Declining a job interview
Be respectful and polite

How to Decline a Job Interview

Thank the hiring manager

Quite often, prospective job candidates pursue multiple new roles at once. This means they may then have to politely decline interviews with some companies that are interested in them.  

For candidates, it’s important not to burn bridges when declining an interview. Just because a role may not be a good fit right now, the candidate may wish to leave the door open should their career path intersect with the hiring business again.  

Here’s our guide on how to respectfully decline a job interview to ensure you find your dream job.

Be polite and honest

An invitation to a job interview is just that: an invitation to attend an interview. This means that you can perfectly decline it politely and professionally. E-mailing, or in some cases calling, the hiring manager and letting them know the situation in a polite manner will go a long way to maintaining a professional relationship going forward. It can be useful to share reasons for declining, but it is not necessary.

Be punctual

Part of being polite is being punctual. Cancelling a job interview on the day can create problems for the hiring manager and the company. As a result, it’s best to give the most notice possible to ensure they are the least inconvenienced.  

Be thankful

Respect the time and effort the hiring manager and business have already put into an application. Reviewing it, reaching out, and even completing some earlier stages of the interview process takes time and effort. Even if it is just an initial video interview. So, it’s important to thank them for their time and effort in evaluating the candidate for the role.

What not to do

The worst thing a candidate can do is not turn up to the interview and not say anything ahead of time. While a cancelled interview may inconvenience them, hiring managers will appreciate the honesty. Candidates can also remain in the business’s good graces should an opportunity arise in the future.  

If you’re looking for a new role, explore our wide range of job opportunities at ACS Staffing Solutions.

Chris Wright
March 13, 2025
View profile

Other press room posts

An agency worker entitled to Agency Workers Regulations (AWR)
Candidates
12/11/2025

What is AWR? Agency Workers Regulations Explained

Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) ensure that temporary agency workers are provided the same rights as permanent employees.

Read here
Commercial recruitment
Candidates
17/10/2025

What is Commercial Recruitment?

Commercial recruitment involves hiring candidates in non-technical business-driven roles, such as admin, sales, or customer service.

Read more
When to change a job
Employee
9/10/2025

When to Change a Job

Are you getting cold feet following a new, scary project assignment? Or are you just ready to move on to a better work-life balance? While everyone is different, here are some key signs that it’s time to change careers for the short term and long term.

Read more
See all posts
Button arrow
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
CALL US
Monday to Friday
9:00am to 5:00pm
KETTERING
01536 532820
NORTHAMPTON
01604 704058