How To Rescind A Job Offer

1. Background check returns unsatisfactory results or criminal history.
2. Budget issues.
3. Canceled or delayed project/client projects.
4. Failed drug test.
5. Falsification of a job application and/or resume.
6. Negative employment references.
7. New executive leadership team.
8. Social media site(s) reflects an unfavorable post-offer candidate.
9. The person has an active non-compete agreement.

• Embellished skill set – 57%
• Embellished responsibilities – 55%
• Dates of employment – 42%
• Job title – 34%
• Academic degree – 33%
• Companies worked for – 26%
• Accolades/awards – 18%

*Based on a survey by CareerBuilder.com. of 2,188 U.S.-based hiring managers and HR professionals.

• Don’t use language that states it's an employment contract (unless it is) or is a guarantee of employment.
• The letter needs to say that the offer is conditional on meeting the requirements for the open position.
• You need to have an expiration date on the offer letter.

When rescinding a job offer, keep in mind the following:

• It's best to meet in person or via a Zoom meeting (have two people in the meeting). 
• Share why the offer was rescinded.
• After your meeting, send a rescinded-job letter to memorialize your conversation.
• Consider talking with your HR team and legal counsel to review the decision and ensure you are not open to potential litigation.
• Do not make promises to help the person find another position.
• Provide a contact the candidate can follow up with, i.e., HR.

Employers cannot rescind job offers when the motive for the decision not to employ the individual is based on the person’s race, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, age, or national origin.

Summary: Use professionalism when you communicate the decision to rescind the job offer as a way to disarm the situation. And don’t forget to send a follow-up letter documenting your decision.