The bridge is burnt isn't it?

[SassyS89]

Feeling really bittersweet at the moment. So I had an interview recently which went really well and have been offered the job and have verbally accepted with a negotiated salary. I interviewed for the same company last year but declined the second stage interview as I had already been offered the job I'm currently working at. The thing is, the company are under the impression that I was offered the job last year and declined, but that wasn't the case as I didn't have the second interview. I have now been offered another job with another company which are offering more money, which again I negotiated. The first company can't match the same salary as the second company. I've now accepted the second offer, but how do I decline the first offer when they are already under the impression that I declined their previous job offer which I didn't have in the first place? My head's all over the place and I guess the bridge is going to be well and truly burnt!

Say what now?? 🤔

Sorry if that didn't make sense...basically how do I decline a job offer that I have already accepted with a negotiated salary, when the hiring manager seems to think that they offered me the job last time and I declined (but this did not happen)?

So, if I understand correctly, you are worried company X will see you as having turned them down twice, and so won’t look at you in future should you ever wish to work there?

The fact is, you have turned them down twice. Ok so the first time you turned down a second interview rather than an offer, but that’s still saying “I prefer somewhere else”.

I wouldn’t worry so much. You’ve got a different job, presumably you are happy with it. Who knows what might happen in future, you might never want to work for company X anyway.

if you did ever want to work for company X, it’s unlikely they keep a file of previous applicants who turned them down. If they do make the connection, you just need a good reason why you turned them down (money is a good reason).

ooohhh cross posted. You’ve already accepted a job offer from company X? Have you signed a contract?

Your original post made perfect sense to me. I think just send them a simple email stating that as much as you think you would have enjoyed working with them, you have made the difficult decision to decline their offer in favour of another position that is offering a higher salary. And that you wish them every success in filling the position. Don't mention anything about the previous position and the misunderstanding as it isn't elevant. I don't think you'll be burning any bridges.

It’s well and trying burnt, but as you’ve pulled out twice (albeit once at second interview stage) I presume it’s not somewhere you want to work anyway

No contract signed, just a verbal acceptance as was offered the both roles today

It's not necessarily that I don't want to work for the company, but when I interviewed last year they were offering a 7 month contract role but I accepted a 12 month contract role instead (which made more sense as I was out of work). This time round, both roles are permanent but I've managed to negotiate more money with the second company.

You’ve chosen to leave X’s recruitment process twice. Why do you want the bridge not to be burnt? I’d say that bridge is damaged if not entirely burnt. Also, some organisations do keep records of who they have interviewed and offered jobs yo.