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RandomMrAdam's avatar

How would you go about asking for a job that you turned down not long ago?

Asked by RandomMrAdam (1655points) March 27th, 2012

So the long and short of it is that I am currently working as a contractor and basically do not get any benefits whatsoever. I have been waiting patiently for the company to bring me on as a full time employee as they have promised to do so, but it has been about 7–8 months now and it’s been delayed yet again because the parent company is doing bad (even though the contract I am on is doing great).

Well around December of last year, I was offered a position at another company, full time, better pay, vacation, the works. I think it’s a lateral move, but financially it would be a nice upgrade.

I approached my boss the day after it was offered to me and explained to him the job offer and the position I would be filling over there. He recommended that I stay with the company as he felt it would be in my best interest because I would be brought on board full time very soon (at a very similar rate as my other offer). Months later and I’m still not on board, and in fact it was promised that I would be brought on in April, but now its looking like July. To top that off, it is also quite a bit less $$ than I was led on to believe (though experience trumps $$ for me, so the money is just a nice perk)

Had I known that this would be the situation, I would have taken that other job in December because it’s something I thought I would be a great fit for and I have all the right experience with a bit of potential for some other technologies to learn.
I noticed that the job that I had been offered was just reposted (nearly 4 months later) and I am now re-considering my position on the situation. Is it too late to contact someone over there at the place that offered me a position in December and ask them if they might still be interested if I had changed my mind? I do not want to come across flaky or inconsistent, so I wonder if there is a good way to ask without seeming like either of those.

How would you flutherans out there approach the situation that I am in?

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8 Answers

Sunny2's avatar

“I am not happy with the decision I made last December. Could we talk again?”

Bellatrix's avatar

I would perhaps mention that you are a loyal employee and are loath to jump ship purely because you get a better offer but that promises made when you rejected their offer have not been met and you are now forced to reconsider that decision. You were very interested in their offer at the time and if the job is still available, you would like an opportunity to talk again.

Akua's avatar

I love the way @Bellatrix worded that. Direct, responsible and professional. That sounds perfect.

prioritymail's avatar

I was going to say more or less what @Bellatrix said. Contact them ASAP – do not wait! And just explain that you felt very loyal to your current company and wanted to give them a chance to make things right, but they are stringing you along and you’d like to make a move. You really liked their company the first time around so you wanted to get in touch first before exploring your other options.

blueiiznh's avatar

I did this not too long ago. You tell them the straight truth. Decisions you made are for yourself first and foremost. However, things can change and your are now wanting to move on it.
They will understand because they more than likely have been in the same situation.

gambitking's avatar

Yep I did this too, not under the same circumstances, but similar deal. Remember in the future, that the best thing to do before you get to this point, while you still have two jobs on the table at the same time, is to build solid rapport with both companies / bosses.

When you decide on one or the other, make it clear to company you didn’t pick that you still aren’t sure about how it will work out where you’ve chosen to stay. It doesn’t hurt to ask that they entertain the possibility of you coming on board later, but that you would not retain an expectation that they’d hold the position for you.

It helps to frame it in such a way that you’re not just trying to pick the most money and perks, but that this is a crucial step in your career and you want to pick the best fitting job for you.

Be entirely forthcoming and honest. These supervisors want clear and direct visibility, and they appreciate you being candid.

Even if you didn’t set it up that way, and you’re fortunate enough that the role is still available when you realize you’re in a pickle where you’re at…. you can still take advantage of the situation.

Approach the other employer and make sure they know how excited you are about working for them, and that it’s clear to you now which one will be the best fit for you, and in turn, a good fit for them. Don’t apologize for your actions, everyone understands how business is these days. Express the loyalty factor (sort of what prioritymail was saying), and that your reasoning for your maneuvers has been out of a passion for your allegiance and dedication.

This happens all the time, just play it cool, be honest and keep in mind that this is about a career for you and your decisions have been justifiable all along. If they don’t take you, keep that door as wide open as you can anyway. In this scenario, many times a company will come back to you within a short period even if they filled the position. Sometimes, the person they put there doesn’t work out as well. You should be there snap it up if that happens. Good luck!

marinelife's avatar

I would re-apply. Let them know that you have re-considered their previous offer and would not be really interested in accepting it.

whiteliondreams's avatar

Everyone here has a great point and very good guidance. If I were you, I would definitely contact this company back, in the event that you are not accepted, search for an organization that is similar to both the job you have and the job you want. Always keep your options widely open. You are absolutely right about the experience being a pro, but you work for profit and I am assuming you have responsibilities and aspirations you want to meet and exceed. Also, be sure to annotate who you contact and their phone number, you want to be sure you can contact this person again or discuss the way you were treated with someone if you aren’t satisfied with their philosophy.

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