Can you really jinx a job offer?

Any Cubs' fan that has been more than a casual observer knows the long history of jinxes that have occurred over the years in the chase for that elusive next World Series' championship.  Is there such a thing as a jinx or bad karma?  That topic has been debated in and around Chicago for years.  But is it a real thing and can you jinx a job offer once received?

The easy answer is yes, you can absolutely jinx a job offer.  Not in the way a black cat, a Billy Goat, or Steve Bartman can evoke images of a jinx to a Cubs' fan.  Instead there are things to stay away from once you have received a job offer from a prospective employer.

1) Wait until the background check has cleared before you resign.  Most offers will say they are contingent upon a background check.  Which means that they absolutely are.  Until that is 100% complete, the offer can be rescinded, the start date can me moved, questions can arise, and much more.  I just advised a candidate last week to hold off until the final green light was official.  Lo and behold a few things took longer than expected with the check, and the start date was pushed back.  Fortunately nothing else was changed, but you get the point.

2) Don't tell your current co-workers about it until after you have resigned.  This one is a little more gray as everyone makes good relationships at work.  You know, the kind that you trust with everything and you believe they won't tell anyone about your pending resignation.  You are so excited about the offer that you tell who you believe is a close friend because you want them to be the first to know.  Well, what if something happens a day or two later, that person lets it slip, and then gets back to your boss?  It could escalate quickly as your boss will have an obligation to the employer most likely and could show you the door.

3) Hold off on sending too much communication to future colleagues.  I know the natural tendency is to announce to the world your intentions once you receive an offer that you intend to accept.  Unfortunately I have seen some ill-advised emails, calls, and even snail mail go out from candidates to future colleagues at a new employer that start things off on the wrong foot.  One extreme example was so bad that they employer literally decided to rescind the offer and not fill the position.  While that is unusual, why risk it?  Don't hear what I'm not saying - I am not suggesting sending nothing, but think carefully before you send anything.

Bear in mind that the vast majority of offers extended are accepted and pushed through with little or no problem.  These tips will simply ensure you do not have to endure the pain of a jinx.  With a job offer it is more difficult to use the line Cubs' fans are all to accustomed to - there is always next year.  There is not always a next year or next offer!  :-)