Learn how to reject an internship offer like a pro

If you’ve been offered an internship, congratulations! This means an organization has found your unique skills and strengths admirable and wants you on their team. 

Internships are fantastic for your professional development, giving you hands-on experience in a field and mentorship from talented coworkers. 

But it’s not always a good time to accept an internship, and you might get multiple offers. Maybe you’ve chosen to enjoy a gap year instead of starting your career immediately or a different internship offers opportunities that align with your long-term goals.

Whatever the case, you’ll want to know how to reject an internship offer professionally to avoid breaking any ties. You never know what future opportunities they might consider you for if you forge a positive relationship with them. 

6 reasons for rejecting an internship offer

Just because opportunities are exciting and valuable doesn’t mean you have to take them. Often they come at the wrong time or conflict with other important goals. Here are six common reasons for declining an internship:

1. Another internship: If you receive multiple offers, you might have to weigh the pros and cons of each and decline the one that doesn’t suit your goals, needs, and obligations. You might decline a full-time internship, for example, if you’re still in school or don’t have daytime childcare.

2. Lack of compensation: Some internships are unpaid, making them unideal if you need the income to enjoy financial security.

   Those who participate in paid internships are more likely to gain employment from the same company compared to unpaid interns, so it’s worth seeking out these positions instead.

3. Misalignment with career objectives: Perhaps the job doesn’t develop the skills you’d hoped for or is in a field that doesn't interest you. Keep your long and short-term goals in mind when deciding whether to accept to avoid wasting your time and talent.

4. No new skills taught: What makes internships so attractive is that they allow you to develop skills in a real-world setting. If the role doesn’t give you that opportunity, you might want to pass for one that does. 

5. Bad scheduling fit: Consider your schedule before accepting. If you’re still a student and the internship is during the day, for example, you might be unable to make it work. 

6. No employment path: You’re accepting this offer with your future career in mind. As great as the experience might be, if it likely won’t lead to a job offer after the internship, you could consider one that will. 

How to reject an internship offer

To better understand what’s expected of you as an applicant, here’s a guide to the entire process, from getting the offer to declining it. 

Getting the offer: the hiring process

While organizations typically offer internships to students and entry-level professionals, you can apply for and accept internships at any age. Their goal is to encourage professional development, and that’s timeless. 

Securing an internship is similar to job hunting in that you’ll submit applications and attend one or more interviews with a recruiter or hiring manager. Some companies also include behavioral testing or assign tasks similar to the ones you’d complete if chosen.

If selected, you’ll likely receive an internship offer via email or phone.

Evaluating the offer: the decision process

While receiving an internship offer is exciting, if you applied to several, don’t accept the first one that comes your way. Consider the following before making a decision: 

• Get it in writing: If you receive an offer in-person or via a phone call, you might lose some details in your excitement. Take a deep breath to calm yourself down and ask for the offer in writing.

  With those details laid out for you, you can critically think about each one to decide whether to reject or accept the offer.

• Consider every angle: Take some time to jot down the pros and cons of this opportunity and any questions that come up while you debate.

  There are many questions to ask before accepting an internship, and you should feel welcome to contact the hiring manager with a list before making your decision. 

• Ask for advice: If you have any contacts with industry experience or trusted loved ones who understand your situation, ask them for advice. They might contribute a new perspective that helps you make your decision confidently. And if possible, reach out to previous interns to gauge their experience. 

• Avoid decision fatigue: When you consider something for too long or worry too much about “What if?”s regarding the choice, you might become mentally fatigued and stuck.

  Try to give yourself a time limit for when you’re allowed to think about this decision and a due date for deciding to avoid this decision fatigue. 

• Be timely: When you first receive the offer, promptly respond thanking them for their time and the offer. Let them know you’ll get back to them about your decision or with any questions you have within the next couple days to show you’re interested and care enough to contemplate it. 

Rejecting the offer: the writing process

Rejection is always challenging, no matter the setting. And choosing to pass on a professional opportunity is particularly nerve-wracking when you’re just launching your career. But if you decide the internship isn’t right for you, here’s how to craft a gracious rejection email you feel good about. 

Remember: it’s also acceptable and professional to reject an offer over the phone. You can always use this writing guidance to draft and practice an over-the-phone response so you feel prepared.

• Show appreciation: Start your letter with gratitude for the time the company took to consider your application and interview you. And express how thankful you are that they chose you to join their organization.

  To maintain this relationship and potentially enjoy another professional opportunity from the company, remember to use a polite and professional tone. 

• Be honest: Next, explain the reason for your decision. Don’t make excuses — just be honest. This reflects much better on your character, and if there was an issue with the position itself, the company would want to know so they can adjust their offer in the future.

• End on a positive note: Close the email by suggesting you stay in touch and wishing them well. This shows your interest in the company and increases the chance they’ll get in touch if another relevant opportunity opens up.

• Proofread your text: Double-check your email for spelling or grammar errors to show the reader you cared enough to create something well-written and avoid misunderstandings. 

• Press send: After thoroughly reviewing the text, reading it aloud and perhaps having a friend or family member look it over, press send — the sooner the better, to show you appreciate the company’s time.

3 rejection letter templates

While you’ll want to tweak these depending on your unique situation, here are three internship rejection letter examples to get you started: 

Example #1

Dear [insert name],

Thank you for meeting with me regarding [insert company name]’s internship opportunity. I appreciate your enthusiasm for the program and generosity when answering my questions during the interviews. 

Unfortunately, I’ve accepted a paid internship with another organization. While I’m passionate about your company's work, the other position will allow me to continue my studies without worrying about finances. I wanted to advise you in a timely manner so you can quickly find another candidate. 

I’m impressed with your company's innovations in the [insert industry], and I hope we can keep in touch via LinkedIn. Again, thank you for your time and for considering me as a candidate for your internship program.

Sincerely,
[insert name]

Example #2

Hi [insert name], 

I am honored your company chose me for this internship. I’ve admired your mission from afar for a while, and everyone I met during the interview process was so friendly and talented.

Unfortunately, I have to decline this opportunity because I’ve recently been invited to work abroad for the next three months, and as you specified, this internship must begin next month.

If anything changes regarding this start date, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. And as I improve professionally, expect to see my application pop up for vacant roles.

In the meantime, I’d enjoy staying in touch and will connect with you on LinkedIn.

All the best,
[insert name]

Example #3

Dear [insert name], 

I was thrilled to receive your internship offer letter today. I truly appreciate how much your organization prioritizes mentoring opportunities and feel honored knowing you’d like me to join your company.

As I’ve applied for several positions, I’d like to take some time to consider my options. I’ll be in touch within 48 hours with any questions I have or my decision. 

Best wishes,
[insert name]

Feel confident about your decision

Opportunities come and go, but feeling like you’ve made a decision that’s authentic to your wants and desires is always important. There’s no point in attending an internship you know isn’t right simply because others told you to or you fear another one won’t come along. 

You have so much to offer — you landed this internship, right? And now you also know how to reject an internship offer to improve your self-advocacy skills. Enjoy feeling well-aligned with your goals while you draft that letter.