Backing out of initial job agreement?

Question

Hi all, I did an interview this past Friday and was just offered the job via email today. The company has asked me to reply by the 3rd of November and if I accept they will send the official job contract in the first week of December.

My question is if I email them to say I accept the job but in the end before I sign the contract I back out to accept another offer instead- will this be allowed?

I still have 9 other companies I'm still in the application process for. I should be able to reschedule and finish most of the interviews with the other companies by the end of November but rescheduling everything before the 3rd Nov would be impossible.

Answer 1

I don't think this is the best way to proceed, as it burns bridges (and can also create a bad reputation). You should instead ask for a bit more time so you can make a fully conscious decision.

If they don't give you this time, and in the end you “back out”, I don't think there will be a legal consequence, as you have no signed contract (and I assume no other signed document whasoever).

Companies usually don't bother to go to court, as you only know the contract content when you are about to sign it… and you have the right not to sign it. But on the other hand, you are going acting in good faith when you refuse the contract… Of course if they don't give you time to weight your options, they are not acting in good faith as well.

Answer 2

Hi there,

Technically there's nothing they can do. If you're asking whether it's “allowed”, it's legally not, but people do it all the time.

That said, it's not a great habit to start. If you're still interviewing with 9 other companies, I would ask this firm to delay the deadline. Firmly but politely ask them for an end of November deadline as you won't be able to decide before then.

If they don't agree, it's not a terrible idea to sign to have a backup…then you can decide later what to do once all the dice fall.