Can You Ask an Employer to Reconsider a Job Offer You Rejected?

Yes. You can ask.

The employer may have already contacted another candidate, reopened recruiting, changed the budget, or filled the position, so you should never assume the original offer is still available.

However, if the employer was genuinely interested in hiring you and the position remains open, the hiring manager may be willing to restart the conversation.

Your best approach is to make your request easy to understand.

You want your email to communicate four things:

1. You recognize that you previously declined the offer.
2. Something meaningful caused you to reconsider.
3. You remain genuinely interested in the position.
4. You understand that the employer may have already moved forward.

This is different from appealing an employer’s decision not to hire you. If you were the person who was rejected, review Appeal Letter for Reconsideration Samples for a better structure.

When Should You Ask for the Job Offer Back?

You should contact the employer as soon as you are confident that you genuinely want the position.

Waiting can reduce your chances simply because the company may continue interviewing candidates or extend the offer to someone else.

Before sending anything, ask yourself:

• Do you genuinely want this job now?
• Has the problem that caused you to reject the offer been resolved?
• Are you prepared to accept substantially the same position?
• Are you comfortable explaining why you changed your mind?
• Can you commit if the employer reopens the offer?
• Have you reviewed any commitments you made to another employer?

Do not send a reconsideration email simply because you are nervous about another opportunity.

You should be prepared for the hiring manager to ask:

“What’s changed?”

Your answer should be short, credible, and professional.

What Should You Say When Asking for a Rejected Job Offer Back?

Your email does not need to contain your entire story.

Use this simple structure:

Thank them → acknowledge your decision → explain what changed → reaffirm your interest → remind them of your value → ask whether reconsideration is possible.

For example:

“After reconsidering the opportunity and resolving the scheduling issue that influenced my earlier decision, I realized that the position aligns much more closely with my long-term goals than I initially understood.”

That explanation gives the employer a reason for your change without overwhelming them with unnecessary personal details.

If you want additional examples of professional follow-up communication, review Thank-You Email After an Interview.

1. Email Template: Your Circumstances Changed

Use this template when you rejected the offer because of a practical problem that has now changed or been resolved.

Examples may include:

• your start-date availability changed;
• a relocation issue was resolved;
• your transportation situation changed;
• a scheduling conflict disappeared;
• family circumstances changed;
• another professional commitment changed; or
• you obtained information that changed your decision.

Subject: Request to Reconsider – [Job Title]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you again for offering me the [Job Title] position with [Company Name].

I am writing because I would like to revisit my decision to decline the offer. At the time, [briefly explain the circumstance that influenced your decision]. Since then, my circumstances have changed, and that issue is no longer preventing me from accepting the position.

After further consideration, I remain very interested in joining [Company Name]. The opportunity to contribute my experience in [specific skill, responsibility, or area of expertise] to [specific team, project, objective, or company goal] is especially appealing to me.

I understand that you may have already moved forward with other candidates. However, if the position is still available, I would be grateful for the opportunity to reconnect and discuss whether reconsideration may be possible.

I am available [provide one or two time options] if a brief conversation would be helpful.

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Why This Email Works

You are not pretending that your earlier rejection never happened.

Instead, you acknowledge it directly and explain that the circumstance affecting your decision has changed.

You also avoid demanding the job back.

The sentence:

“If the position is still available, I would be grateful for the opportunity to reconnect”

recognizes that the employer has been moving forward while keeping the door open.

2. Email Template: You Realized the Job Was a Better Fit

Use this template when nothing dramatic changed, but you reconsidered the opportunity and now believe you underestimated how well the position fits your career goals.

Subject: Revisiting the [Job Title] Opportunity

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you again for the offer to join [Company Name] as your [Job Title].

After spending additional time reflecting on our conversations and the responsibilities of the position, I realized that I may have underestimated how closely this opportunity aligns with my experience and long-term professional goals.

In particular, our discussion about [specific project, responsibility, department goal, challenge, or initiative] stayed with me. My experience with [specific skill or accomplishment] would allow me to contribute directly to that area.

For example, in my previous position, I [briefly describe a relevant achievement, result, project, or responsibility].

I recognize that I previously declined the offer and understand that you may have already moved forward in the hiring process. If the position remains available, however, I would sincerely appreciate the opportunity to reopen our conversation.

Please let me know if you would be willing to speak. I am available [time option] or [time option], and I would be happy to accommodate another time that works better for you.

Thank you for considering my request.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Why This Email Works

You give the employer something more persuasive than:

“I changed my mind.”

You explain why you changed your mind.

You also remind the hiring manager why you were originally considered a strong candidate.

Whenever possible, connect your reconsideration to something specific you learned during your interviews.

For example:

• a project the company is launching;
• a department problem you could help solve;
• a technology you know;
• a customer group you understand;
• a leadership responsibility that interests you; or
• a measurable goal connected to your experience.

Specific details make your renewed interest sound more credible.

3. Email Template: You Accepted Another Job but Now Prefer This One

This situation requires more care.

You may have declined the original offer because you accepted another position. Afterward, you may have realized that the first opportunity was actually a better professional fit.

Before contacting the original employer, review any agreement or commitment you have already made.

Then keep your email respectful and transparent.

Subject: Candid Follow-Up Regarding the [Job Title] Position

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I wanted to follow up regarding the [Job Title] position and be transparent about my situation.

After our previous conversations, I decided to accept another employment opportunity and therefore declined your offer. Since making that decision, I have spent additional time considering my long-term goals and the opportunities we discussed at [Company Name].

I have come to realize that the [Job Title] position at [Company Name] aligns more closely with the type of work I want to pursue, particularly because of [specific responsibility, company initiative, career-development opportunity, team, mission, or project].

I especially believe my experience with [specific qualification or accomplishment] could help your team with [specific need or objective].

I completely understand if you have already moved forward or if reconsideration is no longer possible. However, if the position remains open and you would be willing to reconnect, I would sincerely appreciate the opportunity to speak with you.

Thank you again for the time you and your team invested in the interview process and for considering my request.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]

Why You Should Use This Template Carefully

The employer may reasonably wonder whether you could change your mind again.

Your message therefore needs to demonstrate that your new decision has been carefully considered.

Avoid criticizing the other employer.

Do not write:

“The other company turned out to be terrible.”

Instead, keep the focus on why this opportunity is the stronger fit for you.

That sounds more professional and avoids creating unnecessary concerns about how you discuss employers.

When A Job Reconsideration Letter Is the Better Choice

There is an important difference between these two situations.

Situation 1: You Rejected Their Offer

You received an offer from the company and turned it down.

The three templates in this article are designed for you.

Situation 2: They Rejected You

You applied or interviewed, but the employer decided not to hire you.

In that situation, your message needs a different argument.

You normally need to give the employer a reason to review your candidacy again, such as:

• a new qualification;
• updated experience;
• corrected information;
• a stronger explanation of your skills;
• a missing document;
• a portfolio update; or
• another material change.

Use Reconsideration Letter For A Job Example if the employer rejected your application or candidacy.

The Best Subject Lines for Asking for a Job Offer Back

Your subject line should be simple enough for the hiring manager to immediately recognize the conversation.

You can use:

• Request to Reconsider – [Job Title]
• Revisiting the [Job Title] Opportunity
• Follow-Up Regarding [Job Title]
• Reconsidering My Decision – [Job Title]
• May We Reconnect About [Job Title]?
• Follow-Up on My Decision Regarding [Job Title]
• Request to Reopen Our Conversation – [Job Title]
• Continued Interest in [Job Title] – [Your Name]

Avoid dramatic subject lines such as:

• I Made a Huge Mistake
• Please Give Me Another Chance
• I Desperately Need This Job
• URGENT – Regarding Your Offer
• I Changed My Mind!!!

You want your subject line to sound calm and professional.

What Reason Should You Give for Changing Your Mind?

You do not need an extraordinary explanation.

You need a believable one.

You might say:

“After resolving the relocation issue that influenced my original decision, I am now able to consider the position fully.”

Or:

“After further reflection on our discussions about the role, I realized that the position aligns more closely with my long-term goals than I initially understood.”

Or:

“My availability has changed since I declined the offer, which prompted me to reconsider the opportunity.”

Or:

“After reviewing the responsibilities again, I realized that my experience with [skill] closely matches the team’s upcoming priorities.”

Keep your explanation short.

The hiring manager does not need a 500-word account of everything that happened after you rejected the offer.

Remind the Employer Why You Are Worth Reconsidering

Your email should not focus entirely on what you want.

Remind the employer why reopening the conversation could also benefit them.

Choose one or two strong proof points.

For example:

“I led a similar implementation at my previous company and reduced processing time by 18%.”

Or:

“My five years of experience working with [specific system] would allow me to contribute quickly to the project we discussed.”

Or:

“I have managed teams of up to [number] employees and believe that experience closely matches the leadership responsibilities you described.”

Your proof should connect directly to the position.

If you are still refining how you present yourself to employers, Job Application Request Letter Samples can give you additional wording ideas for presenting your qualifications professionally.

Should You Mention Salary When Asking for the Offer Back?

Usually, your first goal should be finding out whether the employer is even willing to reopen the conversation.

Do not make your first reconsideration email unnecessarily complicated by immediately adding new demands.

For example, avoid writing:

“I would like the position after all, but I now need an additional $10,000 and three remote days each week.”

You are asking the employer to reconsider an opportunity you already declined. Adding significantly tougher conditions immediately could make the employer less interested in reopening the discussion.

There are exceptions.

If compensation, remote work, relocation, schedule, or another major condition was the specific reason you originally rejected the offer, you may need to mention that issue.

You can say:

“One factor in my original decision was the required relocation. My circumstances have since changed, so relocation would no longer prevent me from accepting the position.”

You can discuss detailed terms once you know the employer is willing to resume the conversation.

What If the Employer Asks Why You Rejected the Offer?

Be truthful, but do not over-explain.

Your answer can be as simple as:

“At the time, I believed another opportunity was the better fit. After further consideration, I realized that this position aligns more closely with the responsibilities and career direction I am seeking.”

Or:

“My original decision was primarily based on a scheduling constraint. That situation has since been resolved.”

Or:

“I made the decision based on the information available to me at the time. After reflecting on our conversations and learning more about the role, I recognized that I had underestimated how closely it matched my goals.”

Then move forward.

You do not need to repeatedly apologize.

Should You Apologize for Rejecting the Job Offer?

A brief acknowledgment is appropriate.

A lengthy apology usually is not necessary.

You can write:

“I appreciate the time you invested in the process, and I recognize that my earlier decision may have caused you to move forward with other candidates.”

That shows awareness without sounding desperate.

Avoid writing several paragraphs explaining how terrible you feel about your original decision.

Your employer is mainly trying to determine:

• whether the position is still available;
• whether you genuinely want it;
• whether you are likely to accept;
• whether you still meet the company’s needs; and
• whether restarting the conversation is worthwhile.

Help the employer answer those questions.

What Not to Say When Asking for a Job Offer Back

Avoid these mistakes.

Do Not Act as Though the Offer Is Still Yours

Do not write:

“I have decided to accept your offer.”

The employer may have withdrawn it or offered the job to someone else.

Write:

“If the position remains available, I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss whether reconsideration is possible.”

Do Not Blame Someone Else

Avoid:

“My spouse convinced me to reject it.”

Or:

“My recruiter gave me bad advice.”

Take responsibility for your decision.

Do Not Sound Desperate

Avoid:

“I made the biggest mistake of my life, and I desperately need you to give me another chance.”

Keep your message professional.

Do Not Insult Another Employer

Avoid explaining that you reconsidered because another company’s workplace, manager, salary, or employees were terrible.

Keep your discussion positive.

Do Not Write an Essay

Your email needs enough explanation to make your change of mind credible, but it should still be easy to scan.

Do Not Demand an Immediate Answer

The employer may need to speak with HR, the hiring manager, department leadership, or other decision-makers.

Give them room to consider your request.

Should You Attach Your Resume Again?

You normally do not need to attach your resume if the hiring manager recently interviewed you and already has your current information.

However, attaching an updated resume may make sense if something important has changed.

Examples include:

• a new certification;
• a promotion;
• a new project;
• updated contact information;
• a newly completed degree;
• new technical skills; or
• a significant accomplishment.

If nothing has changed, you can simply offer to provide any updated information the employer needs.

What If the Employer Does Not Respond?

Do not send repeated messages.

If you receive no response, you can send one short follow-up after giving the employer a few business days to review your request.

Subject: Follow-Up – [Job Title]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I wanted to briefly follow up on my email regarding the [Job Title] position.

I understand that you may have already moved forward in the hiring process, but I remain very interested in the opportunity and would appreciate the chance to reconnect if the position is still available.

Please let me know if any additional information would be helpful.

Thank you again for your consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

If you still receive no response, continue pursuing other opportunities rather than sending repeated emails.

What If the Employer Says the Job Has Already Been Filled?

Respond graciously.

You can write:

“Thank you for letting me know. I completely understand, and I appreciate your consideration. I enjoyed learning about the company and would be grateful if you kept me in mind for similar opportunities in the future.”

That response protects the relationship.

The person who accepted the job may not start, another opening may appear, or the hiring manager may remember you for a future position.

If you want to stay visible professionally after an interview process, review Thank-You Email After an Interview for additional follow-up wording.

What If the Employer Is Willing to Reconsider You?

If the employer responds positively, do not assume everything from the original offer automatically remains unchanged.

Confirm the important details.

These may include:

• job title;
• salary;
• bonus;
• benefits;
• work location;
• remote or hybrid schedule;
• start date;
• reporting manager;
• working hours;
• paid time off;
• probationary period;
• relocation terms; and
• any conditions of employment.

Ask for the final offer and terms in writing before making major employment decisions.

A Simple Formula You Can Use

If you do not want to use one of the longer templates, remember this five-part formula:

1. Acknowledge

“Thank you again for offering me the [Job Title] position.”

2. Take Responsibility

“I am writing because I would like to revisit my earlier decision to decline the offer.”

3. Explain the Change

“Since then, [briefly explain what changed].”

4. Reaffirm Your Value and Interest

“After further consideration, I believe my experience with [skill] and the opportunity to contribute to [goal] make the position an excellent fit.”

5. Ask

“If the position remains available, would you be willing to discuss whether reconsideration is possible?”

That is often all you need.