Can I decline after accepting offer?
Asked by: Wilhelm Satterfield | Last update: June 21, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (4 votes)
Despite what you may believe, declining a job offer you've already accepted doesn't necessarily kill your chances of ever working with that employer. But mishandling the situation could close the door on future opportunities. So be sure to express your gratitude and appreciation for the offer.
Is it rude to decline a job offer after accepting it?
It is considered unprofessional when you decline a job offer after accepting. Whenever you are offered a job and you are considering to look somewhere else too, just politely ask them for some time (usually a couple of days) to think about the offer.
Is it bad to accept a job offer and then back out?
Absolutely, you can back out of an offer even if you've already accepted it. It's important to prioritize your own interests. Companies do what's best for them, and you should do the same. If you find something better, go for it.
Can you quit a job after accepting an offer?
Unless you're signing a contract of employment or are being given some kind of sign on bonus that needs to be repaid, there is nothing to stop you from accepting a job offer and then backing out.
Can you change your mind once you've accepted a job offer?
Tell the recruiter/employer as soon as possible
If you decide to decline a job offer, you need to be 100 per cent sure about your decision. If your hesitation is tied to aspects of the contract, give your employer the opportunity to address the concerns before turning down the position.
How Do I Decline A Job I've Already Accepted?
How to refuse a job offer after accepting it?
- Don't ghost - communicate. ...
- Be aware of their feelings. ...
- You don't need to share your reasons. ...
- Don't dwell on the negatives. ...
- Have a chat before you send the email. ...
- Avoid unnecessary negotiations. ...
- Keep in touch. ...
- If you're accepting a different offer:
Can I counter a job offer after accepting?
While renegotiating after accepting a job offer is generally discouraged, there are scenarios that might warrant revisiting the salary discussion. Examples include: Significant changes in job requirements.
How do I withdraw a job offer after accepting it?
Keep it short and to the point. For example, your email could say something like, thank you for offering me this position-- it's a great opportunity. However, after careful consideration, I have decided to accept a role with another company. Or I have decided not to move forward with this position.
Can you decline a job offer after verbally accepting it?
However, it's important to know that it is possible to turn down a role after accepting a job offer. Indeed, if you have second thoughts after putting yourself forward for a position, this might be your instincts telling you to reconsider.
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 you renege on a job offer after accepting?
Yes. Technically, anyone can turn down a job offer, back out of a job already started, or renege on an acceptance at any point. Most states operate with what is called “at will employment.” This means the employee and the employer are not in a binding contract.
Can I accept two job offers?
If the offers come in far apart, and the first offer is acceptable, then just accept it, and evaluate the second offer when you get it, using the same matrix as above. And if you decide to make a new decision, then that is your prerogative. Or you can stick with your old decision.
Can I accept a job and keep looking?
Don't halt your job search.
You can also continue to look for opportunities externally after you accept the position. However, if you leave your new company shortly after joining, you may burn bridges with the employer, as well as anyone who referred you to the role.
What happens if you accept an offer and then decline?
Despite what you may believe, declining a job offer you've already accepted doesn't necessarily kill your chances of ever working with that employer. But mishandling the situation could close the door on future opportunities. So be sure to express your gratitude and appreciation for the offer.
Does it look bad if you decline a job offer?
Know that it's ok to decline the job offer. Sit with the difficulty of that decision and affirm to yourself that it is the right decision for you and will save you in the long run. Respond to the job offer by phone preferably or by email.
How do I back out of a job offer?
If you can, it's better to have a conversation in person or on the phone to explain why you have decided not to take the job. Follow up with written confirmation of your withdrawal. Regardless of why you have changed your mind, express your gratitude and let the company know that you appreciate the offer.
Is it ethical to decline an offer after accepting it?
Thomas says that it is unprofessional to decline an offer after accepting it, and it can affect the candidate's personal brand to some extent.
How to reject an offer after accepting it?
Dear [Contact Name], I want to thank you for your time and offer to join the [Department Name] team at [Company Name]. I regret to inform you that after further consideration, I will have to withdraw my acceptance for the role of [Position Title] with the company.
Should I accept a job offer if I'm not sure?
Ultimately, you've got to think about what you're worth and what other employers would be willing to offer you, and if they aren't meeting your expectations, it's best to turn them down. Otherwise, you could be left feeling undervalued, underpaid, and resentful just a few months down the line.
How to turn down a job offer but keep the door open?
- Respond quickly. A pivotal step in rejecting a job offer is to respond quickly. ...
- Express your gratitude. When writing your decline letter, thank your interviewer and the company for their efforts, time, and the job offer. ...
- Politely decline the offer.
Can you quit after signing a contract?
If your contract doesn't have a resignation stipulation, giving your employer two weeks' notice before leaving a role is a traditional practice. Consider giving more notice if: You've been working in this contract role for a long time, such as an extended or long-term contract position.
Can you turn down a job offer after signing the contract?
For all the recruitment aficionados out there, you probably know the short answer to this: it's of course, yes.
Is it too late to negotiate salary after accepting an offer?
But once that job offer is accepted, the window for salary negotiation has largely closed—at least until your first performance review. Take the experience as the lesson it is: Give yourself a day before signing anything, even if you're really excited about it, in order to carefully consider the contract.
Can I lose a job offer if I counter offer?
If you come across as entitled, demanding, or adversarial, the employer may reject your counteroffer, or worse, rescind their original offer and move on to someone else,” warned Cole.
Can I resign after accepting counter offer?
According to the stats, up to 80% of those who accept counteroffers end up leaving current employer within 6 months, and 9 out of 10 leave within a year. But it's not always an easy decision to make, and you have to weigh up what's right for you, long-term –however persuasive the offer might be.