What to Do If Your Job Offer Is Withdrawn Unexpected
A guide of what to do if a job offer is withdrawn
Introduction:
Receiving a job offer is an exciting moment that marks a step forward in your career. However, unforeseen circumstances can arise before you start the position. One such situation is a job offer being withdrawn. While this can be frustrating (and it has happened to me before now in the past), it's important to know you're not alone, especially in today's fast-paced job market.
This guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps to navigate a withdrawn job offer effectively.
Understand the Reason Behind the Withdrawal
The first step is to understand why the offer was withdrawn. In some cases, companies may need to undergo last-minute restructuring to improve efficiency, cut costs, or realign priorities.
It's always helpful to try and understand the company's perspective, even though they may not be obligated to share the specific reason for withdrawal in all locations. You can achieve this by reaching out to the hiring manager or HR representative for clarification.
Here's a tip: When making contact, be professional and courteous. Briefly explain the situation and politely request an explanation for the offer withdrawal.
When I worked in the back offices of the CCMCC, I remember processing claims from people who had job offers withdrawn and the company in question then declined to provide a reason why and then sued the company in question.
It may prove beneficial to speak to ACAS if the situation gets to this situation.
This information must be provided as it can help you frame your next steps and understand if there are any potential opportunities in the future with the same organisation if you haven’t been put off completely by this.
Request Written Confirmation
The Company in question should provide written confirmation of said withdrawal. This document should outline the reasons for their decision and provide a clear record of the communication. Having written documentation can be useful for several reasons, including potential unemployment claims or if you need to go to legal advice.
Evaluate Your Options
Once you have clarified the situation on why the job has been withdrawn, take some time to evaluate your options. This happened to a friend of mine recently who received a job offer from a company he worked for in the insurance sector twelve years before. He simply went for a good walk in the countryside and thought over whether there might be other opportunities with the same company or whether he wanted to apply for them again in the future.
I remember him saying he wouldn’t apply there again and decided to refocus his job search elsewhere. Thinking things through before moving on is important as it allows you to think about where you want to go next.
I remember advising him to calm down and not let it upset him too much and a good restructure may lead to a better job that would align with his skills and interests better than this.
Revise Your Job Search Strategy
With this job offer now off the table, it is a good thing to revisit your job search strategy. Just because that company may have withdrawn their offer, it is not a bad thing to update your resume anywhere else your resume may be (Linkedin for example). You could here for example use this to reflect on any recent experiences or skills you’ve gained that you can also add. In my case, since I last left work I have been mentoring several young writers, teaching, helping, advising showing them how to become better writers.
Networking becomes even more critical in this phase. Reach out to industry contacts, attend networking events, and leverage social media platforms to connect with potential employers. Do not become disheartened.
Seek Professional Advice
My friend was very unhappy with this withdrawal and felt like they refused to give him a straight answer and is now considering seeking advice from a legal professional or a labour rights advisor.
If you feel like this was handled improperly, you are within your rights to consider the above. yourself. Most job offers it is worth bearing in mind are done of course at will and can be rescinded legally, it is important to bear in mind that this can be contested, particularly if it involves discriminatory practices or breach of contract or even if they fail to provide a satisfactory reason why.
Seek Professional Advice (if necessary)
While most job offers are "at-will" and can be rescinded legally, there are situations where seeking professional advice might be beneficial. Here are some instances where a solicitor or labour rights advisor can be helpful:
Discrimination: If you believe the offer was withdrawn due to discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other protected categories, you may have legal recourse.
Breach of Contract: In some cases, a job offer can be considered a binding contract, especially if you took specific actions (e.g., resigned from another job) based on the offer. A lawyer can help assess if there's a breach of contract.
Unreasonable Withdrawal: If the reason for withdrawal seems unfair or unexplained, a lawyer or labor rights advisor can provide guidance on your options.
Finding Help:
Employment Lawyers: Consider contacting your local bar association or online lawyer directories to find employment law specialists.
Labor Rights Organizations: Many countries or regions have organizations dedicated to worker rights. You can search online for "[Your Location] Labor Rights Organization" or similar terms. These organizations often offer free or low-cost consultations and legal aid resources.
Remember:
Consulting with a professional doesn't necessarily mean taking legal action. They can advise you on your rights, potential next steps, and any relevant legal procedures.
The decision to pursue legal action ultimately rests with you. Consider the cost, time commitment, and potential outcomes involved.
Apply for Unemployment Benefits
My friend had been signing on for a short space of time and delayed signing on for benefits because of this.
Depending on your previous employment situation and local laws, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits. Contact your local unemployment office to determine if you qualify for assistance while you continue your job search / possible back-dating of benefits.
Maintain a Positive Mindset
My friend was really upset over this after having struggled for a short while to land a new job to support him and his family. It can easily cause a significant emotional blow if you let it do that to you.
It is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a positive mindset and carry on regardless on your long-term career goals. Engage in activities that may reduce your stress and boost your confidence.
This could include for example volunteering, further education, professional development courses, even writing articles like this or writing a novel (I’m currently on my second novel). Do not setbacks like this hold back.
Learn from the Experience
Every setback can be a learning opportunity. It has left my friend saying he will never shop again with this firm which I couldn’t blame him (as they do not just do Insurance) but it has also helped him reflect on the process and identify areas where he could improve on going forward. Think about how you could improve in future interviews. Are there any additional skills or certifications you could sit for which would make you more marketable?
Learning from this experience to better prepare for future job offers and interviews.
Follow Up
My friend is rightly furious over this withdrawal and is refusing to deal with the company again on any level.
Even so, it is important to maintain a professional and courteous relationship with the company as you never know what will happen in the future.
Conclusion
Having a job offer withdrawn is one of the worst things that could happen to a person, but it’s not an insurmountable obstacle.
My friend advises he now knows what the reason behind the decision was, and although very unhappy has learned from this process.
By understanding the reasons behind the decision, revisiting your job search strategy, seeking professional advice, and maintaining a positive outlook, you can navigate this setback and find new opportunities.
Remember, every career journey has its ups and downs, and resilience in the face of adversity often leads to long-term success.
It is also important to bear in mind not to be afraid to seek legal/further advice as my friend is still considering if you cannot receive a satisfactory answer.