You’ve accepted a job. But now, a new offer is on the table. Suddenly, you’re wondering: should I back out?

Here’s what reneging really means, why people do it, and how to decide what’s right for your future.

But, before we get too far into this, let’s cover the basics:

What is reneging?

Reneging is the act of accepting a job offer and later withdrawing your acceptance, usually because another opportunity becomes available.

Reneging has become more common, and more controversial, as candidates navigate a shifting job market, compressed timelines, and increasing pressure to say yes fast.

Reneging has surged since events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 wave of rescinded tech offers, where many grads had roles pulled with little warning.

In a world of instability, reneging can feel like one of the few levers you control.

Before you make a decision, make sure you have all the facts so your next step is the right one.

What Happens If You Renege on a Job Offer?

When considering reneging, most people only look at the company they’re rescinding their offer from. They’re thinking, ‘I won’t mind missing out on [COMPANY NAME] later’ but the impact goes far beyond one company.

Reneging can damage a candidate’s reputation with recruiters.

Recruiters remember candidates who renege. And since they often move between companies, your decision could follow you for years.

Short-term, you may lose trust with this company or its recruiters. Long-term, that reputation may follow you, especially in tight-knit tech recruiting circles.

How Does Reneging Affect the Company?

You probably think that when you renege, someone else is going to backfill the position, but that’s actually not the norm Many companies cannot rehire for a role after an offer is accepted. Once you say yes, budgets, headcount, and onboarding plans are often locked.

When you accept an offer, the company is dedicated to you being part of it, and often, due to budget and protocols, can’t offer the job to someone else. They’ve already invested time (from recruiters, interviewers, team planners) and money into bringing you on. Often, there’s no budget to reopen the role or restart hiring from scratch.

Should You Renege on a Job Offer? Key Factors to Consider

Not everyone has the privilege of choosing between offers, and if you do, that’s worth holding with care. When you’re weighing your options on reneging, here are some topics to reflect on:

  • What about the second offer feels like a better fit? Salary, growth opportunities, work-life balance?
  • Have you spoken with mentors or past interns at both companies?
  • Are you ready for possible long-term fallout, especially in tight-knit recruiting circles?
  • Have you asked others in trusted spaces, like RTC’s Slack, about their experience at these companies?

It’s okay if this decision feels stressful. Or even overwhelming.

Before you make your final decision, have you reached out to the company you’re considering reneging on? They made you an offer. They want you. And they may be willing to work with you on renegotiating (the foundational word for renege) your offer. It couldn’t hurt to ask, could it?

When Is Reneging the Right Career Decision?

Reneging may be the right decision when your circumstances have changed, and the role you accepted no longer fits you.

That’s valid. Sometimes life changes faster than we expect.

Just be sure to handle it professionally and with care.

When you’re writing your note, remember: these people invested in you. So be respectful and intentional in your message.

How you renege absolutely matters, so think about it from their perspective. Silence leaves a bad impression. Don’t burn a bridge you might need later.

We’ve included best practices in our Code of Conduct, so you don’t have to start from scratch.

How Can You Avoid Reneging on a Job Offer?

If you haven’t reneged or you don’t want to go through the stress of reneging again, here are a few tips so that you won’t end up in this position in the future:

  • Take your time before accepting, and ask for more time if needed.
  • Be transparent if you’re nearing the end of other interviews.
  • Ask your support system, mentors, coaches, RTC’s Slack, for insight.
  • Get your questions answered upfront. This is your future.

You’re Not in this Alone

We want you to be as informed as possible when making this choice. If you need help talking through a decision, our community is here for you!

Ask questions, ask for advice, and don’t go it alone!

This is your career. Move through it in a way your future self will be proud of.