Short
Hi [Name], Thanks for thinking of me for [role]. I'm not looking to move right now, so I'll pass on this one. Good luck with the search, and feel free to reach out again if something different comes up down the line. Best, [Your name]
Work
How to say no to a recruiter, politely
Three tones for turning down an offer you didn't ask for, without ghosting anyone.
When to use this
A recruiter reaches out about a role you're not interested in, whether you're happy where you are or the role just isn't right. The trap is going silent, which leaves the door open for three more follow-up messages instead of one clean answer.
Three variants
Same situation, three different stances.
Warm
Hi [Name], I appreciate you reaching out about [role]. It sounds like a good fit for someone, though it isn't the right moment for me. I'm settled where I am right now, so I'll pass this time. If something further outside my current lane comes up later, I'd be glad to hear about it. Thanks again, [Your name]
Firm
Hi [Name], Thanks for the outreach about [role]. It's not something I'm pursuing, and I'd rather say so plainly than leave you waiting on a maybe. Please take me off the list for similar roles going forward. Appreciate you thinking of me for it. [Your name]
Why this works
- Answers in the first sentence, so the recruiter isn't left guessing through a paragraph of pleasantries.
- Says why in one line, at most, instead of over-explaining a decision that doesn't need defending.
- Leaves the door open on your own terms, for a different role, rather than closing it completely.
- Asks to be removed from the list outright when that's genuinely what you want, so the firm version does actual work.
Before you send
What to change.
- [Name]
- The recruiter's name.
- [role]
- The role or company they reached out about.
- [Your name]
- Sign with your own name.
Questions
Fair questions, straight answers.
Is it worth giving feedback on the role itself?
Only if you want to. A line of specific feedback is a genuine favour to a recruiter you might want to hear from again, though nothing here requires it.
What if they keep following up after I've said no?
The firm version's last line exists for exactly that: ask to be taken off the list, plainly, and most recruiters will respect it the first time you ask directly.
Where Beemy fits
If your inbox gets more of these than you'd like to admit, Beemy can spot the pattern and draft a reply in your own voice the moment one lands, ready for a one-tap approval. Live today on Gmail.
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