Got a New Job But Changed Your Mind Heres What to Do

Got a New Job But Changed Your Mind Heres What to DoGot a New Job But Changed Your Mind Heres What to DoThis scenario gives new meaning to the saying, Awkward Youve just spent the past few months convincing a hiring team that youre the perfect fit, and now youve got a new job. Youve told your recruiter, the manager, and a group that you thought were soon-to-be-teammates that you cant wait to work with them. Youve accepted the job offer- either verbally or in writing- that you competed hard to win. But now, youve decided that you dont want to take the position after all.What do you do now?The first thing is, take a deep breath and dont panic. Yes, its a difficult situation, but its not an impossible one. And depending on how far down the road youve gone with your negotiations and acceptance, it may still be appropriate to pull out.In fact, if you know for certain that you dont want the job, its probably better to tell the employer sooner rather than later. Once youve officially starte d your job, even more time and resources will be spent on your training and on-boarding than have already been spent on your recruitment and hiring.So accepting the post and then quitting soon after is not necessarily a better choice, or one that will endear you more to the company.Consider this advice about what to do in three different scenarios if youve got a new job but changed your mindHave you accepted the offer verbally?The best-case scenario for reneging on your acceptance of a job offer is if you only said yes verbally. Perhaps you got ahead of yourself in excitement about being extended the opportunity, and told the recruiter or hiring manager that you cant wait to start. But then, after you returned home, you did some research into the companys benefits package and culture, and suddenly got cold feet about taking the job. The contract is scheduled to come your way tomorrow- you havent signed anything yet. Are you locked in, or can you politely decline?The answer is that w hile its certainly not ideal to reject the job offer after giving the team a verbal acceptance, youre not bound to take it if you havent signed an employment contract. Yes, it will be disappointing to the hiring team, but it wont be seen as a breach of contract. A verbal acceptance doesnt hold as much weight as a written one, and declining the position at this stage wont likely burn any bridges, as long as you express your sincere appreciation for the opportunity and give a good reason for your change of heart.Have you said yes in writing?If youve given a written yes to a job offer- say in an email or text with your recruiter- does that count as a binding contract? The answer is, while youve taken it one step further by putting in writing your intent to join the company, if you havent signed an employment contract, you arent legally bound to take the job. Uncomfortable to say no now? Yes. Breach of contract? Probably not.Have you signed an employment contract?This is where things st art to get more complicated. Every companys employment contract will differ in its particulars, but generally, once youve signed a contract, you may be legally bound to accept the position. That doesnt mean, however, that there is no way out. Talk to your recruiter or the hiring manager about your predicament. If you have a valid reason for needing to decline the job now- such as a family emergency or health issue that has arisen unexpectedly- the employer may be accommodating to your situation. Just be sure that when you say no at this stage, you really mean no- because its likely that you wont be considered for a future opportunity with this employer, even if you have a valid excuse for opting out.Think long and hard before declining a position that youve already accepted. You dont want to take a job or join a company that youve decided isnt right for you- but you should be aware of the potential consequences of saying no at the 11th hour, after youve already formally accepted a p osition.