How to Graciously Back Out of an Accepted Job Offer

Use grace and tact if you need to decline a previously accepted job offer.

Getting more than one job offer might seem ideal, particularly if you've been on a lengthy job search for the right position. However, you have to choose the best one. If you've already accepted one job offer, yet get another offer that appeals to you more, you have an obligation to back out of the one you accepted as graciously as possible. Personal communication is the most courteous way to tell the hiring manager that you won't be coming to work for her after all.

Instructions

1. Review the job offer you accepted and compare it with other job offers you received. List the reasons why you selected one job over another. You may be more concerned about career mobility than current salary or benefits, or a generous time off policy may appeal to you for better work-life balance. Ensure you are making a decision that's right for you at this stage in your career. Be resolute about your decision--the chances are slim that you can come back to the employer if the job you ultimately select doesn't work out.

2. Prepare a script for your telephone call to the employer who offered you the job from which you need to back out. Start with one or two sentences about how much you appreciate the company's time and interest in your qualifications. The most gracious way to back out of a job you already accepted is to convey your appreciation for the time the recruiter and hiring manager spent during the recruitment and selection process. In your draft script, explain your reason for accepting another job offer. Describe your career choices and how you arrived at your decision. Rehearse your statement until you can comfortably speak with the hiring manager without a prepared script.

3. Schedule a time to call the hiring manager when you can speak openly and candidly. Place the call when you believe it's most convenient. Recall any comments the hiring manager may have made during the interview process about his most busy days of the week or chaotic times during each day. Don't wait until the last day of the week--calling earlier in the week gives the company time to restart the recruiting process in its search for another candidate.

4. Express your regret in backing out of the job offer. Avoid reading from your script, but include every point you wanted to make about how much you appreciate the company's time. Genuinely state your reasons for going with another company; maintain a firm and controlled tone throughout your brief conversation. Wish the hiring manager well in finding another suitable candidate.

References

• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Academic Job Offers and Negotiation: Receiving a Job Offer
• Net-Temps; I Accept ... The Ethics of Accepting a Job Offer; Patrick Mingarelle; 2003
• Virginia Tech: Ethical Issues Related to Accepting a Job Offer
• Mergers & Inquisitions; Can You Renege on Your Investment Banking Job Without Being Blacklisted for Life

Resources

• Forbes.com; You Got a Job Offer, Now What; Scott Reeves; March 2006