Receiving a job offer is the pinnacle of a search and usually signals the beginning of a new start. The emotional excitement of a new employer combined with the relief that your search is finally over can be enough to cause a momentary disconnect in asking for the details.
Recently, a director who was scouting the area for new opportunities was approached by a company who seemed to have all everything she wanted in a position and as a result was invited for an interview.
The interviews went well and she was asked to submit a presentation as part of the process, which took time and effort. As time went on with a lack of communication, she began to doubt their interest and settled back into her old job hoping to make the best of it. Finally, after a couple of months, the employer contacted her again with a job offer.
Even though there were misgivings about the length of time it took to follow up with her, the company was still appealing and she went ahead and accepted their offer while on the phone. After hanging up, she recalled being so relieved and elated that she had landed a job after months of searching.
The next day she gave her employer two week’s notice. After the first week, she received a call from the company stating her offer was rescinded due to a change in leadership. Although she was heartbroken and humiliated, she talked with her boss and explained what had happened. Luckily, she kept her job.
Having a job offer withdrawn is not a good feeling and can leave you unemployed. It’s a rare occasion when a job offer is rescinded; however, it does happen. Here are some things that everyone can learn from the experience:
• The job search process is one big emotional roller coaster ride with peaks and valleys. If you’re not careful, the emotional relief can create blind spots, and one of them is not asking for details about the offer.
• It is perfectly OK to ask for clarification and details concerning your job, the start date, orientation, compensation issues and procedures. Accepting an offer is the time to ask for the next steps and expectations.
• Asking for an explanation can be helpful, though the answer you receive might be brief.
• Be cautious when turning in your resignation before you receive the details and documentation of your new job.
• Unfortunately for some, being offered a job often gives people the courage to tell their employers what they really feel rather than leaving future doors open in a professional way – don’t burn professional bridges.
• Some employers are not skilled interviewers and can send mixed messages to candidates. Always confirm the offer and not the “hint” of an offer.
• Depending on title and compensation level, carefully read and negotiate a contract within the offer. It’s best to seek legal advice for a third party observation if you have any doubts.
• Financially speaking, it pays to prepare for the unexpected and having at least six months of income saved can help ease a crisis.
Have you ever had a job offer rescinded? If so, how did you handle it?
