Have you ever accepted a new job only to realise soon after that the position, the location or even the company, wasn’t the right fit?
Maybe the initial excitement has worn off, or you received a better offer from another company. Maybe you rethought whether this was something you were truly passionate about or life has thrown you an unexpected curveball. Not matter the circumstance, second thoughts after signing on the dotted line can occur, and you are not alone in wondering if you can back out of a signed employment contract.
Nicole Gorton, director at Robert Half and workplace expert says, "whether you're new to the workforce, navigating competing job offers, facing unforeseen circumstances, or simply re-evaluating your choices, understanding your options and the potential consequences is crucial."
If you’re sitting there thinking “I signed an employment contract but changed my mind”, there are some things you can do to exit the deal without having to face any serious repercussions:
Receiving an offer from a company is exciting and sometimes it is easy to miss or overlook important factors that would otherwise put you off.
So it’s important to take time and consider if the position is a good cultural fit for you before accepting a job offer.
Take advantage of the interview process to ask questions of the employer to make sure you understand the role and address any concerns. Red flags to what our for and inquire about during the interview to avoid a bit fit include:
Unclear expectations
Negative company culture signs
Lack of work-life balance
Unclear remuneration and benefits
To ensure you get clear answers during the interview, you can ask things about:
"Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?"
"How is success measured in this position, both in the short-term and long-term?"
"How would you describe the company's culture and values?"
"Can you share an example of a time the company went above and beyond for its employees?"
"How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?"
"How does the company address burnout and ensure employee well-being?"
As you enter the final stages of the hiring process, make note of the pros and cons of the position and your remuneration and benefit expectations so that the excitement of receiving an offer doesn't cloud your underlying needs.
Once offered a role, you do not have to accept immediately. If you are not ready to accept on the spot, thank the employer, express your interest, and request more time to consider the opportunity. If there is an issue you think can be negotiated like salary, benefits or start date, explore those options with the recruiter or the company hiring manager to get some answers.
This allows you time to evaluate the job offer thoroughly or liaise with other job opportunities on your prospects.
If you spend time digesting all of the information to fully understand what the position entails, you are able to make an informed decision to accept or decline.
Related: Need help on your career search? Discover more career advice here.
If you’re thinking “I signed an employment contract but changed my mind”, you need to read through the entire contract with care. Look for any stipulations about rescinding your acceptance or giving a specified amount of notice should you change your mind.
Most contracts won’t have any specific clauses about this sort of thing and generally focus on salary levels, confidentiality clauses and responsibilities.
However, while it is likely there won’t be any legal repercussions if you change your mind, it might be pertinent to get some advice from a lawyer or expert before accepting a job offer.
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.
Otherwise, it’s imperative that you let the recruiter(s) and/or company representatives know straightaway.
If only a few days have passed since you accepted the job, you may think you needn’t bother, but it’s definitely common courtesy to do so, as the employer has already invested time and money into trying to help you. This will also help them find a new employee to fill the vacant role faster.
Even though this opportunity didn’t work out, it doesn’t mean you can’t work with this recruiter again. Even if this role wasn't the right fit, maintaining a positive relationship with the company or recruiter leaves the door open for future possibilities. Consider keeping ongoing engagement to show you are interested in a role with them that better suits your needs.
The best way to come out of an awkward situation is to make sure all your interactions with the hiring manager and/or recruiter are polite.
Call them to communicate your decision and apologise personally, rather than sending them an email, a text message or a social media update.
Don’t use any reasons for the second thoughts that could come across as reflecting negatively on the recruiter or the company involved.
Stick to concise – but honest – explanations, such as no longer being able to make a move due to family commitments, or receiving an unexpected, higher-level position elsewhere that you feel obliged to take.
Show gratitude and communicate the positive factors of the position and the company, and mention your appreciation for the people you have met during the selection process. You never know when you might come in contact with them again.
Declining a job, especially one you've already accepted, can be a roller coaster of emotions. It's natural to feel a mix of relief, guilt, anxiety, or even regret. Remember, it's okay to feel these emotions – they're a sign that you care about your career and the impact of your decisions. But remember to stay professional and polite during the process.
While having to go back on your acceptance of a job offer is never going to be the preferred choice, it’s unlikely to affect your career negatively over the long term, especially if you don’t make a habit of doing it.
You do not have to accept every role that comes to you and it is important to only accept a position that excites you.
Keep in mind that employers don’t want new hires who would rather be somewhere else.
If you need further information on how to decide if a job offer is suitable for you, it’s a good idea to contact us today to talk about your options.
How much notice do I need to give the employer if I want to back out?
The amount of notice required to back out of a signed job offer can vary depending on the specific contract, company policies, and local laws. Ideally, provide as much notice as possible to maintain a positive relationship with the company.
Will this hurt my future job prospects?
While reneging on a job offer isn't ideal, it doesn't necessarily ruin your future prospects. The impact depends on how you handle the situation. If you're professional, transparent, and apologetic, you can mitigate the damage. However, keep in mind that this decision might affect your relationship with that specific company and recruiter.
How can I maintain a professional relationship with the company?
Maintaining a professional relationship is possible even after declining a job offer that you originally accepted. Be honest and transparent about your reasons for withdrawing, expressing your appreciation for their time and consideration. Offer a sincere apology for any inconvenience caused and reiterate your interest in the company. Consider staying connected on professional platforms like LinkedIn to keep the door open for future opportunities.
