Job Offer Rescinded

94 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 3:53PM UTC

   Anything and everything goes these days. I'm so sorry this happened. Glad you received multiple offers.

2. AnnMarieNovember 11,2025 at 4:28PM UTC

   After what you've experienced, is this really a company you want to be a part of?

   Trust me I know when you want a job so bad you are willing to make all kinds of compromises. Sometimes even though it hurts, its a blessing in disguise <3

3. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netNovember 11,2025 at 4:38PM UTC

   sounds to me like a bad reference--maybe someone knew someone or something on a background check.

4. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 7:20PM UTC

   They should have done the background check prior to the offer.

5. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 9:18PM UTC

   yuck - what a wild conclusion to make.

6. Carol GorskiNovember 11,2025 at 5:08PM UTC

   It may have absolutely nothing to do with you and the were force to offer the job to an internal candidate or they lost funding for the position. You could contact the recruiter or hiring manager and let them know your disappointment. But I would recommend moving on with your job search. This does happen regularly so I would not let it get you down!

7. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 5:35PM UTC

   That's awful. They shouldn't offer the job in the first place if they aren't certain. I would let them know you're disappointed, you were looking forward to using your talents to support them, and to please contact you if they end up needing to fill a similar position. In the meantime, accept your other offer, excel at that job, and realize that perhaps you dodged a bullet-- if they are that flaky in the hiring process, that job might not have been as good as it sounded.

8. Jenn ManyfieldNovember 11,2025 at 6:36PM UTC

   OMG, yes. I experienced the same. Received an awesome offer and after the drug test, which was normal I am just showing you how far I got after the offer, it was rescinded. I was hurt and confused and second guessed myself, but then I just said, what is for me is for me.

   I honestly go to work to get paid not make friends or base my whole livelihood around work. I know it sounds bad but I have joy outside of work and I have a business which if I wanted to sustain me it could.

   Be overly joyed and happy for the opportunity and experience it was interviewing. Seems so unfair but you probably dodged a bullet. Just imagine the atmosphere if this is something they do to non employees.

9. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 9:21PM UTC

   I am so sorry that happened to you as well. It's a garbage feeling.

10. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 6:37PM UTC

    That's just wrong. I'm so sorry you had to experience this. Possibly someone close to someone who works there snuck in afterward.

11. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 8:55PM UTC

    Yeah, that would BURN for anyone. That is downright evil how they paste in a basic 'sorry, we found one that matches better.'

    Stop thinking about it. It's not going to help you. I was nailed by a friend/coworker... I put the pressure on the recruiter and she gave me the down-lo.

    After 15 years, I ended the friendship and I have had zero regret. Some friend, right?

12. AnonymousNovember 11,2025 at 9:33PM UTC

    Yes, reach out directly to the person with whom you had the most direct contact information. Ask for the why. If you do not get a response please reach out directly to the CEO and let them know that you remain interested in their company and that you were excited to start there but have been left kind of baffled as to where things went south and you would like to be considered for roles in the future and to have some sort of closure re this current situation. If you hear nothing after that it's time for posting warning to glassdoor about what happened to you.

13. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 5:25AM UTC

    Yes, I had this happen two years ago, With a very large and reputable healthcare entity. It is the most baffling and disgraceful process to experience and witness. In my situation, The employer actually came back two weeks later and offered me another position!! At that point, I was so insulted that I told the human resource manager that I didn't want to work for their company under any conditions Because our values do not align. She knew exactly what I meant

14. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 1:11PM UTC

    That’s just disgusting of them. This is exactly why you can’t be loyal to any of these soulless companies. You don’t matter at all as an employee or as a person. You’re just a number on a page.

15. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 1:29PM UTC

    This happened to me last year and it turned out to be a mistake. They sent the decline letter for the prior job while I was considering an offer for the new job. So, if you haven’t already talked to them, please reach out to them to make sure that it wasn’t just a mistake or bad timing.

    If it’s actually legit, then at least they showed you who they were and you don’t want to work for them anyway. Regardless though, it absolutely sucks and job hunting is hard enough without crap like that.

16. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 1:29PM UTC

    This really is terrible but it may be better that you found out upfront how they operate. At the very least, the recruiter should have given you a call to explain what happened. I had a job offer rescinded earlier this year for some curious, unknown reason but at least the recruiter called me and told me it was because they "changed priorities" (the truth was that they changed racial demographics because they hired someone else with essentially the same credentials and experience the next month). But at least they gave me the courtesy of calling.

17. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 1:30PM UTC

    I am so sorry that this happened to you! Despicable behavior on their part but I think you dodged a bullet. If they do that, what else would they do? I know it's so discouraging and you've been looking for a while, but I truly believe that something else will come along even better. Hang in there!

18. surfnwriteNovember 12,2025 at 1:36PM UTC

    If this is the way they behave, this is not a place where you would want to work anyway.

19. Danielle LoiNovember 12,2025 at 1:37PM UTC

    I had something similar happen. I was recommended for a position with a small company, went through 3 interviews each more promising than the last, just to be sent an email saying that unfounded they’re moving on in the process without me. When I asked if feedback could be given based in the interview process I was told that they don’t do interview feedbacks and then received an email asking for feedback on the interview process.

    This was all for an entry level job in a startup company . I’ve been job hunting since April. The closest I got was working at the airport doing a job that was tearing up my recently replaced shoulder. I… don’t know what to do.

20. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 1:41PM UTC

    Unfortunately, it is 4th quarter for a lot of businesses and they may just implemented a hiring freeze or the budget that was originally approved, has been revaluated and put on hold.

    Don't consider it a bad thing for a company to have sent this to you. As others have stated check back with them and let them know you are still interested in them. A lot of companies do not want to say to an external candidate we are on a hiring freeze, they will make up something (usually a form letter that legal states will keep them out of EEOC hiring trouble) to try an let you down gently.

    I know in my company they had formal offers that were getting ready to be sent and the directive came down just moments before the offers went out to put all open positions on hold. We were now on an official hiring freeze and travel restrictions. Thank goodness for those 5 people that the offer did not go out.

    Not sure if anyone else was already in the hiring process and what happened to them.

21. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 1:42PM UTC

    The behavior of companies today is just disgusting. I can only attribute it to the fact since it’s an employer’s market, they just don’t care.

    I am so sorry this happened to you.

22. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 2:04PM UTC

    I had this happen once and it turned out they didn't intend to send the email to me, it was meant for another candidate for the position.

    Luckily, I reached out to them, very kindly, and expressed my confusion. In my case I had, indeed, turned down another job offer and I did express that to them and very kindly asked if I had misunderstood something. I promptly received a response wherein they apologized profusely for the mix-up, saying the job was indeed mine and they had mistakenly sent the email to the wrong person.

    Maybe you should reach out, just to confirm.

23. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 5:12PM UTC

    I think you are correct. It sounds like a job platform. As someone who has used many platforms, from Jobvite to Jazz it could be an easy error to make. Even if it was unintentional, I am sorry this happened to you.

24. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 2:05PM UTC

    Did you sign a job offer letter?

    Are you sure the decline email was for you? It sounds like a template email that can unfortunately be triggered in error. Especially since you were considered for another role. Is it possible that the decline was for the initial role that you're aware you didn't get?

    I would follow up with the recruiter directly and ask them to clarify. It's unlike that you would sign and offer letter and it is rescinded without them sending you direct personalize communication if not a phone call. The templates message is questionable. So request a conversation.

25. Amy LaverdiereNovember 12,2025 at 4:28PM UTC

    This. Many companies use automated systems for processing applications. When they hire someone they close out the rest of the applicants, and automated rejections are sent out without any review by the recruiter. You should definitely reach out to the hiring manager and see if it was for the position you were offered.

26. BarbaraNovember 12,2025 at 5:26PM UTC

    Good point!!

27. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 2:53PM UTC

    I’m so sorry that happened. Sounds like you should reach out, to make sure it wasn’t a mistake. I had a job offer rescinded. It was after being unemployed for 3 years, working for the nonprofit one summer and being offered a full time job. Then someone sent an email to the Executive Director lying that they had met me at a networking event, when I hadn’t gone to any events during that time, implied that I requested sexual favors for a job, and that I had claimed I could get them a job. The board reviewed the accusations and my offer was rescinded. After the ED had me cancel my health insurance to switch to theirs. Maybe it was fate. Weeks later I was contacted by the company I now work for, for a part time job that led to full time permanent, right before the pandemic.

28. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 5:24PM UTC

    Now that is a horrible story worthy of a Bravo housewives episode! Couldn’t you sue for liable since it wasn’t true? Wow.

29. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 4:10PM UTC

    I am so sorry this happened to you. That is so hurtful, and their lack of explanation. My heart breaks for you because I know how it feels to look for a job, especially in this job market. I had something similar happen years ago with Charles River Apparel. They hired me, then my husband got Grand Jury duty and I needed to be home for our son 30 minutes early once a week until his jury duty was done. We were also caring for my parents who both suffered from dementia in addition to our 5 year old. They rescinded the offer (luckily before I gave notice to my employer). It was over a decade ago but I'm still feeling bad about it. That said, it was probably the best thing that could have happened and things worked out for the best. I am wishing that for you.

30. BarbaraNovember 12,2025 at 5:22PM UTC

    At least you knew why they rescinded the offer. Good for you for being honest and good for them for knowing it wouldn’t work for them. Win win! Having no idea can be so much worse! The mind takes us on some crazy trips!

31. Janet ParkhurstNovember 13,2025 at 12:57AM UTC

    Dear Anonymous,

    I know that company! It is located on Route 1 in Sharon, MA. I drive by it frequently. But maybe the company has other offices throughout the U.S., too. I agree with Barbara that the honesty on both ends worked out for the best, meaning, you weren't left with the big question: did I do/say something to change their minds?

    I, too, had a job offer rescinded (from another company--not Charles River Apparel) many years ago, and I honestly can't remember if there was a letter of offer or not. (I think there was--I would never accept an offer without one.) The reason I was given was that a new (male) VP came into the company and was furious that the women managers had gone ahead and hired me without his knowledge or permission, even though he wasn't even physically at the company at that point in time. I got a sense my rescinded offer was the result of a crushed ego and a little bit of misogyny, which probably happens more often than we know. Luckily, I received that awful phone call from the woman who would have been my boss, just MINUTES before I was going to go into my current boss's office and give notice!!!

    Best wishes to both you and the original poster, and thank you for taking the time to post your reply!

32. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 4:19PM UTC

    I know your disappointment. I had an offer rescinded AFTER I resigned from my most current company. I really did not want to work for my current company any longer, so I did not reach out to them, and they typically do not rehire people anyway.

    I am going into my 3rd month of unemployment. It's not easy. I keep reading about ageism and I am just hoping that is not preventing me from getting interviews.

    It is tough to try to understand why hiring managers do what they do. It is more than likely not you at all. Maybe they already had someone in mind that finally accepted. Wishing you the best in your search.

33. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 5:17PM UTC

    Wow. After sending a formal letter that you formally accepted? That’s weird and brutal! I had thought that unless there were serious extenuating circumstances,

    this is a valid contract and some sort of compensation needs to be given. Again I’m not a lawyer but it is a contract on which you relied. I just wonder if this small company is run by a crazy ceo that does weird stuff like this. I worked at a small company that was one crazy shock after another due to the omnipotent crazy ceo. I would definitely respond , but first check to see if you have any rights here.

34. BarbaraNovember 12,2025 at 5:30PM UTC

    Definitely confirm that this isn’t some sort of snafu. Prior check what your rights are since you have a formal contract that you formally accepted. If it turns out to be real be assertive in finding out why. Don’t let them off too easy.

35. AnonymousNovember 12,2025 at 6:07PM UTC

    We have rescinded offers at the organizations I have worked for over the years - but it's been due to background screen results or something that would legally permit us to do so. I'm wondering if someone there or someone who knows someone there possibly had some inside dirt on you (real or imagined) that caused them to rethink their decision. I ask that because that has happened to me - was not to offer stage but after a great interview, I was declined because a friend of the GM where I interviewed knew an individual in the department of a company where I used to work - she did not like me and told them I had a reputation as a party girl. I only found out because one of my husband's friends got me the interview there and found that out and shared with me.

36. Coach Nancie Kay ShumanNovember 12,2025 at 8:10PM UTC

    I am going to jump on the reach out to them and make sure the email wasn't sent to you by accident.The red flag to me is that they said, "...we have determined that another candidate’s qualifications more closely align with the requirements of the role." As you have a signed offer in hand, you could easily take them to Court and make them prove that the other candidate is a better fit.

    If you have aphone number, I would suggest a call as opposed to an email. You can always then follow up with an email recapping everything.Hopefully, this is simply a clerical error.

    Personally, I have been offered a job three times and always had a reason from the company why they changed their minds. This tells me a great deal about the company. Good luck and please let us know the outcome. We are rooting for you!

37. Dr. Patty GrossNovember 12,2025 at 9:29PM UTC

    Is it possible they confused the two positions? I would reach out to ensure that they rescinded the offer rather than sent you a "sorry" letter about the other position when they hired someone for that position.

38. AnonymousNovember 13,2025 at 10:57AM UTC

    Good thinking! By all means follow up on that; you have nothing to lose and potentially a job to gain!!!

39. AnonymousNovember 13,2025 at 1:45PM UTC

    Did the message say the offer was rescinded?

    If not, I completely agree to follow up. If they did rescind, what is the worst they can say?

    We use the a special Hiring system and when hire for a different role, we have to put the candidate was "rejected" for this role and select a reason. Most select "not a fit or someone else with more experience" They will receive the rejection email even if hired for a different position.

    Definitely call and make sure. It seems to me if you received an offer letter

40. AnonymousNovember 13,2025 at 1:25PM UTC

    Double check with your hiring manager. The email could be the email informing you that you did not get the original job you applied for. When we have people who apply for multiple jobs, the person gets a email stating that they did not get the position for the job they didn't get.

41. Edward WilliamsNovember 13,2025 at 1:40PM UTC

    Most likely, the company did a reference check and negative information transpired.

42. AnonymousNovember 14,2025 at 4:35PM UTC

    That happened to me a few years ago. I had a verbal offer which was tanked by a bad reference (they were bitter because I left for a better opportunity, and I had no idea they felt that way). I'd quit a job for this one and wound up with nothing.

    However, months later I found out this place hired a former coworker who, to put it mildly, I wasn't on good terms with. I would have quit the second that person was hired, so there was a good reason it didn't work out. I went on to better roles and the OOP will too.

43. Marianne FieldsNovember 13,2025 at 1:44PM UTC

    As someone who works in marketing automation and sees system errors constantly, I’d recommend getting direct confirmation that the offer was truly rescinded. Automation mistakes happen every day—but rescinding a formal offer through what feels like a generic email is extremely rare.

    I’d reply with your signed offer letter attached and ask them to clarify the status. It’s reasonable to expect a clear, personal explanation for something this significant.

    My guess is the same as others have mentioned: when they closed the original job requisition, the system probably triggered an automated rejection to everyone in that pipeline, without recognizing you were being hired through a separate process. Many applicant systems just aren’t built to handle that.

    Check the applicant portal too—it may show conflicting statuses that support this theory.

    You deserve clarity here, and there’s nothing wrong with asking for it. This would shake anyone, and I’m sorry you’re going through it.

44. Tayo BadejoNovember 13,2025 at 1:46PM UTC

    This happened to my friend. Not to downplay your experience but she was at another job and had resigned from there; send off done waiting to resume on Monday and on a Friday, they canceled it all. She took them to court. Took her almost 6 months to get another job. It was so sad. They settled out of court.

    I recommend you reach out and have a conversation. She tried same but it was silent from their end so she had her lawyers write in

45. Sarah WoodsNovember 13,2025 at 2:07PM UTC

    I would respond professionally, something like:

    "I'm disappointed to hear that the offer has been rescinded, especially after accepting and making plans to join the team. Before I move forward, I wanted to confirm whether this decision is final, and if so, whether there's any feedback you can share that might help me understand what changed or how I can improve for future opportunities.
    Thank you for your time and consideration throughout this process."

    Even if they re-offer you the role, I'd be hesitant to join a company like that. However, I also fully grasp the reality of the job market now and any job is sometimes better than holding out for a better one.

    You may have a case under promissory estoppel in the US. In some states, you may argue that you reasonably relied on the offer (e.g. quit your job, relocated, etc.) and were harmed by the company's decision. It's not common and people are rarely successful with this (offer letters aren't contracts, etc.).

    I'm sorry this happened to you.

46. Lori DolanNovember 13,2025 at 2:07PM UTC

    I would personally reach out to whomever hired you via a telephone call. It may be that you accidentally received the wrong Robo response.

47. AnonymousNovember 13,2025 at 2:14PM UTC

    Yes! I had the offer and when I sent an email to renegotiate they didn't respond. Mind you I only asked for them to consider an offer that was more indicative of the reason you offered me the position. (19 years exp; jump right in; yada yada) After waiting a full 10 business days I declined the offer. I was gasssd at first but what I didnot want to do was internalize their projections and wander in a haze of gaslight and wind up in a toxic workplace situation. In the past have ended up in a negative situation before it was to late. This rejection is definitely for your protection! Good luck to you!

48. AnonymousNovember 13,2025 at 2:44PM UTC

    I’m sorry to hear that your job offer was rescinded. I had a similar experience with one of the major investment banks. After 7 interviews and several months, the recruiter provided me with a verbal acceptance/offer.

    However, the next day I received a rejection email from someone else in HR. I called the recruiter immediately and eventually found out it was a mistake.

    By all means, reach out to the person who extended the offer to determine if it was a mistake. Good luck! Your dream job is on its way!!!!

49. Evelyn LivantNovember 13,2025 at 2:44PM UTC

    My opinion is that you dodged a bullet. It may not feel like it right now. I had a similar experience. Great inter and the CEO started the hiring process. Then I got a call rescinding the offer stating that the CEO didn’t know about a budget issue.

    You are better off not working for a company that operates like that.

50. Neal RosenblattNovember 13,2025 at 3:01PM UTC

    I agree that you are better off not working there. Nothing is complete until the offer letter is sent out. I would write them a letter/email telling them how unprofessional they acted.

51. AnonymousNovember 13,2025 at 7:06PM UTC

    I had an offer letter. The rescinded AFTER sending the letter. Oh well. Onwards and upwards.

52. GloriNovember 13,2025 at 3:04PM UTC

    Something similar happened to me and I was leaving a full-time job that I had been at for over 20 years. It wasn’t until I was completely out of the other role and about to start the new one, that they rescinded the offer and claimed it was a hiring freeze. I am two years on the other side of it, and it was the biggest blessing in my life. Not only did the business. I was supposed to work for fall apart, multiple times since then, but I have started my own business and could not be happier. I do believe when one door closes another one opens. Don’t give up and see it as a gift!

    ps: I had already accepted the offer in writing, was onboarded, and selected my computer needs, had my physical, etc. Regardless of my leaving my job for that position I never got unemployment even with legal support because I left my other job voluntarily. Apparently only if it’s a time limited contracted job, that’s rescinded, are you protected. At least that that’s New Jersey laws.

53. SaraNovember 13,2025 at 4:14PM UTC

    Great story, Glori.

54. Eleen WhiteNovember 13,2025 at 5:22PM UTC

    This happened to me a few years ago. I interviewed for an Event Sales role at a prestigious venue and was verbally offered the job on the spot and I was thrilled.

    Before leaving, they asked me to complete a psychometric test. I did, and on the way home, my agent called to say the offer had been withdrawn.

    I was devastated and had to ask why. Their feedback? My scores showed I wasn’t “aggressive enough.”

    It was a tough moment, but on reflection, it taught me two things:

    Not being pushy was something I could live with.

    It was a honest nugget I could be ready for next time, and frame my strengths confidently in another way.

    I’m sorry you’re going through this. It takes courage to put yourself out there, but knowledge is power—use this experience to prepare and decide if the role truly fits you.

55. SameeraNovember 13,2025 at 5:39PM UTC

    Definitely reach out because I'm hearing more and more about disconnects in HR and their system. Check if this wasn't a miscommunication in closing out your process. Like a bulk update that accidentally selected you too. Get a written response before assuming

56. Christine CNovember 13,2025 at 7:21PM UTC

    You may have dodged a bullet. You WANT to work for a company that practices clear and intentional communication - not just with HR, but within every department. I've found over the years, where there's smoke, there's fire. I would simply send a brief email thanking them for their time and consideration. Then move on to seek companies that value you and your skills.

57. The Moonlit QuillNovember 14,2025 at 12:24PM UTC

    This is less about you and more about the company dysfunction, top-down. They've shown you who they are; indecisive, unserious, and unprofessional. When someone, including an organization or corporation, shows you who they are; believe them.

    You need to cut your losses, and invest your time in finding a company that takes itself more seriously.

58. AnonymousNovember 14,2025 at 1:21PM UTC

    It's hard to imagine that this is blessing in disguise after searching for 5 months ( it took me 9 months to find a new job) - This is probably a good sign . Move on to the next opportunity

59. AnonymousNovember 14,2025 at 1:23PM UTC

    I am so sorry this happened to you. On to the next, these companies don’t give a damn.

60. Tiana MumfordNovember 14,2025 at 1:23PM UTC

    Good day this is very disheartening and so unprofessionally in my opinion . I have never had that happen to me before. It makes me think if they possible given it to someone they knew already. At this point what would you say ?I would not respond besides thank you for reaching out. It is not going to remove the hurt but it definitely makes me think and wonder if I would add a similar question to my interview question list that ask it in a round about way to guard you for next time. Companies do all sort of things that is disheartening and then have ways to cover themselves while leaving employees or canidiates heartbroken or hurt. The good side it could be a blessing in disguised their no will be somewhere else yes.

    Blessings

61. AnonymousNovember 14,2025 at 1:24PM UTC

    reach out to the last company and see if they still need you.

62. Tasha ReidNovember 14,2025 at 1:38PM UTC

    I went through this. I had written up my two weeks notice for the job I was currently working. I was so excited for the next chapter in my life, then BOOM. Job rescinded. Like how can that even happen. Devastated

63. AnonymousNovember 14,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

    I’m so sorry that happened to you! But “Rejection is God’s Protection “. I have had that exact experience and I to was completely baffled and hurt. Honestly didn’t know how or what to say. Also imagine receiving over 100 rejection letters since being laid off in July 2024. Although it’s extremely hard to stay positive, I chant to myself “Rejection is God’s Protection”. I believe this whole heartedly.

64. Dawn KingNovember 14,2025 at 1:43PM UTC

    You probably dodged a bullet if they are so capricous.

65. AnonymousNovember 14,2025 at 1:50PM UTC

    Same thing happened to me …and during COVID when so many people were without jobs (me included).

    You don’t want to work for an organization that treats people so poorly….it says a lot about the management.

66. Tracy JamisonNovember 14,2025 at 1:58PM UTC

    I would reach out to them. My father had the same thing happen, called the company, and learned the email went out in error in a bulk email to all applicants.

67. Lauren MatsonNovember 14,2025 at 1:59PM UTC

    There’s a few reasons this could happen. Typically an offer is contingent on a background check that is initiated once a candidate accepts. It’s possible that if they find something that concerns them, they withdraw. It doesn’t have to be criminal or credit, it could be that they couldn’t confirm something on a resume was correct, like a job title. However, it is odd that they did not send you any direct communication that indicated that was the reason. (Nor am I suggesting that this is the reason - it’s just one that could result in a post-offer rejection).

    The way it reads, I wonder if another candidate they preferred became available, and this is the decision they made. That’s unfortunate, but like others have said, you will probably end up being happier having lost out on this role rather than winning it.

    My one question is if it came directly from a person or was generated like a form letter. If the latter, you may want to reach out to the person you were in contact with and ask about it directly. The language is what they typically sent in auto responses after their selected candidate has accepted an offer, so if it came as a form letter, maybe you accidentally got scooped into the rejected correspondence when another candidate (you) accepted the offer? Technology can let us all down, and they may not even know. I don’t think it hurts to reach out directly and say “I’m confused, I had just accepted this offer and now it’s being withdrawn. Can you please help me understand what happened?” It’s fair to ask for an explanation for a withdrawal, at least so you don’t have to be anxious about all the possible reasons.

68. Focused279616November 14,2025 at 4:02PM UTC

    I agree with all of this

69. Nicki HendrixNovember 14,2025 at 2:30PM UTC

    i got a rejection once after a verbal offer. However, it wasn’t real— it was a function of their ATS. I would reach out to the hiring manager and ask if it’s a mistake.

70. Felicia McGintyNovember 14,2025 at 3:37PM UTC

    So sorry this happened to you. Very unusual and disappointing. Take the time you need to morn, it's a shitty situation. Then keep your head up and continue the search.

71. AnonymousNovember 14,2025 at 4:23PM UTC

    Be encouraged, you may have dodged a bullet. I received an verbal offer, and then got ghosted. I even delivered a thank you note after, but still ghosted. I was in shock that they could not even send a rescind letter or message. I can see things differently now, for so many reasons, I would have hated to start the job, and then have them change their minds. Better things ahead. I want to work for someone who respects and values my wort. Best wishes to you!

72. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 12:10AM UTC

    this seems so

    cruel

73. Dr. Tega EdwinNovember 14,2025 at 6:15PM UTC

    That’s such a painful and confusing experience, and you deserve space to grieve it. Give yourself grace right now, this is one of those career moments that just hurts. After months of searching, to get that kind of good news and then have it taken away so abruptly? It’s heartbreaking and unfair.

    That said, I do encourage you to reach out, especially since it’s a smaller organization and you already had a relationship with the hiring manager and COO. You can send a brief, professional note that acknowledges your disappointment and asks if they can provide any clarity. Sometimes rescinded offers have absolutely nothing to do with you. It could be a sudden budget change, internal politics, or a shift in priorities. Getting even a small amount of context can help you stop replaying it in your head and move forward.

    And while this may not feel like it right now, I genuinely hope you’ll get to a point where you see this as protection, not rejection. A company that pulls back an offer that quickly — after a verbal and written commitment — is showing you a major red flag about its internal communication and culture. You deserve to work somewhere stable, transparent, and respectful, and this likely wasn’t it.

    Take a beat to rest, reflect, and then remind yourself: this setback doesn’t change your value. It just means this door wasn’t the right one.

74. Cynthia BecklesNovember 14,2025 at 8:23PM UTC

    Thank you for sharing. Sorry to hear what happened to you.

75. AnonymousNovember 15,2025 at 1:32PM UTC

    Honestly, I'd talk to an attorney. You don't deserve this and I hope better things come for you ASAP!

76. Jen FrischenNovember 16,2025 at 3:41PM UTC

    Not everything requires or is appropriate for legal action.

77. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 4:02AM UTC

    True, but "Detrimental reliance", which is applicable in this situation, IS appropriate for legal action in many states.

78. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 12:06AM UTC

    agreed its worth a shot this sounds very unethical

79. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 2:36PM UTC

    Pointless to call an attorney over this. Happens all the time.

80. AnonymousNovember 15,2025 at 2:36PM UTC

    Im so sorry this happened to you. Either they made some moves I internally and filled it that way or thier top candidate became available.

81. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 11:35AM UTC

    This happened to me once. The hiring manager reached out to me and asked me to apply, which I did, and interviewed well. However, an internal candidate that none of us thought was available turned up, and objectively, I had to agree that he had a couple of qualifications that I did not from a physical point of view - moving furniture and machines - and from a setting up a website from scratch point of view.

    It stung, but I think it was the proper decision for the organization. When I analyzed it, I also realized that this released me to pursue opportunities that would actually be a more profitable use of my time, so all was well.

    A plus was that I was good friends with the internal candidate and ended up working well in supporting him in some of the areas I was stronger in while working in a volunteer capacity with the organization.

    My point with regards to the current situation is that yes, there are often some internal factors that are not apparent. The hiring manager in my case did explain the situation to me, which I appreciated, as it was awkward for her and took some courage.

82. AnonymousNovember 15,2025 at 2:39PM UTC

    Says a lot about the company doesn’t it? You should feel relieved. Better things ahead!

83. Melanie SNovember 15,2025 at 2:51PM UTC

    I'm so sorry this happened, but I agree with others you may just have dodged a bullet.

    I had something similar happen about a year ago: I wasn't even looking, but a recruiter reached out to me for an EA role. Had video interviews with both the recruiter and the company, and an in person interview. The CEO said she wanted to hire me, would go through the proper channels with recruiter. THEY SENT ME A LAPTOP.

    Then...nothing. Finally the recruiter said it turned out they didn't have funding. However, this was a non-profit that supports a particular ethnic group (which is great!), a group that I am very OBVIOUSLY not a member of. I was honestly surprised I made it as far as I did, as I figured they would hire someone of that group, for a role directly supporting the CEO. I suspect when the Board learned who they wanted to hire, they said no. I've since seen on LinkedIn that they hired someone who probably looked more "appropriate". Like you, I was disappointed and hurt, and it took a bit of time to step out of it, and see it for the opportunity it was, to avoid a potentially difficult role.

    (Oh, and then they expected me to do the legwork to return the laptop..)

84. AnonymousNovember 16,2025 at 3:40PM UTC

    If the place was local, I would have been happy to just return the laptop in person and wish them well.

    Otherwise, it's on them to arrange to get the laptop back. They pay all shipping costs and arrange for its pickup.

85. Melanie SNovember 16,2025 at 7:30PM UTC

    Yes I would have been happy to, but I also had contracted Covid at the time so....wasn't going anywhere. They did make the arrangements, but I did have to push for that.

86. Ann SweeneyNovember 17,2025 at 1:42PM UTC

    Wow. That sounds really hard, but it also sounds like you def dodged a bullet.

    FWIW, you had no responsibility to return that laptop and more importantly, they should have sent you a label and a box TO YOUR HOME so it could easily be returned.

    That would have been doing right by you.

87. Jen FrischenNovember 16,2025 at 4:10PM UTC

    I two similar situations early this year. I had taken a job offer to start early in the year. It was presented as a primarily remote position. The company was sent me a laptop, printer, appropriate access to postage/shipping. It was a little less $ than another offer I received, but it was going to offer some welcome flexibility. I had interviewed with the owner of the company twice. My direct supervisor was away on a family emergency so I hadn't met her yet. I did tell the owner I wanted to at least have a conversation with my direct supervisor before starting. Suddenly it all changed. My direct supervisor informed me that she expected me to be in the physical office daily and that my hours would be a lot more than I was told. I told her we would need to renegotiate the salary to account for the commute (60 miles round trip daily).

    The owner said he would get something worked out. The morning I was to start, I showed up to fill out some paperwork and discuss a particular project. I was told they were going in a different direction and I needed to return all of the equipment to their office. I would have taken it all with me if I had known. The position has been filled and re-opened three times since then and remains open- 11 months later.

    I applied for another position and got an offer to start two weeks later. I was then ghosted and told I didn't have the experience they wanted.

    It took several months to find my current position. It has worked out well.

    Looking back, I'm relieved the other doors closed.

88. JulieNovember 16,2025 at 10:22PM UTC

    I'm so sorry this happened to you. I have a friend who is a recruiter (albeit in Canada) and she was absolutely shocked when an offer I had was rescinded. I don't think it's so common, but like others say, it's usually a bullet, dodged. (When I asked my recruiter why the offer was rescinded, I could tell she felt awful giving me the news: Apparently I was seen as 'too rigid' and 'not flexible enough' for the job based on my wanting certain things (agreed to vocally) added to the written offer (I'd been burned in the past). Turns out this company has an awful rep and major turnover, so it was for the best. But that never makes it feel better in the moment. It may not feel like it now, but something better WILL come along.

89. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 12:05AM UTC

    this is so horrible, I was about to get a job offer and it was canceled and I received a deck letter via email as well. If I did get an offer and this happened I would call HR and ask where you fell short and how this is appropriate since you signed and submitted your written offer. The position was prob canceled but again, super horrible and sounds like a mess. You probably did dodge a bullet but call and make sure because I have heard this can happen by accident as well.

90. AnonymousNovember 17,2025 at 5:22PM UTC

    A similar thing happened w me once. It turned out that because of a reorg my position was no longer needed.

    I would definitely reach out to the recruiter. Take a deep breath and keep it professional. In these cases it has nothing to do with you. It could be political - or maybe the CEO’s golf buddy’s daughter needs a favor and HR didn’t get the memo…who knows???

    But definitely reach out. You have every right to get an explanation. Good luck!

91. Kelsey BurnesNovember 17,2025 at 10:31PM UTC

    I would say you dodged a bullet. They shouldn't hand out formal offers if they are still qualifying candidates. Or whatever else happened. It seems like they don't have it together or respect the cadidate experience, which makes me question the employee experience.

92. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 2:45PM UTC

    These things happen unfortunately quite often. With the entire market/economy in turmoil there could be a dozen reasons why they rescinded the offer. Looks like you have another offer already so don't dwell on their failures but focus on your success of getting 2 offers which means you're a great candidate and two companies wanted you!! Years ago I accepted an offer, went through all the steps, showed up on my first day and the building was shuttered. They went out of business and no one bothered to contact me. I was upset but realized quickly that they all lost their jobs too and I was not a priority. Tried to reach out and everything was shut down including phone & emails. Was very strange and happy I hadn't started yet in that moment. Lesson learned on my part about doing a deep dive as much as possible into a company's financial stability before accepting an offer.

93. AnonymousNovember 18,2025 at 7:00PM UTC

    I am sorry this happened to you. Not sure how common it is. Regardless you deserve to ask what happened and for feedback. Thank them for the consideration and information. Especially if you want to be considered in future. You mentioned they are a small firm and this would be a pivot in your career, so it may be for the best. Sometimes things happen for the right reasons.

    Reading through many of the comments, I highly recommend doing deep research on companies and confirming they really align with your values and what you want from a company. Sometimes the skills align but the overall culture or people do not.

    Good luck with your potential new offer.

94. OLIVIA JOHNSONNovember 23,2025 at 2:59AM UTC

    Hi there!

    Sorry to hear this but let's put it in perspective as well. Coming from an aspect of understanding systems and processes, my first suggestion is to make sure it is accurate and not an error. I would immediately reach out to your HR contact (the person who sent you the offer letter and information). I would give them a call first. Share what was received and that you want to confirm that it is accurate.

    I do see that this is a week or so ago, so if you have not already done this I would do it right away.

    IF it is determined it is not an error, then I would share the circumstances of receiving outreach directly for the role, receiving an offer and what created the change of heart.

    Last effort would be to take a look at the site to see if there are other roles you would be interested in and have those in hand as you have this conversation to find out if there are other roles that you could be moved into and suggest the roles you found if none are identified.

    In my career this is a rare occurrence and usually not with the messaging that you received after and offer has already been extended, which leads me to believe that it could be an error, especially if it was a canned email and didn't specifically state that the offer was being rescinded.

    Hope this helps and praying for the it being an error.

    Coach Olivia