How to Decline a Job Offer You Already Accepted

Are you having second thoughts about the job offer you just accepted? Whether you’ve received a better offer or your personal circumstances have changed, it’s not too late to back out of a job you don’t want.

If you’ve already accepted a job offer, it can feel awkward to tell a hiring manager, “Sorry, I’m no longer interested.” But rest assured that there is a way to reject a job offer politely after accepting without any repercussions for your career.

Here’s how to decline a job offer you already accepted, including sample letters to send to a hiring manager.

What Are Some Good Reasons to Decline a Job Offer You Accepted?

Getting a job offer is always exciting. But sometimes we get ahead of ourselves and say “yes” too quickly. Other times circumstances change and make the new job less appealing.

These are some common reasons you might need to know how to decline a job offer after accepting it:

• You didn’t take enough time to think a job offer through. Maybe the employer gave you a short deadline or asked you to give an answer immediately. Maybe you’re new on the job market and acted impulsively, or maybe you missed a red flag in the employment contract.
• You received a better job offer. Whether it’s a higher salary, a shorter commute time, or more PTO, you might have received a more appealing job offer after you already accepted a different one.
• Your personal circumstances changed. Maybe your ability to work on location changed or you have a family emergency.
• You heard negative things about the company after you signed with them. Ideally, you would read up on the company before you apply or interview, but the next best time to research recent company news or pour over company reviews is before your first day.
• Something in the onboarding process or HR policies bothered you. Perhaps the company asked for your social media passwords or required you to sign a non-compete agreement that was too restrictive. These are all valid reasons to turn down a job offer.

Is It Legal to Decline a Job Offer You Already Accepted?

Can you accept a job offer and then back out without any legal consequences? In most cases, you won’t break any laws by changing your mind after you accept a job. This is because most U.S. states have at-will employment, which means that either you or the employer are free to change your mind at any time.

In some cases, however, your employment contract might dictate that you give the employer notice before backing out of a job offer. These terms may or may not be enforceable by law, so consider consulting a lawyer if you have any questions. Even if your contract requires that you give a few weeks’ notice, the employer might be willing to waive that requirement (just make sure to get that in writing). After all, they don’t want invest time onboarding and training an employee who will leave.

How to Decline a Job Offer You Already Accepted

If you need to back out of a job, there’s a right way to do it—and a wrong way. Here are the steps you should take when declining a job offer after accepting it:

1. Familiarize yourself with your employment contract and employment laws in your state to make sure you’re following the law.
2. Make sure your new plan is solid before you back out. For example, if you’ve received another job offer, make sure you’ve signed the contract and have a start date, so the new job opportunity doesn’t fall through.
3. Think about whether you should deliver the news by email or over the phone. It’s often a good idea to pick up the phone to make a better and more professional impression. But if your state or contract have restrictions on backing out of a job, put the details in writing as well to leave a paper trail.
4. Prepare yourself for a new negotiation. If your reason for rejecting a job offer is another (better) offer, it’s possible that the employer will give you a new offer. Decide if there are any changes that would make you accept the job beforehand.
5. Give a brief explanation. The employer will likely be caught by surprise. Have your explanation ready, such as a family emergency or another job offer, but don’t go into too much detail.
6. Don’t complain. If you heard negative things about the company or realized the salary is too low, keep those thoughts to yourself. End the interaction on a positive note.
7. Express your gratitude for the offer and the employer’s time and consideration.

How to Decline a Job Offer You Already Accepted: Sample Letters

Even if you know what you want to say to decline a job offer after accepting it, it can be difficult to know how to say it.

Here are some example letters that will show you how to decline a job offer you already accepted in a polite and professional way. You can use similar wording even if you choose to call the hiring manager rather than write an email.

Sample Letter for Rescinding an Accepted Job Offer

Thank you for inviting me to join your company. I appreciate the offer and enjoyed learning more about the position and the groundbreaking products that you offer.

Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances beyond my control, I regretfully must take back my acceptance of the job offer. My situation has changed and at this point I’m only available to work remotely, and I know that isn’t a possibility for this position since your staff works in the office.

I apologize for the inconvenience and wish you and your company the best success.

How to Decline a Job Offer You Already Accepted: Sample Letter 2

Thank you for offering me a position in your healthcare practice. I appreciate your taking the time to interview me, but unfortunately, I must rescind my job acceptance. I’m impressed by your practice and management, but I’m no longer available in the early morning hours this job requires due to an unexpected change in my family.

As the schedule this job requires is no longer possible to me, I must decline this opportunity. I thank you for your time on my application and your offer.

How to Decline a Job Offer You Already Accepted: Sample Letter 3

Thank you for the job offer to join your organization. However, I must respectfully take back the acceptance of your offer. New circumstances mean it’s no longer possible for me to relocate for this position. I’m searching for a job locally that will better suit my current requirements. I appreciate your time and consideration and wish you and the organization the best for the future.

How Can Declining a Job Offer You Already Accepted Affect Your Career?

Even if you don’t break the law or your employment contract, you might ruffle a few feathers and burn some bridges by rejecting a job offer after accepting it. Think about it: You’ve already made a commitment to the employer who has invested time and resources into interviewing you and has probably already turned down other potential candidates.

It’s understandable then that you probably won’t be getting a job at the company at a later time, unless you have a very good reason to do so. If you’ve been working with a recruiting firm, they may no longer want to work with you to avoid the situation from happening again.

While backing out of a job offer isn’t ideal, it’s better than beginning a job you don’t want and feeling unmotivated from the start, which could impact your performance and even lead to you leaving after a short time. But before you withdraw your acceptance, first try to negotiate the terms of your employment to get to a job offer you do want to accept.

Are There Any Alternatives to Declining a Job Offer You Accepted?

If you’re planning to decline a job offer after accepting it due to a change in your personal circumstances, consider first asking if the job details can be changed. It’s not the best idea to renegotiate salary or benefits after you sign the paperwork, but if you need to adjust other details such as the hours, the starting date, or the ability to work remotely, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

While you shouldn’t withdraw an acceptance to renegotiate salary or benefits, an employer might make you a new offer if you try to back out, especially if you’re a strong candidate in a competitive field.

If you haven’t signed a job offer yet, or if you want to avoid this situation in the future, these are some steps you can take:

• Ask for a few days to think about the offer. Many, but not all, employers will grant you this. This can help you if you’re waiting for a competing offer. You don’t have to give a reason, but you should prepare a well-formulated request where you mention that you appreciate the opportunity but need to think about it.
• Contact the other prospective employer if you’re waiting for a competing offer. Tell them that you’ve been offered another job, but not the name of the employer (job offers are often confidential). This can increase your chances of getting a second job offer sooner.
• Negotiate before accepting a job offer. Most employers expect you to negotiate a salary offer, as long as you do so professionally. Consider negotiating benefits as well as other details.

Find a Job You’ll Want to Accept on Monster

Don’t settle for a job you don’t want again. Knowing how to decline a job offer you already accepted should be a last resort. The best way to be happy about a job offer is to keep your options open. Create a profile on Monster, apply to a wide range of jobs that you’re passionate about, and upload your resume so that recruiters can find you.