Withdraw a Job Offer

Key Points

  • There are times when an employer must withdraw an employment offer before the candidate's start date. The reasons for withdrawing the job offer could be due to a prospective hire's failed drug test, the results of a background check or that a prospective hire provided false information on the job application.
  • If a job offer was withdrawn because the candidate failed to satisfy a conditional requirement, such as a background check or drug test, HR must ensure compliance with any applicable federal, state and/or local notification requirements.
  • If there are no specific federal, state or local requirements that apply to the reason for the withdrawal, as a best practice HR should communicate the withdrawn offer in writing. If an employment contracts exists, the employer should withdraw the offer in accordance with the terms of the contract.

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