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Imagine the thrill of landing your dream job—resigning from your current position, maybe even moving to a new city—only to be blindsided by the news that your job offer has been rescinded. So, can a company take back a job offer even after you’ve done everything right?

Sadly, the answer is yes. Whether caused by sudden business changes, unexpected budget limitations, or internal decisions, a job offer can be withdrawn before you’ve even started. These, among other factors, may prompt employers to make this difficult decision.

But don’t worry. While this setback can feel disheartening, we’re here to guide you through the uncertainty and help you bounce back stronger. This article outlines why a company might rescind a job offer or leave you hanging, how to handle the situation, and how to reduce the chances of it happening in the future.

What Does It Mean When a Company Rescinds a Job Offer?

When a company rescinds a job offer, they are officially retracting their decision to hire you, even after extending an offer. Essentially, the opportunity that was once yours no longer exists.

The consequences of a rescinded offer can be severe, especially if you’ve already made significant life changes, like quitting your current job or relocating. What was once a confirmed deal is now gone, leaving you to figure out your next steps.

When Can a Company Rescind a Job Offer?

A company can rescind a job offer at various stages of the hiring process. While it’s disappointing, it’s usually legally permissible. Here are the key points when it can happen:

• After the offer is extended, but before you accept it. Even after receiving the offer letter, a company can pull the offer before you formally accept. This might occur if internal changes arise or they find a more suitable candidate.
• After you’ve accepted it, but before you start. This is a common point when job offers are rescinded. Even if you’ve accepted the offer, companies may retract it for reasons like failing pre-employment checks (such as background checks or drug tests) or financial and operational challenges.
• During onboarding. In rare cases, an offer may be rescinded after onboarding starts but before you officially begin the job. Sudden budget cuts or company restructuring can lead to this.

Is It Common for Employers to Rescind a Job Offer or Ghost Applicants?

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to hear about situations like “The recruiter ghosted me after making a verbal offer,” leaving job seekers in a frustrating state of limbo. What’s even worse is that ghosting can occur after a job offer is made. While it isn’t the norm for every job seeker, the frequency of both ghosting and rescinded offers is rising as companies adapt to a fast-moving and unpredictable job market.

Reasons Why a Company Might Rescind a Job Offer or Ghost You

Here are some reasons why a company might rescind an offer or ghost you during the hiring process:

1. You Failed a Background or Drug Test
   Many companies make job offers conditional upon successfully passing background checks and drug tests. If anything problematic is discovered—such as a criminal history conflicting with company policy or a failed drug test—the company can retract the offer.
2. Budget Cuts or Restructuring
   Companies face fluctuations in their financial health. If sudden budget cuts or a need to restructure arise, they may freeze hiring or cancel new roles altogether. This is a common reason for rescinded offers, especially during economic instability. After offering a position, the company may determine they can’t afford to hire you, forcing them to withdraw the offer.
3. You Misrepresented Your Qualifications
   If the company discovers that you’ve overstated or lied about your qualifications, experience, or education, they may rescind the offer. Companies expect honesty during hiring, and discrepancies found through reference checks, interviews, or further vetting can lead them to question your integrity.
4. Change in Internal Hiring Priorities
   A company’s internal priorities may shift due to changes in leadership or evolving business strategies. A role that seemed urgent when the offer was made may no longer align with the company’s needs. In this case, the company may rescind the offer or ghost you because the position is no longer a priority.

What is Not a Legal Reason to Rescind a Job Offer?

While a company can legally rescind a job offer in many cases, there are certain circumstances where it becomes unlawful. If you believe your job offer was rescinded under any of these circumstances, you may have legal grounds to challenge the decision.

Discrimination

It is illegal for a company to withdraw a job offer based on discriminatory factors such as race, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, or pregnancy—protected under equal employment laws.

Retaliation

If you exercised your legal rights during the hiring process—like filing a discrimination complaint—the company cannot retaliate by rescinding the job offer. Retaliation is illegal under federal employment laws.

Breach of Contract

If you’ve signed an employment contract that guarantees certain terms of employment, the company can’t simply back out without cause. A rescinded offer could be a breach of contract, especially if the contract specifies a set duration or other employment guarantees.

Promissory Estoppel

If you made significant life changes, such as quitting your job or relocating based on the offer, and the company knew you were depending on it, they might be legally bound to honor the offer. If they rescind it without valid justification, you could have a case under promissory estoppel.

How to Know If You’re Being Ghosted by a Recruiter

If you think you’re being ghosted, look for these signs:

• No Follow-up: If the recruiter doesn’t follow up on the promised date, it may indicate ghosting.
• Unanswered Calls or Emails: Attempts to reach out that go unanswered are a strong sign you’re being ghosted.
• No Formal Offer After Verbal Acceptance: If you’ve been verbally offered a job but haven’t received the written offer, it could be a stalling tactic leading to ghosting.

5 Tips on What to Do If Your Job Offer Is Rescinded

Here are five tips to follow if your job offer is rescinded:

1. Ask for an Explanation: Contact the hiring manager to learn why the offer was pulled.
2. Document Everything: Keep records of all communication regarding the rescinded offer.
3. Inquire About Other Opportunities: Ask if there are other roles available within the company.
4. Explore Legal Options: If you made significant decisions based on the offer, consult an attorney.
5. Stay Positive: While disappointing, use this setback as a chance to refocus your job search.

5 Tips on What to Do If You’re Being Ghosted

If you’re being ghosted, here’s what to do:

1. Follow Up: Send a polite email or message asking for an update.
2. Check Your Spam Folder: Important emails may end up in the spam folder.
3. Give Them Time: Sometimes recruiters are busy. Wait a week before assuming you’ve been ghosted.
4. Connect Via Multiple Channels: If you’ve been emailing, try reaching out via other platforms.
5. Keep Your Job Search Active: Keep applying to other roles to avoid waiting too long on one opportunity.

What If You’ve Already Given Notice to Your Current Employer?

If you’ve already given notice, reach out to your employer right away. If you have a good relationship, they may allow you to rescind your resignation, especially if they haven’t hired a replacement yet.

If you can’t stay, try negotiating a longer notice period to buy more time for job searching while still earning.

Lastly, lean on your professional network for help—people are often willing to assist, particularly in difficult situations like this.

How To Minimize the Chances of a Rescinded Job Offer

Take these steps to reduce the likelihood of a rescinded offer:

1. Read the Entire Offer: Review all terms to ensure you understand what’s expected.
2. Clarify Any Conditions: Ensure you’re aware of any conditions tied to the offer.
3. Keep Communication Open: Follow up regularly to confirm that everything is progressing smoothly.
4. Research the Company’s Stability: Research the company’s financial health and reputation before accepting the offer.

Is it common for a company to rescind a job offer?

While it’s not the most frequent occurrence, it is becoming more common for companies to rescind job offers. This can happen due to factors such as financial difficulties, sudden budget cuts, or organizational changes. It can also occur if the company discovers issues like failed background checks or drug tests after the offer is made.

Can I change my mind if I accept a job offer?

Yes, you can change your mind after accepting a job offer, but it may come with consequences, especially if you’ve already started the process of resignation at your current job or made significant plans, such as relocation. It’s always best to communicate your decision respectfully and professionally to avoid burning bridges with the employer.

Can an employer rescind a job offer in Canada?

Yes, an employer in Canada can rescind a job offer, but there are certain legal protections in place. If the employer pulls the offer after you’ve accepted it, they may need to compensate you for any losses, especially if you’ve made life decisions based on the offer. Legal advice should be sought if the offer is rescinded inappropriately.

What does “withdraw offer” mean?

To “withdraw an offer” means that an employer officially revokes a previously extended job offer. This could happen for various reasons, including changes in company needs, financial constraints, or the discovery of issues with the candidate’s qualifications or background.

Take Control of Your Job Search with Monster’s Help

Now that you have answers to the question, “Can a company rescind a job offer?” take the next step in pursuing job opportunities that align with your long-term goals. Sign up for a free Monster account to access thousands of job openings, expert career advice, and the tools you need to secure a job that’s right for you.

This article is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the professional advice of an attorney regarding any legal questions you may have.

Can a Company Rescind a Job Offer?  Updated 2025