How To Ask For Declined Offer Back?

This is very tricky, unfortunately. You would need a very good reason (which only you know best).

You could still check if they are still interested in hiring you. What's the worst that can happen? Them saying “no”…

What about the big-oil offer? If it is still on - then you can go with it no?

If you are now 100% sure, just call back and say you had time of reflect and think and made a slight error in judgment earlier. So, politely ask for the offer to be reinstated and that you are keen to get going with them. 

Keep expectations low as they might say No to this.

All the best.

Hi Arty,

Sorry to hear about this.

Look, all you can do at this point is ask. The best way to persuade people is through voice (not writing). So, try to have a call with them.

I would honestly take an honest approach and just explain to them that you had another offer but realized deep down you want to work for them. You need to really convince them. Have VERY strong reasons for why you prefer them over the other offer.

That said, odds are low - I personally wouldn't hire someone at that point as they've showed their hand/colors. May as well try though - good luck!

Hi Arty,

Very difficult situation.

Why do you want the pharma offer now? That’s unclear from your post.

I think the chances that they may give the offer back are very low (at least, personally I would not do so if I were the manager).

I believe your options are:

1. Call back now and explain transparently what happened

Plus

• They are still looking for someone

Minus

• Very low chances this could work

2. Join the O&G company and apply again to the pharma after 6 / 12 months.

Plus

• You can justify the change with a lack of fit with the culture

Minus

• They may not look for that position anymore if they are not constantly hiring

Best,

Francesco

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear about this situation. I thought Ian's advice was spot on - at this point, all you can do is ask for the offer, so I would call them and explain the situation honestly. Definitely be prepared with the story that you are going to go with. You want to make it seem plausible and honest, but at the same time make it very clear why you declined the offer first but ultimately realized it is by far the best fit for you. I don't know what the odds of getting the offer back would be, but you may as well ask. Alternatively, you could take the big oil job now, and reapply for pharma a year or so down the line?

Hi Arty,

First of all, congratulations on the two offers!

This is indeed an interesting, very specific question, so I am happy to provide my perspective on it:

• Ultimately, you have two options regarding your next career step:
  • Try to recall the decline of the Pharma company’s offer: If you are now absolutely sure that you would want to work there, I would politely ask if you could have a conversation again about the offer. Still, you would need to have very good reasons why the situation has changed since the decline. I would advise you to reconsider the reasons why you declined and if they are still applicable.
  • Accept the Oil company’s offer: Considering that it seems that the compensation was the key driver why you declined the Pharma company’s offer, the Oil company’s offer seems to fit better to that criterion. You can still assess your professional situation in 1-2 years and reapply with the Pharma company if you still want to.

In case you want a more detailed discussion on how to best decide on and prepare the two options, please feel free to contact me directly.

I hope this helps,

Hagen