How to Prevent Your Offer Letter from Getting Pulled

You’ve worked effortlessly in order to take the next step in your career. You polished your resume, interviewed until your brain melted and face hurt from smiling, and finally received the offer letter you have been waiting for. Now you can let down your hair and just bide time until the start date that you agreed upon, right? Not so fast!

No matter how hard you work for a career opportunity, there are some things that could tank your plans. Of all of them, one often overlooked item that trickles to the top of the list is your activity on social media. Yes, there is a thing called free speech, but there is also a thing called culture fit in an organization. And if an employer gets the impression that you could be a train wreck, you may find that your ‘candid’ posts could result in an employer saying never mind.

A good example of this is Harvard University recently reported having pulled at least 10 offer letters for would-be students activity on social media. While this may not have been a job offer, it certainly has a big impact on future career plans and a great example at a national level.

HOW TO GET YOUR OFFER LETTER PULLED

MISREPRESENTING YOURSELF ON YOUR RESUME OR APPLICATION

A 2017 study reported that 85 percent of all applicants lie on resumes. That is a staggering number, and since employers are aware of this, it means they will certainly check.

KEEP YOUR NOSE CLEAN

It goes without saying that if you have pending criminal charges or a reportable conviction in your past, it will get discovered in the background check. If there is an issue, be forthcoming. It may be looked down upon by some; however, it’s better to not get called in for an interview than get your offer pulled out from under you. And besides, the market is so hot, some employers are willing to overlook minor criminal charges. And please don’t act surprised when it is discovered and act like you were unaware. It just adds foolish to the dishonest label.

DELAYING YOUR START DATE

If you agree on a start date, find a way to show up on that date. If you delay it, especially with our current hot job market, it could send the message that another employment option may have presented itself and you are waiting for that answer before you commit.

KNOW WHAT YOUR REFERENCES ARE GOING TO SAY

I cannot stress this enough! Many organizations check the references after the offer has been accepted, so they don’t waste staff resources on someone who is not going to accept an offer. Once they make an offer, if they get a negative review, they likely will pull the offer.

I routinely check references, and more often than it should happen, I call a reference and the person on the other end of the phone does not report glowing things about the candidate’s past performance. People – a reference is someone who should be able to say good things about you. Not someone who says you received a paycheck from them and they are sorry you did. If they aren’t a good reference, find someone who is. And always call your references and ask for permission beforehand. Don’t catch anyone off guard!

MOST EMPLOYERS ARE STILL DRUG TESTING

Don’t celebrate with an element that is contrary to their substance abuse or nicotine policy. According to a 2018 survey, drug testing is now required by fifty-six percent of US employers. If you can’t pass a drug test, you will likely get your offer letter pulled. And companies do not have to adopt the same legal attitude among substances that your state of residence does.

Above all, use common sense when you’re seeking a new position. You’ve probably heard this rhetorical question: ‘Why is it called common sense when it’s not that common?’ So, let’s all agree to be professionals in the professional world and get your career path continuing on the road to future success.