Dear Matt: I rejected a job offer, but now wish I had accepted it. Should I e-mail the hiring manager back and ask to be reconsidered? What do you think the employer will say or do?
Matt says: Do you possess a certain skill level or expertise? Were you so coveted by the employer, they would be happy to take you after you rejected them? Then maybe you are still at the top of their list.
If not, it's going to be tough, because by now they probably have moved on to the next candidate.
What's missing from this discussion is the reason you gave for not taking the position, says Twin Cities human resources consultant Arlene Vernon (arlenevernon.com).
"If you said the job was not a good fit, or if you commented that the company wasn't right for you, I'm not sure how you backtrack from that and I'd let the job go," says Vernon. "Otherwise, make sure you have a compelling reason for the change of heart — a reason that is truthful and believable.
"You'll need to rebuild your credibility somewhat — and it starts with this initial communication."
That's why Vernon's gut reaction is that you shouldn't waste your time calling back. But then again, she points out: What do you have to lose?
"The hiring managers may think you're not a good decisionmaker or that you thought you were getting a better job offer — and it fell through," says Vernon. "No employer wants to be second choice."