How To Decline An Interview

Interviewing for a new job can be a great experience. However, like many career events, it also contains challenges. One such challenge is declining to interview places where you do not desire to work while continuing to send positive signals that you remain interested in new opportunities. Things are somewhat cut and dry when it comes to declining an interview. You should always express gratitude for being considered for the position, but the reasons for declining should stand on merit.

In this article, we’ll explain how to decline an interview in a way that shows respect for the recruiter and ensures your name stays on their shortlist.

What are the best tips for turning down an interview?

You should avoid accepting an interview request for many reasons. You may be more interested in another opportunity or may not be available then. Whatever the reason, it is essential to decline interviews professionally and politely. Here are some tips on how to decline an interview professionally:

Be sure

Before you decline an interview, be sure that you want to do so; The decision can be difficult, but it is essential to make it based on your needs and desires. Make sure you are not declining an interview because of pressure from friends or family members who may have their agenda. If you are going through a particularly stressful time in your life, it may be best to wait until things settle down before you make any decisions about interviewing for jobs.

Remain courteous

When declining an interview request, be respectful and professional. Thank the employer for their interest in your services, and wish them luck in their search for a new employee. You never know when you might need to call upon that person again for assistance with something else.

Keep it vague

Say a little at a time. Don’t give a detailed explanation if you want to decline an interview, which can make the hiring manager wonder if something else is going on that you haven’t mentioned. Instead, just say, “I’m sorry but I won’t be able to make it.”

Respond promptly

Responding promptly shows that you’re interested in the position and gives you time to come up with a good excuse for why you can’t attend the upcoming interview. It also prevents the interviewer from reaching out to you multiple times before finally getting an answer one way or another.

Refer another candidate

If you know someone who would be an excellent fit for the role, refer them! This is especially important if you were contacted for an internal position and have no interest in leaving your current employer. You can refer someone and tell them about it directly or contact the hiring manager at the company.

Conclusion

It is always an awkward position to be in when you have to decline an interview. You should try to make it look like you are interested in the job if this is not the case, but you don’t want to come across as desperate. The reason for declining the interview is also essential because this could change how your audience views you. If, for instance, you have already accepted another job, then there is a stronger chance of your potential employer finding out due to word getting around. However, this can be explained easily if you simply cannot make it or are going on holiday. Having a solid reason for declining an interview will help reduce the likelihood of them thinking badly of you and ensure that your name isn’t damaged.