Responding appropriately to a withdrawn job offer gives you control of your present and future career options. Show Getting a job offer is one of those exciting life moments — until it isn't. While rare, there are times when a job offer will be withdrawn, often without warning and sometimes without explanation. Knowing how to respond to a rescinded job offer involves understanding why it happened, learning what is and isn't in your control, and how to react in a professional manner. Understanding why offers are rescindedBecause of the cost in wasted time and resources, companies don't benefit from rescinding a job offer and won't do it unless they believe it's the only option. When an offer is taken back, it's usually due to one of these two circumstances:
According to hiring managers and Human Resources professionals, it's more often candidate actions and not company factors that lead to an offer being withdrawn, although in reality a job offer can be rescinded for just about any reason that isn't considered discriminatory. Reducing the chances of offer withdrawalAlong with avoiding the above post-offer mistakes, candidates can also decrease the chance of offer withdrawal through how they act during the interview process. These are the aspects that are absolutely within your control:
Along with these tips, be proactive and talk to your point person about what would happen if by some chance the offer was revoked. How soon would you know? Ask if your offer letter can reflect all the details, as well as whether or not you can keep any signing bonus or advance. Responding to a revoked offerIf the offer is rescinded despite all your best efforts, there are some specific actions you can take to learn why and to possibly keep the door open if it was solely a company issue:
Know your legal rightsWhile an employer can rescind a job offer at will, it can't do so for reasons related to race, age, gender, religion, or national origin. If you feel your offer was withdrawn based on these discriminatory factors, you may want to seek legal help. Don't jump the gunFinally, don't resign from your current position until you have signed a formal job offer document and know that you've met all of the company's hiring requirements. In addition, have a detailed backup plan if the worst should happen and the offer is taken back after you've quit your current job. Planning ahead on how to respond to a withdrawn job offer keeps you in control — until you ultimately walk through the door on that first day of your new job. Is your resume showcasing you authentically? Our professional resume writers know how to strike the perfect balance that gets you the interview. Recommended Reading:
Related Articles:How do you respond to a rescinded job offer?Get an explanation: Stay calm, let the organization know that you're disappointed in losing this opportunity, and request a detailed explanation of their decision. The information may prevent you from repeating mistakes you made or confirm that it was an unforeseen corporate problem.
Is it unethical to rescind a job offer?It's legal to rescind a job offer in an at-will employment situation or state. At-will employment means the employer can terminate an employee for any legal reason, and employees can quit without notice or explanation.
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