You generally contact the person or team who sent or manages the offer —but the “right” contact depends on what you’re trying to do after already accepting.

1. Quick answer: who to contact

If you have already accepted a job offer and now need to ask something, change something, or back out, you usually reach out to:

  • The recruiter who handled your process (internal or agency recruiter).
  • The HR / talent acquisition contact listed on your offer letter.
  • The hiring manager you’ve been speaking with, if they were your main contact.
  • The general HR or careers email if you don’t have a direct person, using the details from the offer letter.

The safest rule: start with whoever last sent you an email about the offer , then loop in others if needed.

2. Different situations and who you contact

A. You just have questions (start date, salary, benefits, contract

details)

Contact:

  • The HR or talent acquisition contact on your written offer, or
  • The recruiter you’ve been emailing.

What to say (short example):

Hi [Name],
Thank you again for the offer for the [Role] position, which I’ve accepted. I had a couple of follow‑up questions about [start date / benefits / contract detail]. Could we go over these briefly by email or on a quick call?

This keeps it professional and shows you’re engaged, not second‑guessing the decision.

B. You need to change something (start date, part‑time vs full‑time,

relocation timing)

Contact:

  • HR / recruiter first, because they understand policies and paperwork.
  • CC the hiring manager if you already have a relationship and it’s a big change.

You usually:

  • Explain the situation and why the change is needed.
  • Propose a clear alternative (e.g., new start date).
  • Emphasize that you’re still excited about the role.

Example:

Hi [Name],
I’m really looking forward to joining as [Role] on [agreed date]. Due to [brief reason], I’m hoping to adjust my start date to [new date]. I remain very enthusiastic about the position and want to make sure I can start fully prepared and available. Is this change possible?

C. You got a better offer after accepting and are considering backing out

This is delicate; who you contact and how you do it matters for not burning bridges. Contact, in order of priority:

  1. The recruiter or HR contact on the original offer.
  2. If it’s a smaller company where the hiring manager handled everything, contact the hiring manager directly.

Best practice:

  • Use a phone or video call if you can; it’s more respectful than just an email.
  • Then send a short follow‑up email summarizing.

Key points to cover:

  • Be honest but tactful (you accepted another role / your situation changed).
  • Apologize for the inconvenience.
  • Thank them for the opportunity.
  • Avoid criticizing the company or comparing offers in detail.

Short script:

Hi [Name],
I wanted to speak with you as soon as possible because my situation has changed. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to pursue a different opportunity that aligns more closely with my long‑term plans. I know this puts you in a difficult position, and I’m truly sorry for the inconvenience after I had already accepted. I really appreciate the time and confidence you and the team showed in me.

Even if you feel guilty, you still have the right to choose what’s best for your life and career; just handle it with maximum courtesy.

D. You’ve accepted and simply want to know “what’s next?”

Contact:

  • The recruiter or HR onboarding contact.
  • If they gave you a “people operations” or onboarding email in the offer, use that.

You can ask:

  • When you’ll receive onboarding paperwork and equipment.
  • What you should do before your first day (documents, training, pre‑reads).
  • What time and where to show up or log in on day one.

Example:

Hi [Name],
I’m excited to be joining as [Role] on [start date]. I wanted to check if there’s anything I should complete or prepare before my first day, and whether there’s a point of contact for onboarding questions.

3. How to decide who is “primary”

When you’re unsure who to contact after you’ve already accepted:

  • Check the offer letter :
    • Look for “If you have any questions, please contact…”
    • That person / email is your primary contact.
  • If an agency recruiter handled the process:
    • Contact them first; they may want to manage communication with the company.
  • If you only ever spoke with the hiring manager :
    • Start with them; they can pull HR in as needed.
  • If it’s been quiet and you have no clear contact:
    • Reply to the last offer‑related email you received and ask who the best contact is.

4. Extra tips to avoid burning bridges

  • Act quickly once you know you need to ask, change, or withdraw. Waiting makes it harder for everyone.
  • Be brief and professional ; you don’t have to share every personal detail.
  • Keep copies of all written communication and your signed offer.
  • If you’re backing out, expect some disappointment or frustration; stay calm and respectful, and don’t argue.

5. If your question was about a forum post (like “who do you contact if

you’ve already accepted…”)

In many job or career forums, that unfinished title usually refers to:

  • “Who do you contact if you’ve already accepted a job offer and then get a better one?”
  • “Who do you contact if you’ve already accepted and need to change your mind?”
  • “Who do you contact if you’ve already accepted and have follow‑up questions?”

In all of those scenarios, the central rule is the same: reach out promptly to the recruiter or HR contact named on your offer, or, if none, the hiring manager who offered you the job. This keeps communication clear, minimizes disruption, and preserves your reputation as much as possible. TL;DR:
After you’ve already accepted, your first stop is the recruiter or HR contact from your offer letter; if there isn’t one, contact the hiring manager who made or communicated the offer. Use quick, polite, and honest communication to ask questions, request changes, or withdraw.