Ask the Experts: I was about to start a new job but my offer was rescinded due to COVID-19. What should I do?

First Answer:

First, take a step back and congratulate yourself for obtaining this fantastic new opportunity and release any doubts that this was a reflection of anything other than the response to COVID-19. Your ability to receive this offer shows that you have a strong resume, good interview skills, and the experience needed to get you hired, which are all great things to have on your side. In the first instance look to this rescinded job offer, have you reached out to inquire about a delayed start date, contract work, or part-time work? While the chances are slim, this will show your dedication and adaptability.

Moving beyond that, think about the hiring managers who chose you over all other applicants and were excited for you to join the team, are you able to reach out to them and thank them for the offer, let them know you understand the situation, and ask for them to keep you in mind should they hear about any other opportunities?

Networking gets you a lot further than just an application, and these contacts may be well poised to support your future endeavors.

Outside of that, you are now at step one of the job search, remember you made it to the finish line once and will do it again, so review your resume, polish your cover letter, and start applying using your network, initiative, and perseverance. This will not be easy, but COVID-19 and the current situation is not forever, and we will recover with job opportunities increasing in the future. 

—  Jillian Low, Director of University Partnerships, Virtual Internships and CRCC Asia

Second Answer:

I recommend the candidate to first ask the question why the offer was rescinded. This is an important question to ask as it will determine what he/she should do next. It is important to ask this question because you can determine if you have a future at this company or not. As a candidate during COVID-19, there is a lot of unpredictability in the job market which means that you need to be ready for any possible situation. Even before COVID-19, hiring freezes occurred and offers rescinded all the time, but given the nature of the situation and the uncertainty, you should not wait around for a job offer that’s on hold or for a hiring freeze to lift.

I also recommend if you are really interested in this position to get in writing from the hiring manager that they will hire you back on a specific date. In the likely scenario where that isn’t possible, resume your job search and keep looking.

— Lorenz Esposito, Digital Marketing Specialist, PotentialPark

Third Answer:

First – feel how you feel. By that I mean, don’t start by putting a brave face on it if that’s not your experience. This is a tough time for many and letting yourself experience the grief, fear, sadness or whatever else might be going through you now is important. 
And then – take stock. 

• Are you disappointed and still interested in working with them? Follow up with your prospective employer and if true, let them know you remain interested and are open to ways to help them out through project-type work. Showing off your skills before a permanent role also might give you a leg up once hiring opens up again.
• What skills or experiences were you hoping to get from this role? Do your best to think broadly beyond the job title or specific company, and look at the lists of companies hiring on sites like College Recruiter. Which roles might be a good fit for getting these learnings in a different way, even if you don’t think they’re your dream job?
• If you’re not sure what you want, check out sites like ParkerDewey for micro-internships to get exposure to different types of work in different industries so when hiring defrosts a bit, you’ve got greater clarity on what good looks like for you.
• Tap into your network, or your friends & family network and let folks know what you’re looking for (or have some informational discussions if you’re not sure what that is). The adage of up to 80% of jobs never being posted is likely still roughly right even amidst pandemic, so making sure people who know about you and can advocate for you are aware that you’re looking and what you’re looking for are invaluable.
• Depending on your financial situation, volunteering may give you skills you would like to learn. You can still take credit on LinkedIn and your resume for experiences and skills you gained that you weren’t paid for.

Surround yourself with the people, activities and experiences that “keep your batteries charged” through this. And then remember the experience so when others are in your shoes in years to come, you’ll be sure to pay it forward.

— Pam Baker, CEO of Journeous.