I would appreciate any advice on the following situations.

I would appreciate any advice on the following situations. Im stuck in how to best respond such that I dont burn bridges.

I interviewed for a role in early June that I got an "unofficial" offer for (started discussing compensation) but literally the day I was supposed to discuss that, news came out on a pretty controversial event (this led to majority of company's board resigning). I turned that down because the news of course scared me....Fast forward to today - Im still miserable in my current job and looking to leave ASAP before it ruined my health. I actually put in my two weeks at my current job without having another offer lined up. I've been interviewing with a few places and decided to give this company a call to see if they would reconsider (the news faded and didn't seem like there was a lot of fallout from that). This is how much I needed out of my current job plus I quit without another offer so needed to reach out to everyone I knew...Well they just got back to me today that they still haven't found anyone who's a fit for the role and want to offer me the role BUT I just received an offer from another Company that I will most likely be accepting. How do I properly turn down this first company that offered me the role despite me turning it down the first time?

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7 Comments

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  1. Amy

    First accept the other offer if that is what you want. Then I would suggest thanking them for getting back to you. Mention that you are happy that they extended the offer but are unable to accept at this time. Wishing them luck and maybe even offering to share their position with your network. That should keep the bridge upright.

  2. Julie Humbird

    I would accept the new offer and continue to negotiate with the first company. This is only if you would prefer the first company over the second. A wise person once said "I got this job while looking, why would I stop now?"

  3. Audrey Kirsch

    You said you're 'probably' going to take the new offer. If that's the job you want, you should secure it before telling the other company anything. You might want to know what the offers are before you accept or turn down anything.. Saying they want to make an offer is not the same as having the job confirmed.

  4. Anonymous

    Do you want an offer from the original company? If yes, let them offer you the role and compare the two offers. You can use the second offer as leverage to improve the offer that you are already considering. This is the best way to maximize your options.

    If you are uncomfortable about getting an offer from the original company while you ponder the first offer, you can let a day or two go by during which you decide on the first offer.

    -If you accept the first offer, advise Company 2 that you unexpectedly received a stronger offer from Company 1 that you have accepted. Thank Company 2 for their interest and wish them success.

    -If you decline the first offer, move forward with Company 2.

  5. Anonymous

    You simply say I have found a role that is a great fit so I accepted their offer. End of story

  6. Lauren Edwards

    If you want that job, you should secure before turning down the other offer. Then, I'd advise saying "thank you" for getting back to them. Mention how happy you are that they extended the offer but that you are unable to accept it because you have already found employment. Thank them and wish them luck so you will look professional in turning down their offer.

  7. Crystal Howell

    Thank you for the consideration, I have decided to go in another direction. Obvious,the company is having issues. Google any lawsuits. Better business bureau complaints, etc. Enjoy you meet job,check them.out too

    No bridges were burned

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