How Should I Handle a Candidate's Repeated Delays in Joining After Accepting Our Offer?

Hello,

We have selected a candidate and given an offer letter to him. Now the problem is he was selected on the 14th of December 2007, and he said he would join from the 1st of January 2008, but he didn't join the company citing that his previous company had an audit and he could only join from the 15th of January 2008.

So we agreed and provided the opportunity to join from the 15th. However, on the 15th, he informed us that his father had been in an accident, and he was unable to join the company, requesting an extension. He mentioned that he would join after a week. Despite granting multiple extensions for joining, he neither joined nor informed us of his inability to join. When contacted, he mentioned he was in his hometown and was waiting for the doctor's response on where to shift his father for an operation, either in the village or in Mumbai.

Now, please advise what I should do in such a case? Should I give him more time, or should I instruct him not to join?

Please advise.

Hi,

The same problem is being faced by most of the employees. Find out the reason through your sources. If it is a genuine one, then there is no harm in extending the period. Otherwise, you can inform him that you are revoking the offer letter. Also, always ensure you have backup options; select two candidates for the same position, offer the position to one and inform the other that he is on hold.

Here, we are not playing with any candidates; we are simply ensuring that we have a candidate ready to place. I hope I have answered your query.

Thanks,
Pallavi

Hi,

From the facts you have given, I infer that the candidate is not going to join you. First, he says there is a company audit and he would join after 15 days. Then he says his father is not well. Following that, he says he is waiting for the decision about his father's admission to the hospital. Based on my experience, I conclude that he is not disclosing all the facts to you. There is no need to issue a revocation letter. If he comes after 30 days, you have two options:

1. Take him with caution if the vacancy still exists.
2. Inform him that the order was specific about the date of joining, and since he has not reported on the specified date, the order stands revoked if the vacancy has already been filled.

I used to follow this method, and it works.

Siva

Hi,

From what you've stated, I would be very cautious about hiring this individual. He may be technically sound, but on the behavioral side, there is cause for concern. Your company will be ultimately defined by the behavior of all your employees. If this is the kind of behavior he is displaying even before joining, I think it is a clear indication of what you can expect if he does come on board. I am not convinced that he could not find the time or have the courtesy to call in and let you know that something was going on with him. This alone tells me that he is being dishonest, and that is not a trait you want to hire into your organization.

I think he is possibly weighing his career options with other organizations and is keeping you on hold just in case his other option does not work out. My advice? Rescind the offer and seek a candidate who may not be 100% technically sound but has a great attitude and good manners.

Hi,

In the appointment letter, the clause is mentioned that if a person does not join on the given date, the appointment will be automatically terminated. In this case, you can revoke the offer unless you desperately need that person. If the individual is delaying joining by providing various reasons, you should not wait for them. I am certain you cannot keep the vacancy open for an extended period. It is crucial to take a decisive stance promptly.

Regards,
Harshad