Best way to decline a job offer after you accepted?

[blackcat777]

I applied for a job in my field after I graduated. It was a total dream job. My interview with the owner lasted over two hours, and the interview ended with her saying that she would call me in a few days with a training date. She told me I was perfect for the job, I came at the perfect time, whatever.

 

Then, radio silence. Weeks passed. I followed up tastefully once a week with the receptionist. Nothing.

 

Because my current job makes me want to cover myself with raw steaks and jump into a shark tank, I applied for another job in my field. It was allllrriiiigghhht. Not dream job, but it's located where I'm looking to move AND it would allow me to quit my current job. A career change is integral to my sanity.

 

Second job prospect called me this morning, and I accepted.

 

Two hours later, first job offer, which I had long since given up hope on hearing from... called me back, finally, to confirm my schedule and training date.

 

The first job offer comes with loads of perks, provides a much wider variety of things I love to do, I would start out making more than double what the other job would pay, and the location is within walking distance of my man's house. (I could live and work within walking distance of my man's house ... We currently live an hour apart.) Taking this one is a no-brainer.

 

So, how do I gracefully contact the offer that I already accepted because a much better offer came through later?

 

Thank you!

[CarrieT]

Has the Dream Job people offered you something in writing?

 

Because now it is only verbal and because they waited so long to get back to you, I would make sure it is a bona fide offer.

 

Then - and only then - do you call the back-up job and politely explain that a job you had interviewed beforehand made you an offer. Apologize.

 

And then move on.

[Maggie4]

Ah, this is where some inexperience got you into trouble. When you got the offer from the second job, you needed to go to the people at the first job and tell them you need to know NOW, because you need to respond to another offer. Offers are in writing, and you'd have paperwork from human resources.

 

Since this happened recently, you need to tell the people at the second job ASAP, *before* they turn down their second choice candidates (very important).

[katiegrl]

I applied for a job in my field after I graduated. It was a total dream job. My interview with the owner lasted over two hours, and the interview ended with her saying that she would call me in a few days with a training date. She told me I was perfect for the job, I came at the perfect time, whatever.

 

Then, radio silence. Weeks passed. I followed up tastefully once a week with the receptionist. Nothing.

 

Because my current job makes me want to cover myself with raw steaks and jump into a shark tank, I applied for another job in my field. It was allllrriiiigghhht. Not dream job, but it's located where I'm looking to move AND it would allow me to quit my current job. A career change is integral to my sanity.

 

Second job prospect called me this morning, and I accepted.

 

Two hours later, first job offer, which I had long since given up hope on hearing from... called me back, finally, to confirm my schedule and training date.

 

The first job offer comes with loads of perks, provides a much wider variety of things I love to do, I would start out making more than double what the other job would pay, and the location is within walking distance of my man's house. (I could live and work within walking distance of my man's house ... We currently live an hour apart.) Taking this one is a no-brainer.

 

So, how do I gracefully contact the offer that I already accepted because a much better offer came through later?

 

Thank you!

 

 

If you have not signed an employment contract or agreement yet....tell them you apologize, but you have decided the distance is too great and have chosen to accept a position much closer to home.

 

 

Okay to tell them in an email.

 

 

Do this ASAP.