How to reject a formal job offer you verbally accepted?

[Eternal Sunshine]

I was recently pursued by a head hunter and ended up agreeing to come to an interview for a job that pays more than what I currently get. I didn't intend to take the job but didn't think an interview would hurt. I really liked the interview panel and job sounded interesting. When they called me to make an offer couple of days later, I impulsively accepted.

 

I'm not 100% happy in my current job; lots of stress and instability. I have only been there for 8 months though and am not sure if I have given it a proper go yet. When I received a formal contract from the other company to sign, I started feeling like I'm not quite ready to leave. I was also told in my current job to expect a pay raise and potentially a promotion within the next year (they are not aware of the other job offer).

 

Things showed some sign of improvement and I'm pretty much ready to reject the other offer. How to best do it without burning bridges? I already have a start date and the contract is waiting to be signed....

[Art_Critic]

If you aren't going to take the job then you turn it down and give the excuse that you have taken another job and that you appreciate their time and offer but the other job was a better fit.

[TheFinalWord]

That's a tricky one.

 

Without revealing too much here or anything, is this other place paying you more?

 

Could you use this as a bargaining tool to get the raise and promotion now?

 

When I was in a similar situation a few years back, I used the alternative job offer to negotiate higher pay...but that was in academia. Unsure if that's appropriate in your situation?

 

Whatever you decide, congratulations! It's nice to be in demand

[Mr. Lucky]

I already have a start date and the contract is waiting to be signed....

 

Companies know that until the offer is signed, you're not in the door.

 

You're overthinking this, not that big of a deal. Respond ASAP that, for personal reasons, you won't be accepting the position. Trust me, this back-and-forth all part of the hiring process...

 

Mr. Lucky

[d0nnivain]

Send the contract back unsigned with a note that says something along the lines of

 

Although I was flattered to receive the offer, upon further reflection and review of the proposed contract I have decided to remain at my current position. I sincerely hope you find the perfect candidate.

[Eternal Sunshine]

Rejected.

 

 

 

Looks like they weren't fussed, they just said they will make the offer to the next best candidate.

[alphamale]

I think you should take the new offer

[Eternal Sunshine]

I think you should take the new offer

 

 

Too late, already rejected it and it was now offered to someone else. I think I made a mistake

[vla1120]

Don't second-guess yourself! See what happens at your current job. Hopefully, that expected raise and promotion will come through sooner rather than later!

[Malin889]

Too late, already rejected it and it was now offered to someone else. I think I made a mistake

 

I too was going to say that I think that you should take the new offer. Sorry I was a couple days too late. Why do you think you made a mistake?

[Eternal Sunshine]

I too was going to say that I think that you should take the new offer. Sorry I was a couple days too late. Why do you think you made a mistake?

 

 

I'm not sure that I made a mistake. My current job goes up and down, on a bad day I think I made a mistake, on a good day I'm happy with my choice. It's one of those things where you can not be sure...time will probably tell.

[Foxhall]

ah wel, perhaps it is better the devil you know as the saying goes,

 

you are not that long in your current job, so give it another 6 months and re-assess,

 

good to be head-hunted though anyway.