How To Decline An Interview (With Examples)

Knowing how to decline an interview gracefully is crucial in today’s competitive job market. There may be times when you find yourself no longer interested in a position or have decided to pursue other opportunities. Politely declining an interview not only saves the interviewer time but also reflects positively on your professionalism.

In this article, we will discuss effective ways to decline an interview, provide examples, and share important tips to consider.

Key Takeaways:

• Respond within 24 hours of receiving the interview invitation.

• Use email or a phone call to communicate your decision to decline.

• Be clear about your reasons for declining, but remain vague in your communication.

• Remember that an interview invitation is not a job offer; attending may help clarify your decision.

How to Decline an Interview

When declining a job interview, it’s important to be courteous and maintain a level of professionalism. Here is a detailed guideline on how to go about it:

1. Be Courteous. Avoid burning bridges as you may wish to apply for other positions within the company in the future. Being respectful and professional in your response can maintain a positive impression.

2. Be Vague. While you don’t need to provide extensive reasons for your decision, a simple explanation, such as a change in circumstances or accepting another offer, is sufficient.

3. Email. Email is the most effective way to decline an interview, allowing you to carefully compose a polite response. Ensure you send your email to your primary contact within the organization.

4. Phone Call. If the interview request was made via phone, you may need to decline directly. In such cases, speaking professionally is essential.

5. Be Professional. Maintain professionalism in your communication, whether it’s through email or a call. Avoid casual methods like texting.

Examples of Good and Bad Ways to Decline an Interview

Here are some examples of appropriate and inappropriate ways to decline an interview:

Good Ways to Decline an Interview:

1. Declining Interview by Phone Call – Good Example

   “Thank you for the opportunity. Unfortunately, I must decline as I have accepted a position at another company.”

2. Declining Interview Email: Accepted Another Offer – Good Example

   Subject: Interview for [Job Title] – [Your Name]

   Dear [Name of Contact],

   Thank you for considering me for the [Job Title] position. I must decline the interview as I have accepted an offer from another company.

   Thank you again for the opportunity, and best of luck in your search.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Phone Number]

3. Declining Interview Email: Circumstances Changed – Good Example

   Subject: Interview for [Job Title] on [Date]

   Dear [Name of Contact],

   Thank you for the interview invitation for the [Job Title] position. Unfortunately, due to recent changes in my circumstances, I must withdraw my application.

   I appreciate your understanding and wish you all the best in finding the right candidate.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Phone Number]

4. Declining Interview Email: No Reason – Good Example

   Subject: Thank You for the Opportunity – [Job Title]

   Dear [Name of Contact],

   Thank you for considering me for the [Job Title] position. Unfortunately, I need to decline the interview at this time.

   Wishing you the best in your search.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]
   [Your Phone Number]

5. Declining Interview Email: Personal Reasons – Good Example

   Subject: Interview Opportunity for [Interview Date]

   Dear [Name of Contact],

   I am grateful for the opportunity to interview for the [position] at your company. After careful consideration, I must decline the invitation for personal reasons.

   Thank you for your understanding, and I wish you the best of luck in your search.

   Sincerely,
   [Your Name]

Bad Ways to Decline an Interview:

1. Declining Interview by Phone Call – Bad Example

   “Thanks for considering me, but I got a better offer. Please lose my number.”

2. Declining Interview Email: Accepted Another Offer – Bad Example

   Subject: [Job Title] Interview – [Your Name]

   To Whom It May Concern,

   While I appreciate the interview invitation, I am declining as I accepted another position at a better company.

   Ciao,
   [Your Name]

3. Declining Interview Email: Circumstances Changed – Bad Example

   Subject: No Thanks

   Hi,

   Thanks for the invite, but I will be declining.

   Good luck,
   [Your Name]

4. Declining Interview Email: No Reason – Bad Example

   Subject: RSVP No

   Hi Hiring Manager,

   I won’t be accepting the interview for the [Job Title] position. Please remove me from consideration.

   Best of luck to you.

   Bye,
   [Your Name]

5. Declining Interview Email: Personal Reasons – Bad Example

   Subject: Cancelation of Interview

   I regret to inform you that I will not be attending the interview today due to personal reasons.

   Thanks,
   [Your Name]

Tips for Declining an Interview Invitation

When considering whether to decline an interview, take the time to reflect on your decision. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be Sure. Ensure that declining is the right choice for you before making the decision.

• Take Time to Consider Your Decision. Avoid making an impulsive choice; think through your options.

• Remember That an Interview Invitation is Not a Job Offer. If you are unsure, consider attending the interview as it may help clarify your thoughts about the role.

• Be Aware of Your Motivations to Decline. Ensure that your decision is not based solely on temporary feelings of doubt or anxiety.

• Don’t Ignore the Invitation. Ignoring an interview invitation can leave a negative impression; it is better to decline formally.

• Respond Quickly. Aim to respond within 24 hours of receiving the interview invitation, regardless of your decision.

Reasons to Decline an Interview

There are several valid reasons to decline a job interview. Here are some common ones:

• The position no longer interests you.

• You applied without thorough research and realized the role isn’t the right fit.

• You’ve accepted another job offer.

• Your availability has changed.

• You prefer to remain in your current position.

• You believe attending the interview might jeopardize your current job.

• The commute is unfeasible.

• Current employees have shared negative experiences.

• The company has raised red flags during your research.

Declining a Job Interview FAQ

1. Is it rude to decline an interview?

   No, it’s not rude to decline an interview as long as you do it professionally. A polite response is key.

2. How do you decline an interview without burning bridges?

   Being polite and professional is essential. Thank the interviewer and express your appreciation.

3. Should I decline a job interview?

   You should decline if you are no longer interested in the position or if you’ve decided to stay where you are.

Author

Samantha Goddiess

Samantha is a lifelong writer who has been writing professionally for the last six years. After graduating with honors from Greensboro College with a degree in English & Communications, she went on to find work as an in-house copywriter for several companies including Costume Supercenter, and Blueprint Education.