| Have you ever found yourself in this situation? You | | | | was the first I received, but upon pursuing some of |
| turned down a job offer because you were sure you | | | | these other positions a little farther, I have come to |
| were getting a better one....and then you didn't. | | | | realize that I've made a terrible mistake in not |
| What now? Can you get that offer back? Maybe. | | | | accepting yours. I'd love to be reconsidered for it, and if |
| Here's your best shot at turning this situation around for | | | | I need to come in and interview again, I'm fine with that. |
| you: | | | | I would just like the opportunity to discuss it with you |
| First of all, find out if the job is still open before you do | | | | and see if we can come to an agreement." |
| anything. If so, contact the hiring manager you spoke to | | | | One of the things you have to remember is that you |
| in the interview. Don't go through HR-they aren't known | | | | have to help that manager feel that you're not taking |
| to be very forgiving of that kind of behavior. Besides | | | | this job because it's the only one left, and that you are |
| that, HR doesn't have the need to fill that spot that the | | | | committed to the job and won't be leaving as soon as |
| hiring manager does. If you've been through the | | | | "something better" comes along. What it really comes |
| interview and gotten the offer, the hiring manager has | | | | down to is your ability to make that eye-to-eye |
| seen that you're a person who can solve a problem | | | | connection with the hiring manager and communicate |
| he has in the business. | | | | to him that you will honor the opportunity, that you |
| When you speak to the hiring manager, accept | | | | were given a fair shake, and that you won't leave. |
| responsibility. Say something like, "Mr. Manager, you | | | | If you can communicate this to the hiring manager, it is |
| have to understand, this is the first time I've been in this | | | | possible to get the offer reinstated-I've seen it happen, |
| kind of a job search, and I was anticipating a couple of | | | | but it is difficult. It's better to avoid this situation by being |
| other offers, and I was uncomfortable because yours | | | | very thoughtful before you turn down any job offers. |