Declining offer before signing but after long negotiation

  • Received an offer. I’ve been sent an offer letter but haven’t signed as we are negotiating signing bonus and start date. In the meantime, we were already talking about deeper aspects of the role should I start.

  • After 4 weeks received another offer that I like more. This was a warm offer and I didn’t actively recruit to get the job. The firm is not competitive with the old offer.

Question:

  • How to break the news to the old offer? Since I didnt sign, then I view this as fair and square. Should I expect differently?
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's how you can handle this situation:

  1. Be Honest and Direct: It's important to be upfront about your decision. You can express your gratitude for their offer and the time they've spent on you, but explain that another opportunity has come up that aligns more closely with your career goals.

  2. Use Phone Call: It's more professional and respectful to do this over a phone call rather than an email. This allows for a more personal touch and gives them the opportunity to ask any questions.

  3. Be Positive: Talk about the positives of the company and the role they offered, but explain that the other opportunity was something you couldn't say no to.

  4. Be Confident: There's a chance they might try to convince you to stay, but if you've made up your mind, be confident in your decision.

  5. Be Quick: Once you've made your decision, let them know as soon as possible. This gives them more time to find a replacement.

Remember, it's your career and ultimately you have to make the decision that's best for you. It's a professional world and these things happen. As long as you handle it professionally and respectfully, it should be fine.

Sources: 7 Tips on Reneging, How exactly should I renege?, Help: Reneging an Offer

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 
Most Helpful

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