snap\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__text\">\n            Use templates created by HR pros to make your resume and cover letter catch the recruiter's eye.\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><div style='text-align:left' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you get an email from an HR manager with an invite to an interview, you should be happy. You\u2019ve done the work, you\u2019ve written [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":2572,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":""},"categories":[6,3],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0,"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1205"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1205"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1205\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6281,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1205\/revisions\/6281"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1205"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1205"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1205"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=1205"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}