When You Change Your Mind After Accepting a Job Offer

When You Change Your Mind After Accepting a Job OfferWhen You Change Your Mind After Accepting a Job OfferYou were offered a job and you gleefully accepted. But, now youre having some second thoughts.Maybe your circumstances changed or youre no longer convinced that its the right role for you. Or, perhaps a different opportunity you werent expecting landed in your lap- and theres no way you can pass it up.Regardless of the specifics, youve found yourself in the unfortunate (not to mention sticky) situation of needing to tell an employer youve changed your mind. Sonow what?Heres what to do when you change your mind after accepting a job offerBe absolutely sure about your decision.Before you plattl up the phone or start drafting a carefully-worded email, theres an important first step that you absolutely cant skip make sure you have zero doubts about the decision youre making.The only thing worse than changing your mind once about a job offer is changing it all over again and begging t he employer to take you back (which, in all honesty, they likely wont do). Bottom line, you need to be absolutely positive about your choice before you break the news.Provide as much notice as possible.Youve made your decision- you need to retract your words and let the company know that you wont be accepting the offer after all. Obviously, you shouldnt leave that employer hanging. Your change of heart isnt something they should learn about on the day you were supposed to sign on or show up for work.Its best to give them as much notice as is reasonably possible. The mora lead time you give them, the more time they have to find someone to replace you. As you know, the hiring process can take a while- so they deserve as much of a warning as you can possibly give them.Additionally, if youve already signed a contract with your offer, its important to check the fine print there. There might be some regulations on how long of period you have to back out of the offer or how much notice you re required to provide.Choose the best communication method.I get it- this isnt a conversation youre looking forward to having. But, as nerve-racking as it might be, the most courteous thing is to let the employer know in person or, at the very least, during a phone call.These real-time communication methods allow you to more adequately explain your reasoning, and also give the opportunity for a more immediate back-and-forth conversation. Plus, this direct approach demonstrates a level of courage, courtesy, and professionalism that wouldnt necessarily be captured in an email.With that said, its smart to follow up this conversation with something in writing (basically, a simple email reiterating the fact that, as discussed, you can no longer accept the offer). That way, you have written documentation in case any issues arise. Better safe than sorry, right?Offer a brief reason.Again, this discussion is awkward. That makes it tempting to sugarcoat or tiptoe around the point. However, y ou need to be direct and start by explicitly stating that you are backing out of the offer you had previously accepted.After that, you should offer some sort of reason for why youve changed your mind. You dont need to go into all of the sordid details, but the employer shouldnt be left wondering if it was something they said or did that sent you running for the hills. You can keep this vague (even if its something like, I received another unexpected offer that I just cant pass up), but you should provide at least some sort of closure.Stand your ground.You already have one foot out the door, but that doesnt mean the employer wont attempt to negotiate and get you to stick around. Keep in mind that this isnt a negotiation (threatening to back out of a job is no way to start that process anyway- especially after you accepted the original offer). So, you might need to make it painfully clear that no amount of convincing is going to change your mind. This just isnt the right opportunity f or you at the moment.Express gratitude.Yes, this situation can feel a little tense and uncomfortable. But, keep in mind that this is no fault of the employers- they havent done anything but extend you an offer that was obviously decent (or you wouldnt have accepted it in the first place).Dont lose sight of the fact that they provided you an opportunity, and thats worthy of some genuine appreciation. Remember to offer a heartfelt thank you, both at the beginning of the conversation and at the end. Let the employer know that you really do appreciate the offer, even if you can no longer accept it. Its a great way to leave things on a slightly more positive note.The most important thing you can do after needing to back out of a job offer youve already accepted? Learn from it. Needing to do this once is understandable, but its definitely not something that should become a habit in your career. Make sure you give yourself the time and space you need to carefully consider an offer before y ou formally accept. Doing so will save prospective employers (and you) a lot of stress and headaches.