After months of job searching, you finally receive an outstanding offer from a company you’ve been targeting for what seems like an eternity. The salary is great, the commute is reasonable, and the company appears stable.
Then just days before you are set to begin your new job, you receive another call from the HR representative. You learn that after further consideration the department manager has decided to move in another direction leaving you in a quandary.
This can be a horrible situation for anyone. But, can you image the added frustration of officially resigning from your current position in order to move to an opportunity that will improve the life of you and your family, only to have the new position disappear?
Believe it or not, this type of scenario plays out more frequently than you might think. A retracted job offers may be the result of a miscalculation in the payroll department. In some cases, after closer examination the powers that be determined the company couldn’t afford you after all. In other cases, the last minute change may have stemmed from something much simpler, such as an overworked HR associate calling the wrong candidate with the final offer.
Job seekers don’t have much legal recourse in challenging withdrawn verbal job offers. Written offers can be challenged, but that can become an expensive and time-consuming proposition. Though there is no sure-fire way to prevent this from happening, here are a few measures that can reduce the possibility that you will find yourself in this predicament.
Ask if you can come in immediately to complete the paper work. Employers are not obligated to have job seekers sign written agreements, but getting your paperwork initiated soon after an offer is made could possibly make employers feel more obligated to follow through with the process.
Maintain a good standing with your current employer while planning your exit. Keep you old bosses in the loop with the details of your pending exit. Leaving on good terms can keep the door open in the event something goes bad with the new offer.
Plan your exit carefully. If you are currently working, make sure you get as many of the details worked out with your new job before giving your two weeks notice to your current employer. Make sure you carefully discuss salary, benefits, and the working environment. Don’t leave yourself open for any surprises.
Don’t relocate without having something put into writing. Though most employers don’t make a common practice of putting offers in writing, they might be willing to do so if you are relocating to another city. Use this as an opportunity to negotiate a handy relocation package.
Always remember to keep your options open and never take anything for granted after receiving a verbal job offer. Good luck and always remember to keep your head in the game.
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