Advice - turning down a job I accepted

[shrodingersvaccine]

Hello, just looking for advice.

I was offered a tenure track job back in September, but contract was delayed (they were sorting out money with the College, nothing to do with me) and was only sent over to me last week. I had provisionally accepted back in September but haven't signed anything yet.

In the meantime, I interviewed for the same role at another university, was offered it - and I plan to accept this one.

This means I need to write an email turning down the first job offer from September. I feel bad about it, because they were excited to have me and because of the long delay in the contract, they may not find it easy to get one of the other candidates back. How do I word the email to try to make sure I don't massively piss them off and accidentally burn bridges. I understand it's not my fault they took so long, and the department seems lovely but job 2 is the one for me. Does anyone have any advice?

just be polite and say "unfortunately due to the delay, I had to accept a role elsewhere... wish you luck etc"

Exactly this!

Agreed, write back and say that you're terribly sorry but due to delay in getting a contract you've had to make alternative plans.
Tbf you could have given them a warning prior

I'm not so sure, the hiring place should have kept OP updated?

Agreed, but after a month or two I'd have written back to say that I either needed to have a contract by x date or I'd be looking elsewhere or just alterting them that you've not received anything

They knew it was taking ages, the delay was caused at a level above the hiring department sorting out their finances taking ages. There was nothing the department could do about it, and the application cycles for both actually overlapped. I wouldn't have expected to get interviews for both, never mind offered both. Hopefully just apologising and being polite and they'll understand, I have to choose the job that's best for me after all even if it pisses them off.

Tbh it does sound like they mucked you about a bit with this contract stuff so I think it’s fine to just say what others have suggested and politely decline it citing the delay in contract.

I had to do very similar. I just let them know that due to a change in personal circumstances, I would no longer be able to accept the offer. I knew they'd have no problem finding someone else.

have you signed the contract for job 2?

I’d wait til I had that and then just tell job 1 that they have taken so long with the contract that you’ve been offered and accepted another job, who have been more prompt with the contract.

It doesn’t need to be personal. And it happens all the time. If they don’t want to lose people, they need to sort out their processes so they can act quickly.

Obviously don’t say that the other job is the one you wanted all along to that’s right for you, that’d be a snub. You’re in the nice position where you can blame the contract delay - and 3 months is ridiculous. Our HR usually gets a contract out within days of me letting them know about the panel’s preferred candidate and the main delay is if people try to negotiate on spine point or conditions.

Agree with the other posters apologise but say due to the delay you accepted a post elsewhere. This happens all the time at our place, the contract negotiations can be protracted. It would be a PITA for the Department Head but ultimately it is a problem of the Uni.

Don’t spend too much thought on it, happens all the time in academia. There are academics interviewing, never really having the intention to move, but doing so only to get offered the job, which they use as leverage for promotion (e.g Reader) at their current institution. At the end, you have to do what’s best for your career and although they will be disappointed , deep down they will understand, and in reality they should have known this is always a possibility. The delay on their part with the contract hasn’t helped matters either for them.

Subject: Grateful Response Regarding Job Offer

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I want to express my sincere gratitude for offering me the tenure-track position at [First University]. It has been a pleasure getting to know the department during the interview process, and I appreciate the time and effort invested in considering my application.

After careful consideration, I have decided to accept a different opportunity that aligns more closely with my current professional goals. It was not an easy decision, as I hold [First University] in high regard and have a positive impression of the department.

I want to convey my deepest appreciation for your understanding and support throughout this process. I hope that our paths may cross again in the future, and I wish [First University] continued success.

Thank you once again for the opportunity, and I sincerely hope for your understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

curtesy of chatGBT!

Thanks for all the advice! Just to say I sent a straightforward email explaining the situation and got a really understanding response from the head of dept, so was worrying about nothing. He understaood, and I haven't burnt any bridges. Start at the dream job this month!