're-accepting' a previously refused job offer?

[Charles Zimmerman]

I recently was offered a position at another company and got to the point where I did all the paperwork and took the drug test. My current company (sales) made promises they didn't keep and made me think I'd be making all this extra money. Months have passed and this has turned out not to be true. I'd still like to get back in with the other company. Any one have any ideas on how I can 'save face' and what I should say to the guy who wanted to hire me at the other company I should've went with?

[Bear Bibeault]

Be up-front and explain that you realize that you made a mistake when you turned down their offer. Ask politely if the position is still available. Don't be surprised if it is not.

[Charles Zimmerman]

Bear,
Thanks for your prompt response... Ive given some thought to it and created an outline of what to say when I 'make the call'...

I just wanted to touch base with you again, do you have a quick minute?
The company I mistakenly chose to stay with made promises they never fully delivered, basically telling me what I wanted to hear.
Based on our last conversation, I now realize you�re the one I should�ve listed to since you had experience in the investment field, and not them...
I�m also reminded of the last thing you said to me which was �maybe next time.� I was hoping the offer is still on the table...
Although my timing could have been better, two advantages are that my paperwork with your company is done and since I�ve already given notice at the company I�m at now and was misled, I see no reason to do so again and could start immediately.

Based on that, what suggestions do you have? Is it too much, would you have worded anything differently?, etc...
[ August 12, 2008: Message edited by: Charles Zimmerman ]

[Bear Bibeault]

Personally, I think it's too much info. I'd suffice it to say that turning down the offer was a mistake and leave it at that. You don't want to come across as whiney or hard-to-please.

I'm interested to hear others' opinions.
[ August 12, 2008: Message edited by: Bear Bibeault ]

[Charles Zimmerman]

Thanks. I'm going to make the call shortly and let you know what happens.

[Jimmy Clark]

It would be good to follow up with a letter and a fresh copy of your resume. No email, send the letter in the mail, printed on professional grade paper. No wordy explanations, just highlight your interests in the organization and how/what you can contribute.

[arulk pillai]

I would keep it short and simple. Avoid bad mouthing the current company. As bear suggested "say that turning down the offer was a mistake or it was not what you expected of the current role". Being diplomatic is the key here.

[Henry Wong]

My current company (sales) made promises they didn't keep and made me think I'd be making all this extra money. Months have passed and this has turned out not to be true.

Don't want to hijack this thread, but this is a very good example of an old rule, that should always be followed..... Never ever accept a counter offer.

Henry

[Jeanne Boyarsky]

I agree with Bear that it's too much information.

I especially think you should leave out the part about not giving notice at your current job. It leaves someone wondering if you would do that to them. It's also not what you want them thinking about when they read your letter. You want them to think about hiring you. I do like the point of mentioning that the paperwork is already done.

[arulk pillai]

this is a very good example of an old rule, that should always be followed..... Never ever accept a counter offer.

What if the company which made the original offer do not live up to their promises? Isn't it hard to determine who is making false promises?
[ August 13, 2008: Message edited by: arulk pillai ]

[Henry Wong]

Originally posted by arulk pillai:


What if the company which made the original offer do not live up to their promises? Isn't it hard to determine who is making false promises?

I am pretty sure that you can come up with exceptions -- or think you have an exception... but statistically... it doesn't seem to be worth it. This is one of the rules where the analysis says to always reject a counter offer.

Try google "accept counter offer". This one has been well written about on the internet.

Henry

[arulk pillai]

Interesting and thanks for the insight. I prefer the idea of weighing the factorss rather than applying it as a generic rule. The following article


http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5047652.html
[ August 13, 2008: Message edited by: arulk pillai ]

[Sunit Gupta]

Dear Charles, you run the risk of 'promises not kept' once again if you approach this company again. Why not lookout for a completely new company altogether?

[Bear Bibeault]

Originally posted by Sunit Gupta:
Dear Charles, you run the risk of 'promises not kept' once again if you approach this company again.

I don't follow that logic.

[Sunit Gupta]

Originally posted by Bear Bibeault:
I don't follow that logic.

I'm not sure whether you mean to say that you don't 'understand' the logic or don't 'agree' with the logic

Anyway what I meant to say that if he approaches this company again, he'll not command the same respect / authority by admitting that he made a mistake in not joining that company and probably will not get the same things as promised there as well.

It's better that he looks for a new company altogether if there's no dearth of companies there.