Rescinding a job offer is a difficult situation that should be avoided if possible. However, sometimes unforeseen circumstances arise, making it necessary. This article provides guidance on how to handle this delicate process professionally and ethically. It’s important to be aware of the legal implications and to prioritize maintaining a positive relationship with the candidate, even if they won’t be joining your organization. Communicating promptly and honestly is key.
When rescinding a job offer, the letter should be clear, concise, and empathetic. It should explain the reason for the rescission without going into unnecessary detail. Focus on what *you* as a company can control and avoid blaming external factors if possible. A sincere apology and an offer to assist the candidate in their job search can help soften the blow. Remember to consult with legal counsel before sending any rescission letter to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.
Before even considering rescinding an offer, explore all other options. Can the start date be delayed? Can the role be modified? Consider the impact on your company’s reputation and the potential legal ramifications. Rescinding an offer can damage your employer brand and make it more difficult to attract talent in the future. Always weigh the costs and benefits carefully before making a final decision.
Rescinding an offer after acceptance creates a difficult situation. However, proper execution with consideration and transparency allows for a smoother transition for both candidate and company. Always take into account the emotional impact it will have on the person to whom the offer was extended.
Rescind Offer Letter Samples
Sample 1: Due to Restructuring
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
Please accept this letter as notification that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the position of [Job Title], which was extended to you on [Date of Offer].
Due to unforeseen restructuring within the company, the [Job Title] position has been eliminated. This decision was not made lightly, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause.
We understand that you may have already made plans in anticipation of joining our team, and we are truly sorry for the impact this decision will have on you. We wish you the best of luck in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 2: Financial Difficulties
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
I am writing to inform you that we must rescind the offer of employment for the [Job Title] position, extended to you on [Date].
Unfortunately, due to unexpected financial difficulties, we are unable to move forward with filling this role at this time. This was a difficult decision, and we regret any hardship this may cause.
We are very sorry to have to share this news with you. We truly appreciate your interest in our company and wish you success in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 3: Role Filled Internally
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
It is with regret that I must inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the position of [Job Title] that was extended on [Date].
Since extending the offer, an internal candidate has emerged whose qualifications and experience more closely align with the evolving needs of the role. This was an unforeseen circumstance that led to a reassessment of our hiring decision.
We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause. We were very impressed with your qualifications and wish you all the best in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 4: Unsatisfactory Background Check
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We are writing to inform you that we must rescind our offer of employment for the position of [Job Title], which was extended to you on [Date].
This decision is based on the results of the background check, which revealed information that does not align with the requirements of this position and company policy. We are unable to provide specific details due to privacy considerations.
We regret having to make this decision and wish you the best in your future endeavors. You may have rights to review and dispute the information in the background check report. Please refer to the information provided by the background check agency.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 5: Changed Business Strategy
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
This letter is to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the role of [Job Title] that was made to you on [Date].
Due to a significant shift in our overall business strategy, we are no longer pursuing the projects that this role was intended to support. As a result, the position is no longer required.
We sincerely apologize for any disruption this may cause. We understand that you were looking forward to joining our team, and we regret that we are unable to move forward. We wish you the best of luck in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 6: Hiring Freeze
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
I am writing to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the [Job Title] position that was extended on [Date].
Unfortunately, due to an unexpected company-wide hiring freeze, we are unable to proceed with filling this position at this time.
We understand that this news is disappointing, and we apologize for any inconvenience or hardship this may cause. We were very impressed with your qualifications and wish you the best in your job search. We will keep your resume on file should the hiring situation change in the future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 7: Candidate Misrepresentation
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
This letter is to formally notify you that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the position of [Job Title], which we extended to you on [Date].
Upon further review of your qualifications and information provided during the interview process, we have discovered discrepancies that are inconsistent with the requirements for this role. Specifically [mention area of concern but keep it factual and non-defamatory e.g., “discrepancies regarding dates of employment”].
Due to this, we are unable to move forward with your employment. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 8: Change in Project Scope
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We are writing to inform you that we must rescind our offer of employment for the [Job Title] position, which we extended to you on [Date].
Since making the offer, the scope of the project this role was intended to support has significantly changed. As a result, the position is no longer needed in its originally defined capacity.
We sincerely regret any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause. We value your interest in our company and wish you success in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 9: Internal Candidate Promotion
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
I am writing to inform you that we are rescinding the offer for the [Job Title] position, which was extended on [Date].
After a final review of all candidates, including our existing team, an internal candidate was identified who is exceptionally well-suited to the responsibilities of the role and has been selected for a promotion.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We appreciate you taking the time to interview with us and wish you well.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 10: Department Closure
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
This letter is to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the position of [Job Title] that we extended to you on [Date].
Due to unforeseen business circumstances, the department in which you would have worked is being closed. Unfortunately, this means the [Job Title] position is no longer available.
We are truly sorry for this unexpected news and the impact it will have on your plans. We value your interest in our company and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 11: Loss of Client Account
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We regret to inform you that we must rescind the offer of employment extended on [Date] for the position of [Job Title].
Unfortunately, we have recently lost a significant client account which directly impacted the staffing needs of the [Job Title] position.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and wish you the best in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 12: Change in Budget Allocation
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
This letter serves as notification that we are rescinding the offer of employment made on [Date] for the [Job Title] role.
We have experienced an unforeseen change in our budget allocation and can no longer support the [Job Title] position at this time.
We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and wish you the best in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 13: Position Requirements Evolved
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We are writing to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment extended on [Date] for the [Job Title] role.
Since the initial offer, the requirements for the position have significantly evolved and we are seeking candidates with specific skillsets that weren’t previously required.
We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause. We were very impressed with your interview and wish you the best.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 14: Failed Pre-Employment Drug Test
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We are writing to inform you that we must rescind our offer of employment for the [Job Title] position extended to you on [Date].
The rescission of the offer is due to a failed pre-employment drug test result, which is in direct conflict with company policy.
We regret having to make this decision. We wish you success in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 15: Lack of Necessary Credentials
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
This letter is to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the [Job Title] position that we made to you on [Date].
We have confirmed that you lack the necessary credentials to perform the duties related to [Job Title].
We are very sorry to have to share this news with you. We truly appreciate your interest in our company and wish you success in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 16: Loss of Funding
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
I am writing to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the [Job Title] position that was extended to you on [Date].
Unfortunately, the company has experienced an unexpected loss of funding. We are unable to proceed with filling this position at this time.
We understand that this news is disappointing, and we apologize for any inconvenience or hardship this may cause. We were very impressed with your qualifications and wish you the best in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 17: Failed Reference Check
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We are writing to inform you that we must rescind our offer of employment for the position of [Job Title], which was extended to you on [Date].
This decision is based on negative feedback from the reference checks we performed, which does not align with the requirements of this position and company policy. We are unable to provide specific details due to privacy considerations.
We regret having to make this decision and wish you the best in your future endeavors. You may have rights to review and dispute the information with the references you provided.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 18: Company Acquisition
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
This letter is to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the position of [Job Title] that was made to you on [Date].
Our company has been acquired. As a result of this acquisition, your position is no longer available.
We sincerely apologize for this unexpected news and the impact it will have on your plans. We value your interest in our company and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 19: Relocation Difficulties
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We regret to inform you that we must rescind the offer of employment extended on [Date] for the position of [Job Title].
We have been advised that the relocation package that we had made to you is unable to be processed.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and wish you the best in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 20: Performance Concerns at Current Job
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
This letter serves as notification that we are rescinding the offer of employment made on [Date] for the [Job Title] role.
During the time between offer and start date, there were negative reports of performance and conduct that we were made aware of at your current place of employment. The reports went against company policy and for that reason, we are unable to proceed with your hiring.
We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused and wish you the best in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 21: Candidate Acceptance of Other Position
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We are writing to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment extended on [Date] for the [Job Title] role. We have reason to believe that you have accepted a position elsewhere.
If this is not the case, please contact us as soon as possible. If our information is accurate, we would like to wish you the best in your new endeavor.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 22: New Management Team
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
I am writing to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the [Job Title] position that was extended to you on [Date].
Unfortunately, after a change to the company’s management team, we are unable to proceed with filling this position at this time.
We understand that this news is disappointing, and we apologize for any inconvenience or hardship this may cause. We were very impressed with your qualifications and wish you the best in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 23: Covid Shutdown
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We are writing to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment extended on [Date] for the [Job Title] role. Due to Covid, we are forced to shutdown.
It is a company-wide decision and regret that we made offer to you. We understand that this news is disappointing, and we apologize for any inconvenience or hardship this may cause. We were very impressed with your qualifications and wish you the best in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 24: Legal Issues
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
This letter is to inform you that we are rescinding the offer of employment for the [Job Title] position that was made to you on [Date].
The company is facing some legal issues and as a result of this action, your position is no longer available.
We sincerely apologize for this unexpected news and the impact it will have on your plans. We value your interest in our company and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 25: Position Ended
[Date]
[Candidate Name]
[Candidate Address]
Dear [Candidate Name],
We regret to inform you that we must rescind the offer of employment extended on [Date] for the position of [Job Title].
The company has ended its position and is unable to fulfill our end of the contract.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and wish you the best in your job search.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
In conclusion, rescinding a job offer is a serious matter that should be handled with utmost care and professionalism. Always consult with legal counsel, communicate honestly and empathetically, and explore all other options before making a final decision. The samples provided offer a starting point, but remember to tailor the letter to the specific circumstances of the situation.