---
title: "What Should I Do If a Candidate Accepts My Offer and Then Backs Out?"
description: "First, find out why. The most common reasons are a competing offer closer to home or paying slightly more, a counteroffer from the current employer, or …"
url: https://amundsongroup.com/faq/what-should-i-do-if-a-candidate-accepts-my-offer-and-then-backs-out/
published: 2026-10-13
modified: 2026-10-25
publisher: Amundson Group
markdown_of: https://amundsongroup.com/faq/what-should-i-do-if-a-candidate-accepts-my-offer-and-then-backs-out/
---

# What Should I Do If a Candidate Accepts My Offer and Then Backs Out?

First, find out why. The most common reasons are a competing offer closer to home or paying slightly more, a counteroffer from the current employer, or a project assignment that no longer matches what was discussed. Decide quickly whether a counter is worth it; if the candidate only texted and has not called, the door is usually closed. The window between acceptance and start date is the riskiest stretch, so keep contact warm: a personal call from the hiring manager, start-date logistics, truck and paperwork details. Then get the search reopened immediately rather than waiting. Ask your recruiter how they screen for competing processes throughout.

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