Turning down a job offer, then going back?

Defy Belief · 30 Jun 2013 at 13:20

Has anyone done this?

I recently got a new job, it was practically perfect for me, so I declined another job offer for it.

The office are now relocating to Cardiff, which i'm unable to do due to mortgage and family reasons. So i've been made redundant.

So tomorrow i'm ringing up the employer to say I made a mistake (Can see online they are still recruiting) and would they still consider me. Obviously not going to say i've been made redundant just that my circumstances have changed.

Has anyone had success in doing this before? I've got high hopes in all honesty, even if I have to go through another interview process for them.

Rroff · 30 Jun 2013 at 13:23

I'd probably just re-apply and not even mention turning them down previously - chances are they won't even remember.

wingman · 30 Jun 2013 at 13:26

If they'd offered you the job, I imagine they would remember you.

Contact them, be honest, and hope for the best.

Morba · 30 Jun 2013 at 13:36

Call them and see, if they are still recruiting I'm sure they would be happy to discuss

Defy Belief · 30 Jun 2013 at 13:38

Yeah they'd remember, plus you can only apply for said company once every 6 months.

I'm quietly confident, although I may not say I have been made redundant just that I made the wrong choice. Kinda looks like you were my second choice so now it didn't work I wanna work with you because I'm jobless, but in a sense I guess they'd find out so I may have to advise them.

It saves them interviewing again too.

Randomface74 · 30 Jun 2013 at 13:41

honesty should work out, if the position is still available

dowie · 30 Jun 2013 at 14:13

Defy Belief said:
I'm quietly confident, although I may not say I have been made redundant just that I made the wrong choice. Kinda looks like you were my second choice so now it didn't work I wanna work with you because I'm jobless, but in a sense I guess they'd find out so I may have to advise them.

I'd be inclined to obviously sell the idea that you do now think they would be the better choice but I don't see any reason to not also disclose that you're accepting redundancy as you're unable to relocate. In that sort of scenario the redundancy is not a bad reflection on you so I don't see any real need to conceal it. If they're in the same industry and are aware of your other employer then attempting to conceal that situation might make your story that you simply made a mistake and that's all come across as a blatant lie.

Defy Belief · 30 Jun 2013 at 14:22

dowie said:
I'd be inclined to obviously sell the idea that you do now think they would be the better choice but I don't see any reason to not also disclose that you're accepting redundancy as you're unable to relocate. In that sort of scenario the redundancy is not a bad reflection on you so I don't see any real need to conceal it. If they're in the same industry and are aware of your other employer then attempting to conceal that situation might make your story that you simply made a mistake and that's all come across as a blatant lie.

Yeah I guess so, the old job was Life Insurance, this is mortgages. Not linked in any way but I could just say they are relocating so i'm accepting redundancy, they're the kind of employer that do tonnes and tonnes of checks, I don't think there would be any way of me ever hiding it. If I did and they found it out that would look apalling for a dismissal too. Can easily get a job at another insurer, this is just local, decent pay and a good bonus structure for me, I have nothing to lose at the end of the day.

anksta · 30 Jun 2013 at 14:36

Just tell them truth, that the free Zinger tower burger a day made KFC a better shot but now you've realised you were always a McDonalds kid.

Efour · 30 Jun 2013 at 15:42

keep us posted

interested to find out if it worked out.

good luck

Defy Belief · 30 Jun 2013 at 18:17

Yeah I'll update you, good or bad.

Mr^B · 30 Jun 2013 at 20:38

Depends on the person doing the hiring. If I thought you were worth hiring before, then I'd probably make you an offer again.

Then spend the next 6-18 months reminding you of the fact that we were your second choice.

VoG · 30 Jun 2013 at 20:46

Defy Belief said:
although I may not say I have been made redundant just that I made the wrong choice.

Be honest with them, don't tell them you made the wrong choice as that just begs the question "why was it the wrong choice?", which has the potential to lead you down a whole avenue of questions that you have to bs on the spot to answer.

Defy Belief · 2 Jul 2013 at 22:07

As an update, I was left an answer phone message today stating that they would like me to check the available role online, if i'm happy, give them a call and they'll start the vetting checks again.

Looks like all systems go, without even having to do an interview.

Going to be real cheeky and ask for the higher end of the salary too, don't ask you don't get.