Withdrawing acceptance of a job offer

supersaverkerry

I was offered a new job several weeks ago, at the time I had applied for a few but not heard back from one I particularly wanted so had assumed that I was not successful at getting an interview. With this in mind I accepted the job I had been offered.

Now I have been offered an interview for the job I really wanted, it turned out that the person responsible for the role had been off unwell which had delayed the application process considerably.

I'm not not sure where I stand with the job I have already accepted though.

It does not start until January so I would be giving them good notice, but I am unsure whether I would have any issues with withdrawing my acceptance?

I have not signed a contract - I was sent a contract via e-mail, they requested I reply within 5 days to accepted or decline the position. I accepted via e-mail but did not sign anything.

Is it ok now to go to the interview for the job I really want and then write a polite letter explaining my situation to the first job if I get offered the other one?

I really don't want to miss the opportunity to get the job which for me would be a dream come true.

sangie595

Yes, you can simply tell them that your are sorry but a better offer has come along - or anything else you want to. You are entitled to change your mind.

saterkey

I cancelled an interview once for another job interview a week later that I preferred, and don't u know they cancelled that one with no notice so I didn't have either. Personally I wouldn't cancel the one job until u have had the interview and got the job u want or forget it and do the one u got

SillyOne

Take the interview. Assuming you are successful, go back to the 1st offer with (something like) I'm sorry but I won't be able to start this job but please keep me in mind for the future and no hard feelings - try to talk to the person that interviewed you personally.

Now to Jan is more than enough time - they probably had a 2nd choice from the interview process you took part in.

ska_lover

I would give them notice of changing my mind, but only if the other place offered me the job

TELLIT01

Only inform the original job that you won't be taking it after you receive a solid offer from your preferred one. It does happen all the time and you will be giving plenty of notice of your decision.

JP1978

....and IF the jobs are within the same industry, consider that people working at company A may know people at B and may talk.... play your cards very close to your chest.

amandacat

I accepted a job last year, I had signed the contract and sent off all my documents to them and had my training and induction timetable. A week before I was due to start with them my current employer made me a counter offer with a better role and higher salary. It was impossible to turn down.

I felt awful letting them down at such a late stage but they accepted the reason and didn't hold me to the contract. It was a crappy thing to do to them but I had to think of myself. I was very gracious in the way I let them down and thanked them profusely, as well as apologised and I meant it as I was both grateful to have been offered the job and devastated to let them down. I'm cross that my current employer left it until the last minute and I sometimes regret the decision to stay but that's another story.

As long as you tell them as soon as you can and are nice about it then you'll be fine.

maninthestreet

Until you have another job offer IN WRITING, do not withdraw your acceptance of the first job you have been offered.