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I feel for this candidate and I’m sorry he has to go through this. However, candidates aren’t innocent in all of this either. I’ve been on the other side in the

I feel for this candidate and I’m sorry he has to go through this. However, candidates aren’t innocent in all of this either. I’ve been on the other side in the hiring seat where candidates accept an offer and then cancel in the days leading up to starting. This comes after closing out the remaining candidate pipeline and telling potentially qualified candidates that the position was filled. It’s not a good look to have to go back to a candidate to let them know they were the second choice. Maybe there’s less sympathy because it impacts a company and it feels victimless. But it can be painful and expensive for a small startup to have to restart the process.

Brian_K_White 5y ago
And when they do that, do you not consider it wrong?
- mc32 5y ago
  How is it wrong? Company A makes an offer for a job on June 1 with a start date of June 15 and a salary of 100. Company B makes an offer for a job on June 5 with a start date of June 20 and salary of 130. Should you say, I'm sorry company B., your offer is much better, but I already took the lesser offer? Yes, I'm sure _some_ people would turn down a 30% diff., but most people will not and I would not hold that against them. If anything, it's good for you because be assured this person will not stay long at your co knowing they can potentially earn more, all things being equivalent.
  - paxys 5y ago
    It's even worse because a lot of top companies lock you in with offers 8-10 months before the start date, and college kids don't know any better.
  - agotterer 5y ago
    I’m not exactly sure sure why I’m being down voted for pointing out that candidates cancelling offers can also have an impact, especially for start ups. If I’ve said something that offended someone, I’m sorry. But HN is supposed to be a community where you can play devils advocate, offer differing opinions and opposing views. For the record I don’t think it’s wrong for a candidate to pull out if they found something better. It’s all just a part of the game. All I intended to do was bring to light that everyone is guilty for playing and optimizing for their own self interest, and not just the corporations.

Brian_K_White 5y ago

And when they do that, do you not consider it wrong?

mc32 5y ago
How is it wrong? Company A makes an offer for a job on June 1 with a start date of June 15 and a salary of 100. Company B makes an offer for a job on June 5 with a start date of June 20 and salary of 130. Should you say, I'm sorry company B., your offer is much better, but I already took the lesser offer? Yes, I'm sure _some_ people would turn down a 30% diff., but most people will not and I would not hold that against them. If anything, it's good for you because be assured this person will not stay long at your co knowing they can potentially earn more, all things being equivalent.
- paxys 5y ago
  It's even worse because a lot of top companies lock you in with offers 8-10 months before the start date, and college kids don't know any better.
- agotterer 5y ago
  I’m not exactly sure sure why I’m being down voted for pointing out that candidates cancelling offers can also have an impact, especially for start ups. If I’ve said something that offended someone, I’m sorry. But HN is supposed to be a community where you can play devils advocate, offer differing opinions and opposing views. For the record I don’t think it’s wrong for a candidate to pull out if they found something better. It’s all just a part of the game. All I intended to do was bring to light that everyone is guilty for playing and optimizing for their own self interest, and not just the corporations.