How to Decline an Interview?

After submitting a job application, you might realize that the position is no longer suitable for your career. You may find that you should not give time to this application any further or you do not want this job. In this way, consider declining the interview. However, do not decline an interview without any concrete reasons.

Think carefully before turning down the interview offer from the employer. All the time, you have to demonstrate professionalism, and when you have decided that you are going to decline the offer, do so politely.

The easiest way to decline a job interview is through email. Not responding to the interview call won’t be the right thing as it will not leave a good impression about you.

Reasons for Declining the Job Interview 

Several reasons may urge you to decline the job interview after applying for the job and submitting the resume. If you are a student, you might realize that the job you have applied for overlaps with the timing of your classes.

Or, you find out that due to the timings, you will not be able to give time to your studies. In this context, you may decide to prefer your studies over the job, which would be the right decision.

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After applying, you may have researched the job position, and you found out that it did not align with your endeavour. So, you decided to pull back.

You might have discovered that there was no career progression or chances of growth in that organization. So, you decided not to pursue your application any further.

Perhaps, you have concluded that you won’t be able to utilize your skills in that company. You are probably overqualified or underqualified for this job. Similarly, you may consider relocating to some other place, and from there commuting to this job would not be easy.

Another company might have offered you a position, and that could be a good prospect for you in the future.

Do I Need to Provide Reason for Turning down the Interview?

You do not need to provide a reason for declining the job interview. Ideally, you would like to keep your letter or email concise and simple. Although at this point you do not want this job, after some time, you may think to consider this opportunity. So, always leave a good note.

Suggestions to Send a letter Declining a Job Interview Call 

Make sure, and once you have turned down the job interview call, you do not have any option to change your mind. In that regard, it is a crucial decision, and declining an interview call requires careful consideration.

Read More: How to Overcome Job Interview Anxiety?

In other words, you won’t be in a position to say yes to this interview after saying no. When you have taken a decision stick to it. You should be clear in your mind.

Respond Instantly

 When you have 100% made up your mind that you won’t pursue this organization for your career, you need to respond to the company’s offer as soon as possible. Also, this is applicable when you have decided to appear for the job interview. Your prompt response would leave a good impression on the interviewing managers.

Remember, several candidates apply for a position. Your quick response will open the doors for other candidates who may be waiting for the interview invitation.

Whether you write an email or send a letter to the organization, you should remain formal and respectable toward the interviewing managers.

Show Courtesy

 Your words in the email or the letter should reflect politeness and grace. Avoid any causal way. Some students think that they won’t be working for the company, and that is why they adopt a casual approach.

Read More: Top 20 Interview Questions and Answers

This is not the right way. Your words and style of writing show how professional you are. For this reason, demonstrate courtesy and humility in your letter or email.

In modern times, the world has become short. Hiring managers have connections with other companies, and they get information about the candidates from other companies.

Being unprofessional in your communication may cause problems for you in the corporate world. Do not leave a negative impression anywhere, and always depict yourself as a thorough professional.

Show Vagueness

 The purpose of the letter is to inform hiring managers that you have changed your plans so that the company could consider other candidates. Hence, you do not need to provide particular reasons as to why you have changed your mind. Nevertheless, your communication should be clear that you are not accepting the interview offer.

Read More: Top Behavioural Interview Questions and Answer

Sample Letters Turning Down an Interview Offer

Formal Email to Withdraw Application

Following is an example of a letter sent through email to turn down the job interview.

Subject: Interview Offer- Candidate’s Name

Dear Hiring Manager(s) (Preferably, Write the name of the person(s) you are addressing)

I want to thank you for considering me for the post of (Job title) in your prestigious organization. However, at this point, I am withdrawing my application for this post.

I appreciate your time to evaluate my application.

Again, Many thanks for your consideration.

Best regards

Your Full Name

Email id

Phone number

Example to Inform a Change in Circumstances

Following is another example that shows how to draft your email for turning down the interview.

Subject: Interview for the Job position (mention job title)-Your Full Name

Dear (Write down the name(s) of the hiring manager(s))

I want to thank you for inviting me for an interview at your prestigious organization. I value being considered as a candidate.

However, due to unexpected changes in my circumstance, I have to decline this opportunity.

Once again, thank You for your consideration and good luck in your search.

Best Regards

Your Full Name

Email Address

Phone number

Final Word

The right way is to inform you that you have changed your plans without explaining any reason. The interviewers do not need explanations and justifications as they are busy people. However, they appreciate that candidate replied them.