How to Reconsider After a Job Rejection
Reconsidering after a job rejection means you were offered a job but rejected the offer. Now you're second-guessing the decision and trying to decide if you should call the hiring manager to ask for the position. Sometimes job seekers have a tough time trying to decide what to do about a job offer, especially if it involves a move far away from home or a spouse must quit his job to make it work. Because of situations like that, reconsidering after rejecting a job offer is not uncommon and you should address it in a straightforward way.
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Instructions
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Review the reasons for your change of heart. The hiring manager or human resources representative is sure to ask about this. Companies want to hire people who have great confidence and who can make tough decisions and see these decisions through. Flip-flopping on something as critical as a job offer could suggest that you are prone to act indecisively under pressure. Prepare to counter this assumption when speaking with the representative.
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Contact the hiring manager or human resources representative who offered the position. Do this by telephone within one or two business days after turning down the offer. Waiting a week or two is too long because it's likely the company will have moved on to other candidates.
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Get right to the point at the start of the telephone conversation. Tell the company representative that you have had a change of heart and that you want the job. Take a minute or so longer to clearly explain why you've changed your mind -- and why the company should again extend the offer. For example, explain that you and your spouse have decided the move would be good after all or that you have reconciled feelings of guilt about moving away from aging parents and they're supportive.
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Ask for the offer again in writing if the company still wishes to hire you. If the company has moved on to other candidates, thank the representative for his time and politely end the conversation.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't use a reconsideration to reopen negotiations on salary or benefits. By turning down the job, you have given up all leverage to ask for a better deal.
Consider the possible damage to your ego if you call to ask for the job and the company refuses. Make sure you really, really want the position before calling back, and that you are fairly confident that the company will again offer you the job.
