Decline a Job Interview With

 

After applying for a job, you may find that the position no longer seems like a good match. It’s not worth your time, or the employer’s, to interview for a job you don’t really want. One possible exception would be the chance that a role that’s a better fit may become available from the employer.

If you are contacted about arranging an interview for a job that you are no longer interested in, it’s important to decline the job interview politely. The simplest way to turn down a job interview is via email.

Reasons to Decline a Job Interview

There are many reasons you may have decided, after submitting your application and resume, that you no longer want this particular job. Take, for example, the following:

• You may have done more research about the position or the company and discovered that your goals aren’t compatible with the company’s mission or culture.
• You may have been anticipating a relocation and then had a change in plans.
• The position you applied for might have been less than you are qualified for, and in the time since you first applied, you have been offered a more appropriate job.
• You may have already received a job offer and accepted the position.
• Your schedule may have changed, making you unavailable for the work schedule the job requires.
• You may have decided to stay in your current position, at least for the near future.

Note: There is no need to give a reason for turning down the interview. It’s best to keep your letter simple and concise, because you may be interested in applying to the company again in the future.

Tips for Sending a Letter Declining a Job Interview Invitation

Be Sure: Once you’ve declined the job interview, you can’t change your mind. So before you send the letter turning down the interview, be sure about your decision. You won’t be able to say yes to this interview opportunity after you’ve said no. Change your mind, and you’ll risk coming off as unreliable, flaky, indecisive, or worse.

Respond Quickly: While you need to be sure about your decision not to go forward with the interview, you should also respond to an employer’s invitation as quickly as possible. This is especially true if you’ve already made solid plans for a formal interview. Here’s how to cancel the interview, if you’ve already scheduled a meeting. Be respectful of the hiring manager’s time and priorities.

Tips: If you’re not going to go forward with the interview process, it’s important to step aside as soon as possible so that an interested candidate can take your place.

Be Courteous: Be polite and gracious in your email to avoid burning any bridges. After all, you may want to apply for open positions at the company in the future. Most industries are small worlds, and hiring managers do network with human resources personnel at other companies to identify and help place qualified job candidates. Be rude in your communications with the hiring manager, and you might wind up shut out of other jobs that are more in line with your goals. You most likely would lose a chance for employment with their organization in the future.

Be Vague: The purpose of the letter is to let the hiring manager know that your plans have changed so that he or she can move forward with another candidate. You don’t need to provide specific reasons why you’re no longer interested. However, do be sure to communicate clearly that you are declining the interview opportunity.

Sample Letters Declining an Interview Invitation

Basic Email Withdrawing Application
Here is an example of a letter sent via email to decline a job interview :

Example Accepting Another Job Offer

Example Mentioning a Change in Circumstances