Foo - What are the consequences of backing out of a commitment for a job offer?

I got a job offer from a place about two weeks ago, I was about to call to let them know I was really interested (I am) and tell them I might need a little more time cause I'm interviewing with a few more places, one in particular I'm also really interested in, when they called me today to check on my status. Although they were very nice and polite, they said they would normally rescind the offer by this time but will give me another week to decide, since I'm still in school.

Pretty much everyone I know is telling to take the offer, and if something better comes along, like the other job I just interviewed at (which may or may not have a higher salary, but will give me better experience, I think) I can just back out.

What do you think, just take it (I'm about to just so I know have a job secured after graduation) or what, I dunno. I think I'd feel like a major dick if I backed out of a job commitment, which might haunt me down the road... But at the same time, you'd think the company knows I'm still and school, am very naive, wet behind the ears, etc etc and don't know nothing from nothin.

Whatever you do, you don't want to play the dumb college kid.....you're building a rep and you want your best foot forward at all times. You're dropping out on speculation? Unless this is a really high demand business, know that once you back out they'll rarely consider you a second time. If you do sign the contract, write a loophole...an out...in case something better comes along. You can always negotiate.

The company that has made you an offer should (and probably does) expect some indecision from you as a New College Grad (NCG). It is not unreasonable to ask for an extension in making a decision. That said, try not to abuse their patience. Most NCG positions are not time sensitive to fill, but one never knows.

I would advise against accepting an offer and then backing out later. It is un-professional and only ethical under extraordinary circumstances. By accepting an offer, you are telling the company they can stop pursuing other candidates. Do not burn a bridge unless you have to is what I would suggest. Yes, NCGs occasionally reneg on accepted offers, that does not make it the professional thing to do. You will only be answerable to yourself, make sure you are comfortable with how you justify it to yourself if you do take that route.

Good Luck. Welcome to the Land of Income Tax.

-Jose

The company that has made you an offer should (and probably does) expect some indecision from you as a New College Grad (NCG). It is not unreasonable to ask for an extension in making a decision. That said, try not to abuse their patience. Most NCG positions are not time sensitive to fill, but one never knows.

I would advise against accepting an offer and then backing out later. It is un-professional and only ethical under extraordinary circumstances. By accepting an offer, you are telling the company they can stop pursuing other candidates. Do not burn a bridge unless you have to is what I would suggest. Yes, NCGs occasionally reneg on accepted offers, that does not make it the professional thing to do. You will only be answerable to yourself, make sure you are comfortable with how you justify it to yourself if you do take that route.

Good Luck. Welcome to the Land of Income Tax.

-Jose

Couldn't have said it better.

there is no commitment. its right there in the wording: offer. just dont say no later if you already signed yes

A bird in the hand...

Unless you're realistically expecting another offer that's far better, just take the job. Give it your best shot for a year and then see if you want to reconsider. There's an old saying - it's easier to find a job if you have a job. You tend to get better salary offers if a prospective employer wants you and they know they have to lure you away from a job that you are reasonably satisfied with.

I would not back out once I accepted. They said you could have a little more time use it. Then if you don't get the other offer take this one. I would think that after a year or two you could look to change jobs.

Good Luck
Joe

Whatever job you take, you almost certainly won't be there in 2 or 3yrs. You're probably obsessing over something where you'll never have enough information to make the decision with a high level of confidence.

+1 on joeprim's comments.

I'd accept it, and if something better comes along I wouldn't worry about backing out. Use a second offer as a bargining chip to improve the first offer. Believe me, if the company making the offer has a business down turn, they'll drop you in a minute. The real world is dog-eat-dog, play accordingly.

I'd accept it, and if something better comes along I wouldn't worry about backing out. Use a second offer as a bargining chip to improve the first offer. Believe me, if the company making the offer has a business down turn, they'll drop you in a minute. The real world is dog-eat-dog, play accordingly.
It's true that some companies operate this way, but not all do. And yes maybe you can bargin up the anti a little, but I always thought it was better to get in and when they saw how good I was they took care of increases.

Are the duties of the jobs compribale?

Joe

It's true that some companies operate this way, but not all do. And yes maybe you can bargin up the anti a little, but I always thought it was better to get in and when they saw how good I was they took care of increases.

Are the duties of the jobs compribale?


From what I know so far, both jobs are within my capabilities, but I think one might give me more experience in software and duties that'll may make me more valueable down the road but will also require me to relocate, and of course this is the job I haven't gotten an offer from (I thought the interview went great). The other one, which I've gotten an offer from doesn't seem too involved (I almost feel like they could get a monkey to do it), but I can't say for sure; it is closer to home, a real job, and supposedly has a lot of opportunity for advancement.

As of right now, I'm going with the saying a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, i'm just grateful to have a job...