Anyone ever retract an accepted offer?

pcguy2004

If so, what was the outcome? How did you do it?

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networker050184

I haven't but just tell them you no longer want to take the job. Not much more to it than that.

Rosco2382

I did actually, I was being laid off from AT&T and I accepted an offer from another company. A few days later AT&T called me to offer another position at another location. I accepted since I was able to keep everything and a pay raise. I called the other company back and told them what the deal was. He said to keep him in mind if I was ever looking for work.

PurpleIT

I did this just a couple of days ago - the outcome is I don't have a new job.

The short version is I called the HR person I had been dealing with and told her that due to personal reasons I wouldn't be able to accept the position after all. She wanted to know if it was related to the position itself or if it was something else and I told her it was due to circumstances changing and I wouldn't be able to move out of state (where the new job was located).

It sucks, I gave up a 22% raise and moving back to my hometown, but it had to be done...

paul78

If you are in the US, retracting a job offer is not unexpected. Especially since it's usually employment at will. While I've never retracted a job offer, I've had employees that have done so. There is definitely a right way and a wrong way to do it. Elements of a wrong way would include: (a) waiting too long (b) offering no reason - it doesn't have to be detailed (c) sending an email only.

The absolutely worst thing is when someone just doesn't show up. It's quite pathetic and automatically places the person on the do-not-hire list.

kj0

I'm currently job hunting, and one thing I fear is telling a company I am unable to accept anymore, I did once walk into a small business, give them my resume and sit an interview, then to go in and tell them two days later I can't work there anymore, They understood even though they were going to create a position for me at my asking rate too. I still buy all our Apple gear from them today.

But, my wife wants me to apply for every job out there, so I guess I'm going to have to get use to telling some companies I can't accept.

paul78

@kj0 - Job acceptance versus retraction is a bit different. Retraction is when you accept a job but then change your mind. In the US, if the economy is good, it's very common for people to not accept job offers. The interview process is seen as 2 ways - sometimes the job just isn't a good fit for a job candidate. It could be the work environment, the management style, or the business processes. Good luck on your job hunting!

VAHokie56

I had accepted a job once went through background and pee-pee test , was already to start. Then I told them I would not be accepting, I assumed they where pretty hot with me at that point...Oddly enough that is where I work now

getitngo

I did this once. I actually worked on a contract basis for a company for three months to see if we were a good fit for each other. They offered me the job fulltime and I said no thanks. They offered me more money and even telecommute, I still said no. I didn't like the industry they supported, I felt that it wasn't stable. They offered me a consultant position which I did take.

At any rate, tell them via phone or face to face if possible and I would tell the person that offered you the job.

Moon Child

Yes once I retracted a job offer working for a hotel, I was in the process of going through a lengthy interview process for a job working in a local mill and I didn't want to lead the hiring manager on at the hotel that I was still interested in the job. I felt bad that I already told the manager at the hotel that I would probably take the job, but the job at the mill was offering over twice the pay with great benefits. After it became obvious the possibility of landing a pretty good paying job at the mill was high, I called the hotel manager and let him know my circumstance. I did not get that mill job after all, but a few weeks later I landed a teaching position in my area.

kj0

I have a feeling I am probably going to end up doing that with my next Job offer. I'm applying all over the place, and I'm just waiting for hear from a mate who is setting up his 4th company that he is all good to hire (Until his client signs on the line - there's nothing to secure my wage there) but he really wants me and offering to match if not more if I get a job in the meantime.

apr911

I have. I was pushed into providing an answer by the hiring manager before I was truly ready... I had told them on Wednesday to expect an answer on after the weekend, got a call on Thursday telling me they really needed to know by Friday COB. Called on Friday and accepted... Thought about it over the weekend and called on Monday to retract.

Told the hiring manager that I was worried about "buyer's remorse" setting in which is why I really wanted to wait till Monday in the 1st place and that after sleeping on it over the weekend I just couldnt accept the position. They understood and I still keep in contact with the HR rep so I dont think Ive been blacklisted.

As others have said, just be upfront and dont wait too long.

zdx

I was offered a job last week and came in to sign papers and do a background check. At the same time I was interview somewhere else and eventually got accepted to work there too. Now I don't know what to say to the first place that whom I did the background check.. What kind of excuse could I use?

TheProf

zdx wrote: »

I was offered a job last week and came in to sign papers and do a background check. At the same time I was interview somewhere else and eventually got accepted to work there too. Now I don't know what to say to the first place that whom I did the background check.. What kind of excuse could I use?

It's nothing personal, its just business, if you have a better offer, take it, you don't owe the other company anything.

I can understand that they took time to interview you, put in place an offer, etc but at the end of the day, do what's best for you, I assure you the company will do the same. As for an excuse, just be honest, tell them you have a better offer that better suits your career progression or personal needs.

NicWhite

zdx wrote: »

I was offered a job last week and came in to sign papers and do a background check. At the same time I was interview somewhere else and eventually got accepted to work there too. Now I don't know what to say to the first place that whom I did the background check.. What kind of excuse could I use?

I would tell them the truth. Tell tham that you appreciated their time but that you have decided to take another offer that is more in line with your needs at this time.