24.7% of Candidates Have Declined an Offer After Accepting It Verbally. Here's How to Avoid It.

In iHire’s What Candidates Want: 2023 Job Seeker Report, we found that approximately one in four job seekers (24.7%) have declined an offer after accepting it verbally. It may seem like an unimaginable faux pas, but if that’s happened to you, then you know how disheartening and confusing the situation can be. Do you try to convince them to stay? What caused them to rescind their acceptance? Is it even legal for them to decline after accepting the offer?

The good news is there are strategies you can implement to increase the chances of candidates staying engaged and ultimately joining your organization. Before diving into those tips, though, it’s important to understand why a candidate might rescind a job acceptance.

Why do candidates decline job offers after accepting?

There are a few reasons why a candidate might reject a job offer after already accepting it, and it’s important to understand these reasons so that you can improve your chances of making an offer that candidates won’t refuse. Of course, every candidate’s reasoning might be different, but common reasons for rejected offers include: 

• A better offer: Compensation and benefits are often the most important factors for candidates when considering a job. If they are offered a higher salary elsewhere, they’re likely to choose that option, even after accepting your offer.
• Aspects of the job changed: If an aspect of the job changed from what was promised during the hiring process, the candidate may feel like they’ve been the victim of a bait and switch, or that they’ve been lied to. Any change could cause this; for example, if the job duties included in the offer are different than what was promised, a benefit is no longer available, the location changed, or the work environment went from remote to in-person (or vice versa).
• Negative feedback: Hearing negative reviews or not being able to find positive employee testimonials about the company or the job might make a candidate rethink their acceptance.

Preventing candidates from rescinding a job acceptance

The three most effective strategies for preventing candidates from declining a job offer after accepting are:

• Communicating with the candidate accurately, transparently, and frequently
• Keeping them engaged during the onboarding process
• Presenting them with a counteroffer

It may not always be possible to provide a counteroffer, so honest communication and keeping the candidate engaged after the offer should be your top priorities.

How to communicate with candidates when making an offer

Consistent, honest communication was one of the top “wants” from candidates in our What Candidates Want: 2023 Job Seeker Report, and failing to communicate frequently and transparently is the most likely reason a candidate rescinds their job acceptance. Remember, if a candidate feels they’ve been lied to about aspects of the job, or if they felt pressure from you to accept the role quickly without having time to fully consider it, they may later rescind their job acceptance.

Once you make the offer, review the terms with the candidate thoroughly, both verbally and in writing to be sure that they understand everything. Respond to their questions promptly and provide updates on the onboarding process, start dates, and any other relevant information. This consistent communication helps build trust and keeps their interest high.

How to keep candidates engaged after a job offer

Once you've made a job offer, it's important to keep the candidate engaged and excited about the opportunity. Here are a few tips:

• Showcase your company culture. Candidates who feel aligned with a company’s culture are more likely to remain committed. Offer opportunities for candidates to interact with potential teammates, attend virtual or in-person events, or participate in company-sponsored activities. By giving them a glimpse into your organization’s values and work environment, candidates can solidify their decision to join.
• Personalize the onboarding process. Tailor the onboarding process to each candidate’s specific needs and aspirations and ensure that they feel valued and supported from the moment they accept the offer. Assign a mentor or buddy to assist them during their initial days, which can foster a sense of belonging and make them less likely to reconsider.

Register Today to Find Quality Candidates

Start Hiring

How to make a counteroffer

If a candidate declines your job offer due to compensation, a lack of benefits, or another offer, you may be able to change their mind by making a counteroffer. However, it’s important to ensure that the counteroffer is realistic and that you’re willing to follow through on it.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when attempting to negotiate a job offer:

• Understand the candidate’s concerns. If a candidate has declined the job offer after accepting, try to have an open and honest conversation to understand their concerns. Take the time to listen actively, demonstrate empathy, and address their issues. By understanding their perspective, you can craft a counteroffer that effectively addresses their needs.
• Highlight unique benefits. Emphasize the unique aspects of your organization that differentiate it from competitors. Showcase any growth opportunities, training programs, flexible work arrangements, employee benefits, and other perks that make your company an appealing place to work. This will reinforce the candidate’s initial interest in your organization.

If you’re unsure exactly what to say in your counteroffer, consider using a template to help you get started.

Can a candidate legally decline a job offer after accepting?

In most cases, and if an employment contract is not involved, yes, it is legal for candidates to rescind a job offer acceptance. Typically, employment is based on an "at-will" basis, meaning the employer can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause. The reverse is also true; employees can quit at any time, and that extends to candidates who have only accepted a job offer, too.

While candidates legally have the right to rescind a job offer acceptance, the proactive measures mentioned above can minimize the likelihood of this occurring. Remember to communicate frequently and transparently throughout the process, and try to empathize with any concerns that they might have. For more insights into how to retain the best candidates and improve the candidate experience, download our What Candidates Want: 2023 Job Seeker Report, or head to our Employer Resource Center.