Backing out of job offerRecently I was made a job offer for a position that won' t begin for a few months. Because I' ve been out of work for awhile and need a job, my family and friends are telling me to accept the job (even though it is less than ideal for a number of reasons) with the idea that if another better position which I' ve applied to comes along in the interim, I can change my mind and accept the second offer. I wouldn' t relish this kind of action as it goes against my nature even though I know this is often done in today' s job search environment. Are there any guidelines for how to gracefully back out of a job offer after accepting it but before actually starting the job? Or is it better to turn down the first offer and hope that one of the other possible opportunities will turn into an offer? I understand your dilemma, but consider this: is your future employer paying you to sit on the bench for that long? My guess is not. In that case, just accept the offer and IF (big IF here) the other company does make you that offer, you can still be ethical about it and turn in your notice with the first employer. Under no circumstance do not just not show, but let them know. If it was me, I' d just tell them: "Sorry, another opportunity came up and I need to make a living too." They will understand, they' re a business. I wouldn' t call them guidelines, but here are some suggestions that you can consider. Let' s say you accept the offer and either between now and when the job actually starts, or even after you' ve started, you receive a more attractive offer from another company that you can' t let slip away, you can either withdraw your acceptance or you can resign by making the point that an ideal employment opportunity his unexpectedly come you way - one that you weren' t anticipating - but one that is more in line with your career goals and objectives and one that you feel you can' t afford to lose. I would not say who made the offer of what any of the particulars are regarding salary or benefits, but I would apologize all over myself for any inconvenience my decision has caused, I' d offer to stay as long as possible to help as much as I could, and I' d express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity I was given. Then I' d give my two-weeks notice and move on. Zat help? Thank you SO MUCH for responding to my inquiry. Yes, it does help. Obviously, backing out of a job offer isn' t something I would relish doing but sometimes I guess it is necessary. Thanks again for responding. I appreciate it! | |
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Career Tips
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