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While taking back a job offer from a prospective new hire is never an easy process, there are specific protocols to follow.
At some point, small business owners and hiring managers may decide to rescind a job offer they extended to an applicant. Whether you’re rescinding a job offer because of a hiring mistake or various other reasons, it’s never easy to explain this decision to the candidate.
It’s crucial to rescind a job offer correctly and thoughtfully, weighing legal advice and the decision’s ramifications. We’ll explore what to do when rescinding a job offer and what you need to know to conduct this process legally and respectfully.
There are situations where you can and can’t legally rescind a job offer – and some gray areas. First, consider two questions:
It’s legal to rescind a job offer in an at-will employment situation or state. At-will employment means the employer can terminate an employee for any legal reason, and employees can quit without notice or explanation.
Employers can’t rescind job offers for discriminatory reasons. For example, they can’t withdraw a job offer based on the person’s race, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, age, whistleblowing activities or national origin.
If a job applicant feels they’ve been discriminated against, they can pursue legal action.
Even if you can rescind a job offer, you may still face legal consequences. “Promissory estoppel” (promises made) is a legal doctrine that supports a harmed party in enforcing employment promises, even in the absence of a formal employment contract. This doctrine is a critical reason to seek legal counsel before withdrawing a job offer.
Additionally, legal and ethical considerations can intersect when an employer withdraws a job offer. For example, say you extend a job offer to a candidate for a sales manager position. The candidate writes a job resignation letter to their current employer and sells their house. However, you rescind the offer.
The sales manager candidate has the legal promise of a job, but the employer has the legal option to exercise their at-will employment rights. In this situation, the candidate may use promissory estoppel in a legal action to enforce the promise of employment and show financial harm, even though a contract wasn’t signed and executed.
Small business owners should approach rescinding a job offer with great care and preparation. Not preparing correctly can lead to serious legal consequences, even if the offer withdrawal is within your rights.
When considering rescinding a job offer, consider the following best practices.
Consult an expert and perform a legal review of the candidate’s job offer before rescinding it. Remember, the candidate has the right to pursue legal action if they feel you breached an implicit contract. Sometimes, even seemingly innocent statements like “I look forward to working with you” can imply a job offer.
When a job candidate doesn’t work out, the position remains open. Leaving open positions for an extended period can slow productivity, particularly if hiring for a critical role. Keep a backup candidate in mind as you rescind an applicant’s offer to minimize operational and process interruptions.
To hire the best employee, you may review highly qualified candidates you initially passed on or conduct a new round of interviews. Budget your time and money thoughtfully as you rescind the job offer and select a new candidate.
Because of the potential legal issues involved with rescinding a job offer, communicating the decision to the candidate requires caution, clarity and empathy.
Inform the candidate as quickly as possible so they can resume their job search. Prompt notice may also mitigate ill will and potential legal actions.
Here are six tips for notifying a candidate that you are rescinding the job offer:
Although each circumstance is different, there are several typical reasons employers rescind job offers, including the following:
This rescinded job offer letter sample is brief, factual and to the point. This sample is intended to provide an idea of what to include. Before sending any official letter, check with your attorney to ensure it’s legally viable.
[Date]
[Candidate’s address]
[City, State ZIP code]
Regarding: Rescinded Job Offer for [company’s name] [job title]
Dear [Candidate name]:
On [date], you received a job offer for employment with [company name] as [job title]. As stated in your offer letter, employment with our company was contingent upon successfully completing [pre-employment qualifying criteria, e.g., a background check], as well as [list additional pre-employment qualifying criteria].
During our hiring process, we [e.g., were unable to substantiate information you had provided regarding your previous employers].
This letter, therefore, serves as formal written notification that your contingent offer of employment given on [date] with [company name] has been withdrawn.
We wish you the absolute best in your future employment endeavors.
Sincerely,
[Name of company representative]
[Title]
You might have to withdraw a job offer for several reasons. Some are out of your or the candidate’s control, while others result from conscious decisions on either party’s side. No matter the justification, rescinding an offer the right way is key to avoiding future legal and financial issues.
Patrick Proctor contributed to the reporting and writing in this article.