© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Is it ok to withdraw from a job once you signed your offer?
I've been unemployed since COVID started and actively started applying in May/June. I've received one verbal offer that was not an ideal fit for me and I didn't want to work there that ultimately was re-tracked. Then I was referred by an associate for a job that I interviewed for and was sent an offer that I signed. The day after I signed my offer, I received a call from a company that I really wanted to work for. Not sure how the recruiter did not see my follow up emails but they "love" me as she stated in her email. I told her I had an offer from another company, but didn't tell her I signed the offer letter. I don't have an offer from them yet, but how bad is it that I renege on the signed offer I already accepted to go with the company I really want to work for if they offer me?
Goalsetter321800
23
09/06/20 at 11:05PM UTC
Before you feel any worse, keep in mind that you are rejecting a company not a person. You are the individual. They don't have feelings. You have to look out for yourself. They look out for their bottom line.
Joy Chua-Schwartz
12
07/30/20 at 2:04AM UTC
You can walk away even after you've signed an offer letter, but know that you'll most likely be burning a bridge there. That said, I would 100% recommend you go for the dream company and dream job - you won't give the first company a second thought once you're there!
Krystin MorganRecruiting Leader & Résumé Writer in Seattle
432
07/28/20 at 10:55PM UTC
You should do what is best for you & your family. Just be aware -- and I don't say this to scare or talk you out of it, just because it's true -- it will likely burn a bridge with the company with whom you signed. That isn't the end of the world and there are plenty of other companies, but it's worth being aware of.
Anonymous
07/29/20 at 2:29PM UTC (Edited)
And that's what I am sad about. I feel awful, but I wrote out the pros and cons and I have to go where I have work life balance and better benefits for my family.
Jasmine
129
07/27/20 at 9:19PM UTC
Clear is kind. It's always best that you are upfront with what you want. The company will thank you for it instead of wasting their team and you will be better off to start of in a place you want as you might eventually resent the place you took the job with and leave soon.
Anonymous
07/27/20 at 8:58PM UTC
Thank you everyone for the wonderful advice! This has been an experience to say the less, I've received a verbal today from the company I do want. I am waiting for the written offer before I call the other company to decline. I feel sick (because I feel bad) and happy all at once. :)
Renee Radcliff SinclairCommitted to building engagement in government
910
07/27/20 at 7:23PM UTC
I've been through this on the employer side -- made an offer, it was accepted, and then the person got the "dream" offer they wanted. If you've been interviewing with a reasonable person, call them, let them know what happened, and most reasonable people will understand and wish you well. I would advise against ghosting the first job-offer company, be transparent about what happened. You never know, you might actually end up there one day!
Brenda Gerdeman
12
07/27/20 at 5:38PM UTC
I would say, go where you would be most happy but let the other job know that you won't be showing up. Should the dream job not turn out to be a dream, you don't want to burn the bridge with the other company. Also, it's just common courtesy.
Laura WoodwardHuman Resources Professional in Boston MA.
34
07/27/20 at 4:13PM UTC
You will do your best work if you go to the position you desire but be sure you have something in writing or a formal offer from the 2nd job before you walk away from the 1st job offer. Congratulations for landing two offers in these uncertain times!
Anonymous
07/25/20 at 8:24PM UTC
Perhaps consider letting the other company know, if it's true, that it's the other position that's a better fit - not a failing of the company as a whole over the other (don't word it like that, though!) Explaining that you're impressed with the company, yet feel that your skills are better matched to the position at the other company, may help keep a foot in the door for future opportunities.
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.