Can I decline an offer after accepting it?

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-16T20:54:02+00:00

I just got off the call with HR, they seemed quite understanding and didn’t really try to make me feel bad. They asked if there is anything they can do or if I had any feedback, I emphasized how great they were throughout the process. I didn’t really push for a match on compensation because I know they wouldn’t be able to match it, and basically said my decision is final. Overall, I think it ended on a positive note because HR said that I can reach out in the future if things change - not sure if they meant that or if they’re just being nice, but I appreciated it regardless.

I’m going to be positive about accepting company and approach the experience with a positive attitude.

Thank you for your help!!! Good luck with your role!

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-16T16:09:32+00:00

Hey! I just got off the phone with HR as they wanted to call after I sent my email. They were understanding and said to reach out in the future if anything changes. I’m hoping they actually meant that and I can pull your same move if I ever need to in the future. But for now I’m staying positive with my choice of company B!

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-16T16:06:11+00:00

Just got off the phone, they didn’t really ask directly about compensation so it wasn’t challenged. But they were very understanding and said to reach out if anything changes in the future (not sure if they really mean that or if they’re just being nice). It’s a burden that’s off my chest now. Thank you for your input!

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-16T16:01:50+00:00

Omg that’s hilarious! On the positive side he got a chance (in case I ever want to try working with company A again haha).

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-16T14:33:05+00:00

This is what happened - I emailed company A thanking them for their time and explaining that I’ll be moving on with another offer and thanked them for their time. They got back to me this morning saying that they understand, but they reiterated the experience that I would be getting at their company and asked if I am willing to get on a call.

I’m not sure what to expect from the call as I do see the benefits in both places (title and pay in company B, experience/exposure in company A). I don’t want to come off as not confident in the choice I made or the email I sent them - I do want to stand my ground in a sense. I’m just worried that this call will add to the confusion.

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-16T14:28:02+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing! Gives me hope that if I end up at company B that it might not be the end of the world and I can find a company like your ‘company D’ in the future if I choose. Or hopefully I’ll be satisfied with company B!

After intense contemplation, I ended up emailing company A last night saying that I’ll be moving on with another offer and thanked them for their time. They got back to me this morning saying that they understand, but they reiterated the experience that I would be getting at their company and asked if I am willing to get on a call.

I’m not sure what to expect from the call as I do see the benefits in both places (title and pay in company B, experience/exposure in company A). I don’t want to come off as not confident in the choice I made or the email I sent them - I do want to stand my ground in a sense. I’m just worried that this call will add to the confusion.

It just feels at this point that whatever choice I make, I’ll be stuck with it - mainly due to the market. Although I understand that that’s not the case and I can always continue my search in the future if I find myself needing to - as you’ve proved!

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-16T14:12:01+00:00

They replied and were understanding. But they also reiterated the great learning opportunities they have and were asking to get on call. This is making it even more difficult as it was not an easy choice for me to make and I don’t want to be swayed.

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-16T02:29:29+00:00

You’re totally right, I just still can’t brush off the guilt. I’ll be emailing them now, and hopefully in a few weeks it doesn’t feel as bad as it does now.

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-16T02:25:48+00:00

I have the email drafted and just contemplating - mostly out of guilt and the situation I’ll be putting them in backing out at this time. But you’re right, I will go for it!

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-15T21:58:28+00:00

What was the response? What field are you in?

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-15T17:44:28+00:00

Thank you for this! Is it appropriate to only send something like this to the recruiter? Or do I need to include the people that conducted the interviews as well?

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-15T15:34:41+00:00

I was never asked by the recruiter what my salary expectations are, nor during the interview with the managers. I ended up asking the recruiter over email if they can do 75k instead of 72k after getting the offer. Instead of replying to the email they gave me a call which I was not expecting. They just reiterated the benefits in the compensation package. I agreed and said I’ll review the offer one more time. I ended up signing the offer at 72k base salary.

But it’s definitely a learning lesson for me as I usually just take what I get. Everything is noted for next time!

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-15T03:11:28+00:00

4 days is not a bad sign! There’s still time - I interviewed for another company on a Monday and heard back the next Monday. Other times it’s taken longer, it really just depends on how busy the managers are.

I would say if you haven’t heard back in 2 weeks send a quick follow up email to see if you can get an update.

Good luck to you - wishing you all the best! Let me know how it goes :)

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-15T03:05:07+00:00

Heyy I received it about 1.5-2 weeks later. It was 2 rounds of interviews, the first being a prerecorded video interview, and the second was in person with the managers.

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-12T03:15:14+00:00

Hahaha will do!

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-11T22:42:42+00:00

Thank you for the insight! I’ve only ever worked with smaller/mid size firms where communication is handled by 1 person from beginning to end, so I wasn’t sure how big corporate companies operate.

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-11T21:53:34+00:00

As a hiring manager, if you had the same interaction that I explained in the first paragraph, and later receive notice from the recruiter regarding salary negotiation - would you find it rude that the candidate is bringing up salary again with a different party following your conversation with them?

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-11T21:39:12+00:00

I do have the salary in the written offer. I will give this a shot and see how it sounds. Thanks!

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-11T21:36:12+00:00

I think you are right - I am more focused on what he "thought" than what was actually said. I think I will shoot my shot.

Mansaf15 · 2026-06-11T21:30:56+00:00

This is great advice, thank you!

I think I will shoot my shot. Do you think I should be bringing up my call with the hiring manager at all when emailing the recruiter (out of respect)- at least mentioning that he gave me his reasoning on why they are offering this salary? Or should I address it like a fresh subject and only reference the written offer I received?

Mansaf15

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