Accepting and Rejecting Jobs
Ultimately, you will have to either accept or reject every job offer that you receive. The best way to do this is to first call the employer, since that will allow them to know of your answer in a timely manner, and then to follow up with a written letter of acceptance or rejection.
Acceptance
When you accept a job, be certain that your official letter of acceptance confirms all terms that were decided upon for the job, including start date and any negotiated benefits. If you have applications currently under review at other companies, it is courteous to withdraw your name from candidacy. If you have other pending job offers, you should certainly also notify those departments and reject them as soon as you accept your offer. You should begin to familiarize yourself with your new employer, and it is never too early to start building relationships. This can be done by contacting some of your new colleagues and introducing yourself and learning as much about the new department as possible. Send thank you notes to everyone who supported you in your job search, including your references. Try to stay in touch with your new employer between the time of acceptance and your start date.
Rejection
Sometimes you will end up rejecting a job offer. This may occur for multiple reasons:
- You receive and accept another more attractive job offer.
- You accept a post-doctoral position instead.
- You realize that your dissertation will not be completed by the promised date.
- You realize that the position will not be a good fit for your skills, personality, and/or family.
- You cannot accept the terms of the offer.
- You are confident that you will receive an offer from a company that is more attractive to you.
When you reject a job offer, be extremely polite and courteous. Notify them of your alternative plans and focus on the aspects of their department that were positive to you. It is important to conduct yourself professionally and leave a positive impression with the company; you may likely encounter these individuals again in another setting or even another job search.
Job Search Ethics—Can you Back Out on a Job Acceptance?
Sometimes a situation will arise where you accept a job offer, and then you are offered your "dream" job at another company. Applicants often wonder if they can ethically break their commitment to the first company and accept the position they really want. Some people will tell you that you are ethically obligated to meet the commitment you made to the first employer; others will say that you need to do what is best for you, your career, and your family. Ultimately it is your decision, and you must be comfortable with your decision and be prepared to live with the consequences. Backing out of a job you have accepted will likely not ingratiate you with members of the search committee, and it could have negative ramifications for your future career. Carefully consider your personal ethics and values, and perhaps get some advice from a faculty member whom you trust.