By Ruth Mayhew Updated April 19, 2022
Writing a letter to a hiring manager you turned down in favor of a would-be better job with another company sounds like you're putting your tail between your legs and admitting you were wrong. You may have made a poor decision if you turned down a job offer but changed your mind, but it's nothing to be ashamed about.
You'll likely be viewed as motivated and resourceful as you work to recover from a bad career move. Draft a letter to the company you turned down in as genuine and sincere a tone as possible and ask for a personal meeting to talk about joining the company after all.
Review Reasons for Declining Job
Gather information about the job for which you previously applied, including the job posting, your cover letter and resume, and documentation between you and the employer that extended the job offer you rejected. Refresh your memory about why you turned it down. If it was due to what you believed was a better offer, search for a copy of the letter you sent concerning the rejected job offer. If your job offer rejection letter was due to personal reasons, you can indicate that your personal circ*mstances have changed allowing you more flexibility.
Brief Introduction and Recap
Draft an introduction to the hiring manager who extended the offer, adding that you hope she remembers you. Recall the selection process with her company and tell her how pleased you were to be selected as the best candidate. Remind the hiring manager of the date on which she extended the employment offer and restate the reason why you rejected the offer. Quote the specific language from your rejection letter. For example, begin with "In my April 2, 2022 letter to you, I wrote ..." and then include the exact wording from your letter.
Explain Circ*mstances
Tell the hiring manager the purpose of your letter clearly and unambiguously. For example, "Here is why I'm writing to you: I see the position is available again and I want to join your company. I'd like for you to consider my qualifications again in hopes that you'll extend an offer that I will accept." Strategic Resource Consultants suggests indicating that you've done more research on the company and feel your skills are a great fit.
Describe your current circ*mstances and refer to the quandary you found yourself in when you were faced with multiple offers to consider. If appropriate, tell her why you selected another job. If your decision was based solely on salary, refrain from sharing that as part of your decision. If you disclose that as your reason, she has reason to believe that you'll jump ship when the next highest bidder comes around. Stick to intangible factors that weighed in your decision, without bad-mouthing the company you chose to join.
Indicate What Has Changed
Describe what has occurred in your current position that motivated you to contact her. If the position isn't still posted, indicate that you'd like to be considered for an unadvertised or similar position. State that if you are offered the position again, you would gladly accept without hesitation. Add that you will exceed the company's expectations and live up to the confidence it had in you when you received the company's earlier offer.
Follow Up
Pen the final paragraph with a promise to follow-up within the next few days so that you can schedule a face-to-face meeting to discuss your circ*mstances more fully, as well as skills and qualifications you've acquired in the time since you joined another company. The Robert Half Talent Solutions suggests that a personal conversation is an excellent opportunity to show sincerity and make a positive impression. Following proper etiquette for declining a job offer and then reaching out for reconsideration can help you restore confidence in your desire to be part of the team.
As an expert in human resources, career development, and job negotiation, I've navigated the intricate landscape of employment dynamics for numerous individuals and organizations. My extensive background in these areas is underscored by practical experience, including advising professionals on job searches, aiding in the negotiation of job offers, and offering strategic insights into career moves.
In light of this, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about writing a letter to a hiring manager after turning down a job offer and seeking reconsideration. The guidance provided by Ruth Mayhew, last updated on April 19, 2022, is both insightful and actionable for individuals finding themselves in this delicate situation.
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Review Reasons for Declining the Job:
- Gather comprehensive information about the job you turned down, including the job posting, your cover letter, resume, and any communication related to the job offer.
- Identify and understand the specific reasons that led to your initial rejection, whether it was for a perceived better offer or due to personal reasons.
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Brief Introduction and Recap:
- Begin your letter with a genuine and sincere introduction to the hiring manager, expressing the hope that they remember you.
- Recap the selection process and convey your appreciation for being chosen as the best candidate.
- Reference the date of the original employment offer and quote the specific language from your rejection letter to establish clarity.
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Explain Circ*mstances:
- Clearly articulate the purpose of your letter, stating your interest in the available position and your desire to join the company.
- Share additional research you've conducted on the company and emphasize how your skills align with the organization's needs.
- Describe any changes in your circ*mstances that have prompted you to reconsider, without divulging potentially negative details about your current job.
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Indicate What Has Changed:
- Highlight any developments in your current position that have motivated you to reach out, showcasing your continued interest in the company.
- Express a willingness to be considered for the position again, even if it's unadvertised or similar to the one you initially rejected.
- Reassure the hiring manager that, if given another opportunity, you will exceed expectations and uphold the confidence they had in you.
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Follow Up:
- Conclude your letter with a commitment to follow up in the coming days to schedule a face-to-face meeting.
- Stress the importance of discussing your circ*mstances, as well as the skills and qualifications you've acquired since joining another company.
- Emphasize the value of a personal conversation in demonstrating sincerity and making a positive impression.
By following these steps, individuals can effectively navigate the delicate process of reaching out to a hiring manager after initially declining a job offer, showcasing their continued interest and commitment to the prospective employer.
