Can a company offer you a job then take it back?

Asked by: Pansy Smitham Sr.  |  Last update: September 29, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (17 votes)

Yes, but there could be legal consequences, so an attorney's advice should always be sought before rescinding the offer. Even if an employer has stated on all offers that employment is at will and can be terminated at any time, there is the concept of the employer making a "promise" of a job.

Can a company pull back a job offer?

There is no law that makes it illegal to withdraw or retract an offer of a job and its pay scale. So, yes, an offer can legally be retracted.

Can a company go back on an offer?

Yes. A job offer can absolutely be pulled, for a lot of reasons—most of which are completely legal, even if arguably in poor form.

Can you sue a company for taking back a job offer?

Yes, you can sue a company for rescinding a job offer after working for a full week. You would have to show that the company made an offer of employment, that you accepted the offer, and that you performed work fLazyApply - Autofill Job Application is the best way to apply for jobs.

What rights do I have if a job offer is rescinded?

Breach of Contract: If an individual can prove a contractual relationship, above and beyond an employment at-will relationship, they may have a cause of action for breach of contract against an employer when an offer is unexpectedly withdrawn.

Can I Back Out After Signing An Offer - Changing Your Mind on a Job Offer (Ask A Recruiter)

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Is it legal to renege a job offer?

You can only renege if you experience a significant life change, discover company culture is toxic, or if the other offer is genuinely better. If you must decline, thank the hiring manager, briefly explain, and express interest in future opportunities.

Can you get unemployment if a job offer is rescinded?

If you quit your present employer based on an offer you would have quit based on good cause - higher pay, advancement. If the offer is then rescinded, you would then file for the unemployment based on your time with your present employer. You cannot file from the prospective employer because you did not work for them.

Can an offer be revoked after acceptance?

Revoking an Offer

Once the other party accepts, however, you'll have a binding agreement. Revocation must happen before acceptance. An exception to this rule occurs if the parties agree that the offer will remain open for a stated period of time.

What is it called when you take back an offer?

Other forms: rescinded; rescinding; rescinds. If you get a call saying a company has decided to rescind your job offer, it's back to the classifieds for you. Rescind means "to cancel or revoke."

What if I change my mind after accepting a job offer?

Tell the recruiter/employer as soon as possible

If your hesitation is tied to aspects of the contract, give your employer the opportunity to address the concerns before turning down the position. Otherwise, it's imperative that you let the recruiter(s) and/or company representatives know straightaway.

Is an offer letter legally binding?

No, an offer letter differs from an employment contract. While an offer letter is a formal, initial communication indicating a company's intent to hire and outlines basic job details, it is not as legally binding or detailed as an employment contract.

Can you take back a declined job offer?

A return invitation is a sign of forgiveness and a willingness to reconsider. In summary, the path to re-applying for a job opportunity that has previously declined involves transparency, renewed connections, and strategic negotiation.

How to respond when a job offer is withdrawn?

How to handle a rescinded job offer
  1. Clarify the situation. ...
  2. Be gracious. ...
  3. Seek feedback. ...
  4. Express interest in future opportunities. ...
  5. Improve your employability. ...
  6. Reach out to other employers.

Can a job offer be withdrawn after a background check?

There are many reasons why someone might not get a job or why a job offer could be rescinded after a background check. A failed criminal check could be one. Poor references are another. Yet, few probably realize that companies can and do rescind offers after performing credit checks on would-be employees.

Is it illegal to back out of an accepted job offer?

Yes, it is generally legally permissible to back out after signing an offer letter, especially in at-will employment jurisdictions where either party can terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason.

Can a company withdraw a job offer after accepting?

Employer and candidate's rights

In most cases, employers can legally rescind job offers as long as their actions don't involve discrimination or significant losses for the candidate. A company might protect itself against lawsuits by hiring employees when it is ready to onboard new people .

What type of offer Cannot be revoked?

One type of offer that is irrevocable (cannot be revoked) is the option contract. An option contract occurs when an offeree has provided consideration (usually a payment) to the offeror in exchange for a promise to keep the offer open for a specified period.

What is the mirror rule?

In contract law , the “mirror image rule” is a doctrine stipulating that any acceptance of an offer is deemed to be an unconditional assent to the terms of the offer exactly as it is, without any changes or modifications .

Can you sue a company for retracting an offer?

Rescinding a job offer is generally legal. However, things can get complicated legally if the candidate can prove they've experienced economic damage or emotional harm because you took back your offer. Promissory estoppel: In cases where the candidate has made a significant life change based on the job offer.

How rare is a rescinded job offer?

Rescinded job offers are uncommon, but there may be times when a company's needs change, and they withdraw a job offer—either shortly after making it or shortly before a new employee's start date.

Is a rescinded job offer legal?

The decision to rescind a job offer must be permitted under applicable law. The following are examples of situations where an employer may wish to rescind a job offer: The candidate fails a legally required drug test. The company can no longer afford to hire a new employee due to budget cuts or financial instability.

Can an employer offer a job then take it back?

A sudden loss of a contract, a shift in the market, an internal reorganization, major disagreement between stakeholders, or other big changes can suddenly result in the employer rescinding your job offer—through no fault of your own.

What does offer renege mean?

/rɪˈneɡ/ to fail to keep a promise or an agreement, etc.: If you renege on the deal now, I'll fight you in the courts. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Making & breaking promises & commitments.

Can a company rescind a job offer after negotiation?

Yes, recruiters will rescind a job offer during negotiations. However, the reason is not likely to be the candidate's negotiating style, but that the candidate reveals during the negotiation that they are not likely to succeed in the position. For example, I recruit international candidates.