Pulling a job offer

Add comment April 23rd, 2008

Pulling a job offer is one of the more unprofessional moves an employer can make (job seekers pull unprofessional moves as well, but that’s a topic for another day).  Changing jobs is one of the top three most stressful events in one’s life (the others are death of a loved one and divorce).  When an employer commits to making a job offer, that offer should stand until the position is either accepted or declined, or until a deadline for an answer has come and gone. 

Too many times within staffing I have had to make a call to a candidate letting them know that the job offer has been pulled by our client.  Try making that call after the candidate has quit their job in preparation to start their alleged new job.  Not fun.  And, not right either. 

That said, I think there are circumstances where pulling a job offer is justified:  missing pre-employment appts/orientations to fill out paperwork, candidates taking too much time to make a decision, etc.  These are actions brought on by the candidate that may raise some question marks for the company.  

In general, when a job offer is made, an employer should give a deadline as to when they are looking for an answer.  If the candidate’s decision is to accept the job offer, it is important to get a signed contract stating the wage agreed upon and start date prior to giving notice to your current employer.