How To Handle A Rescinded Job Offer
The sense of relief you get from a job offer can be incredible. But a job offer doesn’t always end well. On certain occasions, the employer takes back their offer. If you have a rescinded job offer, you may struggle to contain your emotions. To move forward without any fallout, follow these simple tips.
Ask for a Reason
There are several reasons an employer could choose to rescind a job offer. For instance, you may have failed a background or credit check. The reason could be completely unrelated to you, like a hiring freeze within the company or a financial struggle. Rather than live your life wondering why you lost out on the job, you should ask for a reason.
It’s not rude to ask for a reason. However, you should choose your words carefully. Don’t ask in an accusatory way, and watch your tone. If you are professional and ask for a reason, the employer should respond. Maintain a level head and know that there’s probably no way to salvage the job offer. By focusing on what you can control, you will be able to recover and find another offer.
It’s worth mentioning that you may want to put your request in writing. In very rare cases, employers rescind an offer for no valid reason. To protect yourself, you should ask for the reason in writing. If you do suspect discrimination, you need documentation.
Move Forward
After you get feedback on the situation, try to take steps forward. It’s easy to get caught up in the past and to have regrets about the way you handled a situation. While it’s important to acknowledge your mistakes, it’s more important to move forward. Once you figure out why the company rescinded the offer, make plans to change.
For example, you might have posted a picture of you doing something illegal on social media. As soon as you learn about that, go through all of your social media accounts. Remove any inappropriate pictures and set your accounts to private. If you discover that the offer was rescinded because of a bad background check, look into your legal options for expunging your record. The only way you can move past this is to ensure that the same situation doesn’t happen in the near future.
Consider Other Job Offers
Oftentimes, people turn down interviews and job offers when they think they have a job lined up. Fortunately, one of your previous contacts may still be interested in working with you. Reach out to other companies and ask if the position is still available. Although you may feel as if you owe the hiring manager an explanation, you don’t need to say anything. Shift the focus back to their company and the position they have available.
Once you initiate contact, make it clear that you’re the best candidate for the job. Don’t focus on your shortcomings or your recent defeat. Instead, remain positive and confident. If possible, don’t let the rescinded job keep you from feeling good about yourself. Remind yourself of what makes you special, and make sure the hiring manager knows what makes you special as well.
If you’re organized in the job search, it should be easy to reconnect with previous leads. You should have a list of deadlines, follow-up dates, and contact details. Typically, you don’t need to start from scratch when you have a long list of employers to connect with. You may be able to get a job offer soon after your rescinded offer.
Reach Out to Former Employers
If you have no other options, reach out to your former employers. Of course, you don’t want to do this if you ended things on a bad note. But, as long as you didn’t burn any bridges, there’s nothing wrong with asking your former employer if they have any positions available. This was taboo in the past but is now acceptable.
Before you reach out to a former employer, consider why you left in the first place. Did you leave because of a toxic environment? If so, you should avoid working for them unless the company has made drastic changes. You deserve a safe working environment. As tempting as it might be to take any job, you should make sure it’s a job you want.
Once again, you don’t want to elaborate on why you don’t currently have a job. You should be general and just explain that you’re looking for a new opportunity. Avoid coming across as desperate or unemployable.
Use Your Network
Even if you don’t already know it, you have a strong network. You probably have followers on social media and LinkedIn. If you haven’t been active on social media, take some time to strengthen your online presence. Your contacts could have an incredible opportunity, or they may be able to connect you with someone who has a job vacancy.
You may want to spend some time reaching out to old acquaintances. Is there a former colleague you can catch up with, or an old professor you once were close with? Go through your contacts and reach out to former friends and colleagues. After you catch up with them, you can casually mention that you’re looking for a new job.
If you have a felony or another issue that’s keeping you from getting a job, your network is even more important than ever. You can find someone to vouch for you or look past whatever circumstance resulted in a rescinded job offer.
Be Positive
One of the most difficult things to overcome is a negative mindset. And after having a rescinded job offer, you probably have a very negative mindset. It takes great self-awareness and willpower to remain positive after such a major setback.
If you can remain positive, you will be able to find new opportunities. Remind yourself that the rescinded offer could be a good thing. For instance, the company may be going through a hiring freeze. Do you really want a job with a company in such a poor financial state that they can’t hire new people? Try to look at the bright side, and you can find better opportunities around you.