Facing Aggressive HR After Declining a Job Offer: Is It Wrong to Weigh Multiple Offers?

I have been working in the IT industry for the past 4 years and had my first job change. I have had multiple offers due to the niche skill set I possess. Moreover, I am a bit underpaid, which allows me to bring benefits to the P&L for my managers. However, I don't understand why HR is so aggressive when it comes to the offer. For a particular Indian IT company, HR said that they are going to blacklist the case and not allow me to join any IT CMMI level 5 company. What the heck!

They need to know that there are multiple reasons why I did not accept the offer with them, some that can be verbally spoken of and others that they need to understand themselves. The HR can be rude; some shout during the process for whatever reason.

In one such case, the HR asked me for the joining date during the interview, and I gave one when I can comfortably join any company, i.e., a date after my relieving date with the current employer. However, HR says that I had confirmed joining them and want to turn back now. What's wrong here? I do not issue an email to 'accept the offer' in case I am not willing to search any further.

Any suggestions on how I can approach this? Is it incorrect to get multiple offers and decide between them?

Thanks,

Can someone also suggest any good lines to mention in the mail while refusing the offer (without any further negotiation)?

Dealing with Multiple Job Offers

If you are saddled with multiple offers, you are bound to get confused. Anyway, you are the best judge to decide which offer most suits you.

Regards,
Pon

Hey, you have the right to seek multiple job offers. You can accept or refuse them according to your options and preferences. However, respond to the offer as soon as possible within the prescribed time limit. Also, once you accept the offer and confirm the joining date, please try not to back out.

Understanding HR Pressure

HR professionals are usually under stress to fill positions quickly. When staff requisitions come to HR, the urgency level is often like "required yesterday," which is why some HRs may come across as pushy. But you need to focus on your requirements. Whatever the case may be, keep communication clear.

Sample Response to Offer Letters

You may refer to the following draft for responding to offer letters:

Dear Mr./Ms. ABC,

I am very grateful and honored to have received the offer letter from your esteemed organization. However, after subsequent conversations with my manager and on insistence from the current management, I have decided to continue with my current organization. Due to difficulties regarding notice periods and contractual obligations, I will not be able to accept the offer extended.

I appreciate your time and efforts. I apologize for any inconvenience caused. I look forward to interacting with you in the future on a positive note.

With sincere thanks,

XYZ

Hi Jb12122, you have the right to seek multiple job offers. You can accept or refuse them as per your options and likings. However, respond to the offer as soon as possible within the prescribed time limit. Also, once you accept the offer and confirm the joining date, please try not to back out. HRs are usually under stress to close the positions. Most of the time when staff requisitions come to HR, the urgency level is like "required yesterday." That is why a few HRs may be pushy. But you need to focus on your requirements, whatever the case, keep communication clear.

Thank you. I'll refer to your draft and understand that I need to keep the HR informed. However, stress is what people feel under every vertical, be it HR, finance, IT, etc. If you ask me, the work we do is far more stressful, and it would be the other way around for any HR. I am sorry but unable to justify HR's 'shouting' over the call when I'm being open about my joining next month, for an offer that was not 'accepted' by mail, and requested more information on. All I am not able to justify is the above and to see an email that read 'we are not going to allow you to join any CMMI level 5 company and upload your resume in all HR portals,' that too from a top Indian IT reputed MNC, actually not Indian... it's now acquired and US-based.

Thanks for the format..!

Regards

Hi Jb12122, I agree with you that shouting or threatening is not acceptable. However, it's a personal behavior that HR must be really cheesed off about. Professionally, HRs or anyone has to accept rejection very politely.

Clarifying Offer Details

Regarding receiving an offer, whether by mail or in person, you can always clarify with the concerned HR regarding any particular clause or terms you want to be clear about. However, clarify all your doubts before signing on the dotted line and committing to a joining date.

After receiving an offer, don't take too much time; 1-3 days is fine. It's enough time to think about the opportunity to take it or leave it. Respond in a timely manner, preferably through email.

Changing Your Mind After Accepting an Offer

However, after accepting the offer and committing to the joining date, if one changes their mind and goes for something else without informing HRs at all and doesn't turn up on the joining date, this would irritate HRs.

Don't worry about blacklisting and stuff unless you have absconded from regular employment or breached an employment contract.

Advice on Handling Multiple Job Offers

Just advice - you mentioned that you are seeking multiple job offers as you believe you have niche skill sets. What I suggest is don't go too much shopping. When you give many interviews and are offered jobs, you may be rejecting them for the next better offer. You will be infamously known in HR circles. Getting multiple offers may give you a good feeling, but as the famous saying goes, "A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush."

However, you know your choices best. Just suggesting, please don't mind.

Thanks