Resources

Maybe I Shouldn’t Take the Job

One of the most difficult decisions you may ever make is declining a job offer, especially if you’ve been searching for a while. But remember, you spend a huge amount of your time at work – so it needs to be the right fit. Take time to evaluate whether the position you’ve been offered is worth it, both for your sake and for your potential employer.

It’s About More than Just Money

Assess the salary and benefits, of course, but also consider other factors that aren’t as quantifiable. These are just as important as your compensation package. Learn the tell-tale signs that a position may be wrong for you. Then, turn it down – or at least think long and hard before accepting – if you see that writing on the wall. It may look like this:

  • You feel that your work-life balance may be threatened. It has become apparent that the required time commitment would negatively impact your personal life priorities.
  • The future is unclear. You’re interested in advancement, and a career ladder rising from the prospective job is not well defined.
  • There’s no room for growth. Even if the offer is competitive, it’s a dead ender. It may wind up looking great on paper, but remaining stagnant. You wouldn’t be developing the skills, knowledge or experience to qualify you for your next career step.
  • Details of the job are unclear. The employer was unable to convey a clear sense of what the position would entail. If you need more information before making a decision, then it’s okay – in fact, it’s advisable – to ask for it.
  • The company has a high turnover rate. Research the organization and know what former employees have to say about it, and why they left. High turnover suggests a negative work environment, not one you should be going to.
  • The company isn’t doing well. Unless you’re being recruited to trouble shoot or help revitalize a business, then it’s generally unwise to make a move to an organization that is not well-liked or respected by the public and industry insiders.
  • Your values don’t align with those of the company. You must truly believe in your position and in your employer. This passion factor cannot be ignored. For instance, if you are an environmentalist, you won’t be happy working for a firm with a reputation as a major polluter.
  • The salary is too low. Even if it’s a step up for you, you should not accept a salary that is significantly below market value.
  • Training appears inadequate. The job would involve a steep learning curve for you, and the right mechanisms for training don’t seem to be in place.
  • Your gut says “no”. If you left your interview with an uneasy feeling or a knot in your stomach and on some level, hoped you wouldn’t get an offer, then listen to your gut. If it simply doesn’t feel right, be strong and confidently and graciously decline.

How can you know for sure whether the job on the table is the right one for you? In addition to considering all the key factors and listening to your heart, a career counselor or recruitment partner can be an invaluable asset to your successful job search. To learn more, contact the PrideStaff Modesto team today.

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