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Declining an offer after already verbally accepting?

I was offered a job with company A this morning and I took it.  But now I have received word that another company (B) I interviewed with is now checking my references and will be making me an offer.  I feel that this new position would be a better fit, an equal mixure of things I am confident in doing because I have done them before plus lots of opportunities to grow with the company and learn new things, not to mention a lot more money and better benefits.  It had been a while since I interviewed with company B so I figured I was out of the running.  So when company A called this morning I happily accepted the offer- I figure in this economy I shouldn't be too picky and I do like that position as well, I just like the opportunity with company B more.

I feel awful at the thought of declining Company A now.  They were so excited to have me on board.  What if they have already told the other candidates they are not in the running and have to start from scratch? 

Has anyone been in this position?  How did you handle it?  What would you do in my position?  I know there are worse things in the world than having too many job offers, but I am really concerned with the position I will be putting Company A in.

TIA!

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Re: Declining an offer after already verbally accepting?

  • What if they have already told the other candidates they are not in the running and have to start from scratch? 

    I would not worry about this at all. If they just made you an offer today, and you back out in the near future, they can simply call the other top candidate(s) and make an offer. I doubt their top candidate(s) will find another job within a week.

    Has anyone been in this position? 

    Yes, my first real job out of grad school. I was supposed to start a new job in 10 days' time, and I got an offer for my dream job.

    How did you handle it? 

    I called Company A and said I had received an offer from another company that was more in line with my career path, and unfortunately would have to rescind my acceptance of the job. I followed up with a letter. You want to do this so it's in writing.

    What would you do in my position? 

    See above.

     I know there are worse things in the world than having too many job offers, but I am really concerned with the position I will be putting Company A in.

    Again, I wouldn't worry about it. This sort of thing happens from time to time, and they will deal. It's not like you dithered around and rescinded your acceptance with days to go before you started (I hope). And if you do it in a professional manner, they will appreciate as much lead time as possible.

    GL

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  • Ditto Dr.Loretta.

    Just dont' do what one guy did where I worked years ago.  He was supposed to start that Monday.  9 came and went, 10 came and went.  The guy never showed.  When my boss finally got in touch w/ him, "oh yeah", he had taken another job.

    Never bothered to tell us.  That was 12 years ago.  I actually still remember his name.  Have never run across him, but i've never forgotten his name. ;)

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  • I have been in this position and while it makes you feel badly temporarily for going back on your initial acceptance, you have to do what is right for you.

    Once you've seen the offer and formally accepted it with Company B, *then* go back to Company A and very apologetically explain that another position has become available that you have to pursue given x,y,z reason, but that you respect the company and the work they do and wish them all the best.

    You may burn the bridge with company A; just depends.

    GL and congrats.

  • Thanks so much for the advice ladies!  Company B did call with an amazing offer this afternoon and I accepted then promptly called Company A.  They were very understanding and said they appreciated me letting them know quickly.

    Now I can be excited :)

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  • I agree with your decision. Being honest with them is the best thing. You also don't want to regret not taking the better offer and constantly thinking about what could have been. I think you handled it well.
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