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About the author

Darren Cronian, the author of this guide, has spent nine years securing remote jobs and building a successful freelancing business. His goal is to help people find remote work. Read more >
Last Updated: 21 April 2023

Going through the remote job interview process can be a long, drawn-out experience with as many as five interviews, depending on your application role.

Therefore, you must do all the research you can to ensure the company and position match your expectations.

After applying, you may find yourself in a situation where the role no longer seems like a good fit. It’s important not to waste your or the employer’s time going through an interview.

How to decline a remote job interview
How to decline a remote job interview

If you are invited to an interview for a job you are no longer interested in, it’s essential to notify the company. Be polite and professional and tell them that you are no longer interested in the job.

It’s vital to be open and honest.

The easiest way to turn down a job interview is by email, but if you have a telephone number, it is more professional to call them.

Reasons to decline a remote job Interview

After submitting your application, there could be many reasons why you are no longer interested in the job. Here are a few examples:

  • You may have spent time researching the company and discovered that your work ethic or goals aren’t compatible with the company.
  • You may have read reviews on a site like Glassdoor and discovered a lot of negative feedback from ex-employees.
  • The job may require you to work an unsociable work schedule that you’ve realized is not suitable for your lifestyle.
  • The role you applied for might have been a less senior position, and you have been offered a better-suited job.
  • You may have found that the salary is less than expected and you have decided to stay in your current position.

Do not feel you have to give a reason for turning down the interview. It is best to keep your communication professional but straightforward because you may be interested in working for the company in another role in the future.

Tips for declining a remote job interview invitation

Take time to make the right decision because you cannot change your mind, be confident about your decision.

Change your mind, and you’ll risk appearing unreliable and indecisive, which are not personality traits you want to portray.

While you must be sure about your decision, you should also respond to an interview invitation as quickly as possible.

You do not need to explain why you’re no longer interested in the remote job. However, do be sure to communicate clearly that you are declining the interview.

The purpose of the communication is to let the company know that your plans have changed so they can move forward with another candidate.

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