There are so many things that go through the mind of a candidate while considering a job offer. Whether to decline it or not could be a dilemma in one’s mind.
If one is pressured into making a decision, then there have been instances where one had repented the action at a later date.
However, is it possible to change that decision at a later date?
For example, if one rejected an offer from a company, can one go back and apply at that company again after careful deliberation? This article here tries to deal with factors on how to get a job offer back after declining it.
Turned Down a Job Offer? It Is Possible to Go Back
Is this question ringing you a bell, then surely you might have also gone through such a situation (Well I have been).
Whenever making good career choices, you need to do it carefully. Recontacting the employer for a job offer after declining it earlier sounds a bit drag but can surely be given a try.
As per a few experts from the HR department, the employer would not mind to reconsider you if the opening is still unfilled. The reason for it could be that the employer needs to screen the employee from scratch as he was already convinced by your skills.
Craig E. Schneier, executive vice president of human resources for Biogen Idec Inc., a Cambridge, Mass, pharmaceutical company, agrees. “If I had wanted to offer the person a job once and they came back, I would be an idiot to dismiss them out of hand,” he says. “That would be saying my first judgment was wrong.”
If we think of the other case, then the max an employer could do is say ‘NO‘. The reason can be any, maybe they do not trust you anymore or the vacancy might have been filled or any other.
So if you really think, that you need the job, the best thing you can do is to contact them.
How to Get a Job Back Which You Turned Down Before:
Trying to get back the job after declining it once or going back to a former employer for a job is a drag in itself. Though most of the people think that it could hurt their self-respect, its actually their ego that stops them from approaching. So you need to control your ego and move forward.
Declining or quitting any job if done on a good note, then you will never have such trouble. Even your employer would be more than happy to help you.
But if you feel a little problem for getting reconnected, here are a few tips you need to follow
- Recollect the people whom you have met at the company
- Research about the new vacancies that are present in the company
- Connect with people who are already working in the company
- A formal approach would be better, as you will be meeting them after a long time.
- Do not ask for your favour on your first contact
The next steps after getting a good response are,
- Get to know about any opening in the company
- Mention to your employer that you have seen the advertisement and are interested in the job
- Try to connect to all your contacts in the company, the more the better
- Finally, approach, follow up and make your request.
Declining a Job offer after Accepting – What to do?
1. Reason for skepticism from employers:
If one is going back to a job offer that the person once rejected, there could be lots of reasons for the skepticism by the employers.
One of the explanations could be that the company is worried that a candidate is coming back to them because of the lack of opportunities in the market.
In such a scenario, the company would worry that the candidate would leave, if exposed to better prospects. Maybe the candidate hoped for a better salary, which never got offered.
It could also be that the company is worried that the candidate is indecisive and keeps changing mind, every five minutes or so. These are some of the reasons on why a company might not consider an applicant who once rejected their job offer.
2. Reasons why a company never got back to you:
There are many reasons on why a company does not respond to an applicant, especially the candidates who have already rejected a job offer, at an earlier stage.
One reason could be that, after rejection from one applicant the company could have got their candidate from the other applicants. The company can also consider that the applicant is not dedicated enough about the job applied to.
Another more simple reason could be that the concerned authority was not available for that particular period of time to get back to the applicant.
3. How to re-approach a company after declining a job offer:
One thing most candidates seem concerned about is how to get a job offer back after declining it. There could have been various reasons for rejecting a job offer at that point of time.
However, if the reason is no longer an issue and one wants to get back the job offer, once declined, the best way is to approach the company and the HR manager directly and inform them about the whole thing.
Make sure to be totally honest as to the reason for the first rejection and why the decision changed. Assure the company that the same thing would never occur again. If one is lucky enough, the company would get back to the reapplication after considering the reasons.
The company must have found something in the applicant to suit the job, hence they might see the potential again in the candidate and would be open to offering the job again.
4. Is mail or Phone a better way to approach:
If you haverejected a job offer some time back but now changed the mind about the offer, then you would sure be confused on how to approach the hiring manager or the company again?
No need for any worries, one can always approach the company to inquire about the offer, to see if it’s been taken off the market, having got the required candidate or if it’s still available.
Make sure to call personally the manager or the HR of the company, rather than to drop them an email.
One can also go on to say that circumstances have changed and one would be open to the offer, once again. If the company finds the reason genuine enough and they still are on the lookout for a candidate, they might be open to resend the offer.
5. How you rejected the offer:
The main thing to consider about how to get a job offer back after declining it, is to take a look at the way one made the rejection.
One thing to make sure is one never ever gave any indication to take up the job, prior to declining the offer at a later date, thus taking the company and the manager for a hike.
Also, another thing to think about is that one should not remain quiet without appropriately responding to the job offer, thus leaving the manager to feel insulted.
6. If one rejected the offer in a pleasant and firm manner:
If the candidate rejected the offer from the company in a polite manner, then the path is more open to reapproaching the company about the offer.
What one needs to do is to reiterate the original view about the job offer with the recruiter or the hiring manager. Then go on to make them understand the reason for the change of mind and how things would be different this time around.
In case the vacancy is no more open, make it easier for them to bring you up to date on it. At the same time, leave them with the option to reapproach you at a later date, if any other vacancy comes up.
7. If one didn’t handle it well:
On the other hand, if the candidate never gave an inclination to the company about taking up an offer, only to later go and reject it or if one kept the hiring manager or company waiting without giving an appropriate answer to the offer, re-approaching them could be a task in itself.
The best approach on how to get a job offer back after declining it would be to address the chief concern first.
Begin by letting the recruiter or hiring manager know that one is totally wrong for inconveniencing or even offending them earlier. Then go to address the other concerns that the company might have.
8. Consider if to re-approach the company or not:
The candidate would also be confused regarding the availability of the job vacancy when considering how to get a job offer back after declining it.
However, in case if the job does remain available even after a very long time, one would have to think about the reason for it. Always make sure that the company or the employer has good reputation in the market.
Another thing to mull over is that even if the job offer is still available, one might have problems reapplying as the company would consider the candidate as someone who declined the job offer, for no reason whatsoever at an earlier date.
In such scenarios, the candidates need to be fully prepared to answer questions about the change of mind with regard to the job offer. Make an effort to turn up with a suitable explanation for reapplying for the vacancy still available.
9. When you know you might have made a mistake:
On the other hand, there are other scenarios where one knows they might have made a mistake in rejecting the offer outright, at the moment.
Nevertheless, now with a changed attitude and mind about the job offer, one would like to find ways on how to get a job offer back after declining it.
The candidate can begin by planning out the entire conversation, ahead of time so that one would be ready to explain the change of mind to the recruiter or the hiring manager, whenever required.
Going Back on a Job Offer you Initially Declined:
Asking a job offer that you have initially declined is not so easy. Though the employer would be happy to see you back, but before requesting there are few things that you need to consider. Few of them are
- Consider the employer’s hard work
- Your reputation might get damaged
- Your integrity can impress the employer
- Effective communication
- Most important, after accepting never decline a job offer
Also, let the company be aware of how one came to the current decision. In some cases, the hiring manager might be happy to rehire the candidate that has reapplied, as the company was keen on getting the candidate at an earlier date.
FAQs
How do you reach back out after declining a job offer? ›
If the reason you initially turned down the role is no longer an issue for you, the best way would be to approach the hiring manager directly. It is always better to call them and speak with them directly; this will show confidence, and give you a better chance of explaining yourself.
Can I get back an offer I rejected? ›There could have been various reasons for rejecting a job offer at that point of time. However, if the reason is no longer an issue and one wants to get back the job offer, once declined, the best way is to approach the company and the HR manager directly and inform them about the whole thing.
What are good reasons for declining a job offer after accepting? ›- Family circumstances prevent you from being able to accept the offer.
- You received a better offer or opportunity elsewhere.
- After further consideration, the company values/location/salary/work hours/culture will not be the best fit for you.
I am sorry to let you know that I have decided to decline your offer of employment. I appreciate the opportunity and I would like to thank you for considering me. However, after further consideration, I have decided that this is not the right position for me at this time.
How do I write a letter to reconsider a rejected job offer? ›Dear [recipient's name], Thank you for your response to my application for [the position you applied for]. I understand you have decided to pass on my application because [the reason they gave for passing on your application]. I would like to urge you to reconsider because of [your refutation of their reason].
How do you get reconsidered for a job? ›Make the Ask
Once you've made your case for why you're the ideal candidate, it's time to ask for reconsideration. Keep in mind that the company may have offered the job to someone else, so your request should give the company some latitude to consider you for a similar role, perhaps with a different hiring manager.
Declining a job offer under the hope that they will offer more money or a better deal is a bad idea. There were likely other candidates lined up for the role, and any one of them could be called to fill the position you don't accept. It's also disrespectful and even unprofessional in many ways.
What to do if offer is rejected? ›Communicate with the seller, change up your offer, and try again. Just because it's a “low ball” doesn't mean it's a bad offer. Maybe the seller is the one with unreasonable expectations. It's not always the price – find out what other terms the seller may be looking for.
What to do when someone rejects your offer? ›- Sample 1: Acknowledge the rejection and thank candidates for their time.
- Sample 2: Seek feedback and offer to help in the future.
- Sample 3: Send a counteroffer, if appropriate.
- Sample 4: Keep in touch for future opportunities.
Rejection is a natural part of the process, and we can pretty much guarantee they don't break a sweat when they call you to let you down—or don't even contact you again. Don't stress over someone who wouldn't do the same for you. Just keep things respectful, professional and keep it moving.
Do I need to give a reason for declining a job offer? ›
4. You should give a reason, but it can be vague. This might seem unfair, since employers turn down candidates all the time without offering a reason why, but it will help to preserve the relationship for the future if you give some explanation for your decision.
Is it rude to decline a job offer? ›Declining a job offer is not rude. It's part of the process and a company willing to offer you a job – knows there is a 50/50 chance that you may take another opportunity. If the job isn't right for you then it's not right for you. But avoiding communication does not make the situation easier on either party.
Should you apologize for rejecting a job offer? ›If you have received multiple job offers, it is vital to apologize and decline with dignity and grace. Even if the offer was for a low-paying position or not a good fit, you never know when you might be in the market for a job again.
How do I write an appeal to get my job back? ›- Your professional contact information.
- A summary of the situation you're appealing.
- An explanation of why you feel the decision was incorrect.
- A request for the preferred solution you'd like to see enacted.
- Gratitude for considering your appeal.
- Supporting documents attached, if relevant.
You can also politely ask why you didn't get the job. Asking these questions can help you learn what you can improve moving forward. Cognitive bias may make you believe your interview went perfectly while getting feedback can help you see the situation more realistically.
Can I ask for a second chance at an interview after getting rejected? ›Ask for a second chance at interviewing
Be clear about this. State that you're not looking for feedback but a second opportunity to interview for the role. Try to be as accommodating as possible and ask about potential availability for a second interview.
If you suspect wrongful termination, consider filing a lawsuit against your employer. California is one of the most employee-friendly states in the country. A wrongful termination tort claim could end in your favor if your attorney can show evidence of your employer's wrongdoing.
Can I beg for my job back? ›Navigating your way through career growth sometimes doesn't work out even with the best of intentions. But if you find yourself wishing you had never left your old position, there's good news: You actually can ask for your job back.
How do you boomerang back to a job? ›- Consider your previous experience with the company, including why you left.
- Ask yourself if you see opportunities to grow into a new role.
- Use your prior knowledge and skills to do well in your new position.
- Reach out to both old and new colleagues to ease the transition.
- The Salary Isn't Right. ...
- It Takes Forever to Get Benefits. ...
- It Doesn't Offer What You Want. ...
- There's No Clear Path. ...
- The Job Duties Are Mysterious. ...
- There's a Revolving Door. ...
- You Don't Like the Mission. ...
- The Hiring Process Was Subpar.
How to decline a job offer but leave the door open example? ›
For example, your email could say something like, thank you for offering me this position-- it's a great opportunity. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to accept a role with another company. Or I have decided not to move forward with this position. Thank you for your time.
How long can I decline a job offer? ›It's considered polite to phone the employer to decline a job offer, before you confirm in writing. You can decline a job offer by letter or email. Send this as soon as possible, i.e. within 48 hours. If you leave it too late, it'll seem like an afterthought.
How many job rejections is normal? ›There's not a set number of rejections you can expect to face when applying for a new position. There are many factors that can impact how likely you are to be successful when seeking new employment, and it's important to understand how these factors can impact the responses you receive from hiring managers.
What is a bait and switch job offer? ›A bait-and-switch job offer is when the actual job has large discrepancies with the job listing. For example, the digital marketing position you just started doesn't actually embody much creativity, unlike what the description entailed. Or the hours you're putting in far exceed what was previously agreed upon.
Do employers get mad when you decline a job offer? ›It is perfectly fine to reject job offers. For the companies, it's business as usual. They have multiple candidates for a single position, and we would be foolish not to be negotiating with multiple potential employers at the same time, too.
Should I email after declining the job offer? ›Once you've decided to decline a job offer, don't delay writing back to the employer. Letting the company know your decision in a timely manner will help them move forward more quickly, which is a courtesy you can do for them to show your appreciation for the offer as well.
What happens after you decline a job offer? ›Once you turn down a job you previously accepted, there is no going back. Declining may also negatively impact your chance of being considered for other positions at the organization in the future. Therefore, think carefully about the pros and cons of rejecting the job.
How to decline a job offer from a previous employer without burning bridges? ›Thank you for the offer and the time you've spent getting to know me. After careful consideration, I've made the decision to decline this opportunity. While I enjoyed [SOMETHING POSITIVE ABOUT THE HIRING PROCESS OR COMPANY], I have determined that accepting this role is not the right decision for me at this time.
How do you email to reapply for a job? ›[Introduce yourself, including your previous job title and length of employment, and express your excitement to have an opportunity to reapply for the position.] [Specify why you're reapplying for the job, how it fits with your career objectives, and why you want to work for the employer.] [Express gratitude.]
Is it disrespectful to decline a job offer? ›Declining a job offer is not considered unprofessional as long as you are respectful to the employers that have offered you a position. If you feel a job isn't a good fit for you after the application or trial process, you have every right to turn down a job offer.
How common is it to decline a job offer? ›
In the United States, 17.3 percent of job offers—over 1 in 6—are rejected, according to Glassdoor data, reflecting a steady increase in offer rejection rates over the last few years. So even when employers find qualified candidates, it's often difficult to convince candidates to accept offers.
How do you say no to a job offer but keep the door open? ›- Respond quickly. An important step in rejecting a job offer is to respond promptly. ...
- Express your gratitude. ...
- Politely decline the offer. ...
- Express your interest in a future role. ...
- Include your contact information. ...
- Revise for tone and errors.
Burning bridges is an idiomatic expression that means your actions have made it so you can no longer rely on past relationships or privileges. When exiting a position, the impression you leave on those around you can have a profound effect on your future opportunities.
Is it OK to apply for the same job twice? ›You can reapply for a job whether the company has reposted the job listing or because you've improved your application materials, but keep your options open by applying to other positions. You may find different jobs you're more qualified for or that you may enjoy more.
How do I write a letter to rejoin a job? ›It was a wrong decision to move on at that time and, therefore, I sincerely wish to rejoin. I had been a dedicated employee of your company for four years and parted with all the due formalities completed. I hope you will allow me to return to work. I eagerly look forward to your response and hope to serve again.
How do you ask an employer to rehire you? ›You can contact your former supervisor by email or phone call to explain that you'd like to be rehired and why. Once you've reached out, you can ask to meet in person to discuss further details. By using either email or a phone call, you can explain to them why you'd like to return to the company.