If I orally accepted a contingent job offer, can I later decline?

i've just completed a professional designation and been in the market for a new job. company A just offered me a position contingent on references and background checks. they asked me to respond same day so they wouldn't miss out on other candiates. i have interviews with another (company B) the next day, but it wasn't going to happen soon enough so i gave a go-ahead with the offer n consent to the checks. but later the recruiter for company B said it's ok for me to continue my interviews b/c i didn't sign anything and their offer is not final. the potential position with B is only marginally better but it's very close to my home (around the corner). i guess i'm going to the interviews (company B seems very interested after the first round of interview), but still don't feel comfortable. yes i haven't signed anything and the offer is contingent, but it certainly doesn't look good if i bail out(esp in a professional community)- i did say yes on the phone...pls help me think it out!

If I orally accepted a contingent job offer, can I later decline?
This is a tricky one. As you said, there's a professional community here and depending on how big it is in your community, by backing out on your agreement with the first company you're establishing a bit of a reputation for yourself that you may wish later wasn't following you around. Did you agree on salary? Benefits? Other terms with the first company? If you didn't have those key specifics nailed down, and you wind up being offered a position by company B, you could fairly tell Company A you're sorry, you were under the impression the salary would be closer to "x" and you really can't work for "y" which they're offering (for example). But don't make that statement over something really flimsy, like you wanted a parking spot right next to the building and you found out you'd have to park across the street.





Also, keep in mind Recruiter B is working for Company B so that person has a vested interest in getting you to go for the company that will ultimately benefit them (either with a fee or credit for a placement). No harm in going for interviews with company B, if you've committed to them.





If you know a professional in this line of work, maybe a professor from your college or someone who has mentored you in the past, check with him/her on what is considered proper protocol in your profession.





Good luck. The fact that this situation bothers you says good things about your character.
Reply:from Confused: hi all, thanks for the answers.


i consulted a friend who's in the recruiting business. he said it's ok to go with others as long as you don't sign the final offer. apparently it happens all the time: candidates say yes first but walk away from the final offer. Report It

Reply:only potential damage is to the recruiter representing that candidate because may lose future business. anyway it's within the normal business of the recruiter and employers so pretty much expected if happens. A goodwill gesture is to offer to pay for the background check fees $150 for the employer Report It

Reply:as for myself, company B is very slow although they're very interested (decision makers are all out of town) so i won't be able to wait for them to deliver, which makes it easy for me


finally thanks to all and happy new year! Report It

Reply:I wouldn't throw away the definite offer over a "maybe". See it through and if company B makes a good offer, be honest that another opportunity came up in the meantime that will work better for you.
Reply:yer, u can say no at any time you like.