Comments on: Changing Your Mind about a Job Offer

By: joe Maressa

joe Maressa — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:40:48 +0000

was a recruiter for 10 years for Polaroid; Definately call him back. I would want to know a little more as to what has changed. And I would need to feel your reasoning makes sense. You need to rexamine your decision and also be open to see if you have a “weakness” you need to work on that may have contributed to the problem. You also want to be very confident you will be a top performer in this new job because your credibility has been a little damaged

By: Colette Brown

Colette Brown — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 14:48:11 +0000

Many years ago I had the enviable option of three employers. Before my second interview for job #1 I agonized over the choices, even to the point of sitting in a nearby parking lot counting pros and cons. Choosing in favor of the one that seemed to be the best fit for my young family, I walked into the interview and declined the position. The board was surprised; I was clearly their first choice.

After seven years in what proved to be a very difficult work-place, I finally began seeking other employment. Two weeks into my search job #1 advertised the same position I had previously declined. I applied, and found to my surprise that they still had my file and remembered me. I was ultimately hired and spent 10 great years with the organization.

What I learned: 1. Always leave the door open when you exit a job or an interview, treating everyone with respect and integrity. 2. You learn as much about your craft with a difficult employer as a great employer, sometimes even more. 3. Keep your files on promising employees who leave or turn you down, they may be back and be better employees for it. 4. Never “beat yourself up” about a poor decision–move on and use the experience wisely. 5. Take your “Crucial Conversations” course early in your career!

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:18:42 +0000

Great advice Joseph! I can confirm that it’s worth any fear in not doing it. I had a very similar experience with an emerging company. I was new to the area and very late to the interview. It was 90 degrees. I now longer looked fresh. I was frazzled. It was end of the month..it was a sales job. The manager had looming deadlines. The environment was ripe for potential disaster. We both went through the interview with stoic attitudes. I got home and called the recruiter to say I’d like another shot. They weren’t willing to risk for me so with their support I called to express my disappointment. I found out later that the call was a difference maker for the manager. It was the beginning of a very successful 14 year career that included being selected to represent the company in a presentation to the then president of the United States.

Make the call. It will be worth it. At a minimum, it end any regret one might experience for not making the call.

Good Luck!

By: Steve W

Steve W — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:24:08 +0000

The job market is a two-way street. Of course this person has the right to decline and change his or her mind. There is a chance that the person who made the offer feels rejected or mad. If that is true, you do not want to work for such an insecure person.

I think the main thing the person must explain is why he or she changed their mind. A person might think the person is flighty or unable to make up his or hermind.