How to Decline a Job Interview With a Letter Sample

How to Decline a Job bewerberinterview With a Letter SampleHow to Decline a Job Interview With a Letter SampleWhats the best way to turn down a job interview? Sometimes after applying for a job, you may find that the lage no longer seems like a good match. Its not worth your time, or the employers, to interview for a job you dont really want unless theres a chance of a role thats a better fit becoming available. If you are contacted about arranging an interview for a jobthat you are no longer interested in, you will need to decline thejob interviewpolitely. Many times, the simplest way to do this is via email. Reasons to Decline a Job Interview There are many reasons you may have decided, after submitting your application and resume, that youno longer want this particular job. Take,for example, the following You may have done moreresearch into the position or the company and discovered that your goals arent compatible with the companys mission or culture.You may have been anticip ating arelocation 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, makingyouunavailable for the work schedule the job requires. There is no need to give a reason for turning down the interview. Its 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 SureOnce youve declined the job interview, you cant go back. You might be able to apply for future positions or even the same job later on, if circumstances change that is, after all, one of the main reasons to send a formal, polite letter declining the invitation. You wont be able to say yes to this opportunity for an interview after youve said no. Try to do so and youll risk coming off as unreliable, flaky, indecisive, or worse. Respond QuicklyWhile you need to be sure about your decision not to go forward with the interview, you should also respond to an employers invitation to meet as quickly as possible. It is especially true if youve already made solid plans for a formal interview. Heres how tocancel the interview, if youve already scheduled a meeting. Be respectful of the hiring managers time and priorities. If youre not going to go forward with the interview process, its important to step aside as soon as possible so that an interested candidate can take your place. Be CourteousRemember that you want to leave the door open for future opportunities (or, at the very least, make sure that you dont slam it shut). Most industries are tiny 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 manage r and you might wind up shut out of other jobs that are more in line with your goals. You certainly would nix any chance you might have had to be considered for employment with their organization in the future. Be VagueThe 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 dont need to provide them with specific reasons why youre no longer interested. Sample Letter Declining an Interview Invitation Here is an example of a letter sent via email to decline a job interview SubjectInterview Invitation - Your NameDear NameThank you very much for considering me for the position of Job Title and for inviting me to interview with Company Name. However, I would like to withdraw my application for this position.I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to review my application.Again, thank you for your consideration.Best regards,Your NameEmailPhone ExpandThe Bottom Line Although you might fe el like you need to apologize or justify your decision not to interview, doing this will inevitably show you in a bad light because any explanation you offer will most likely be viewed as a rationale for your rejection of an employers interest in you.Its best just to let them know that your intentions have changed without explaining why. Most interviewers will let it go at that and be thankful that you kept them in the loop and allowed them the time to arrange an interview with an alternate candidate.