Congratulations! After weeks of searching, preparing resumes, and working through interviews, you’ve finally landed a job offer. An employer has decided you have what it takes to succeed with their organization, and they’ve given you a chance to join the team.
Considering the effort you’ve put in to win the job offer, it may seem foolish to decline. However, there are many sound reasons to refuse a job offer – even when it means going back to the search. If you find yourself hesitating with an offer in hand, consider the following questions:
- Is the compensation insufficient? Consider the entire compensation package: salary, benefits, vacation, sick time, even the title you’ve been offered. Serious deficiencies in the compensation package may lead to resentment and frustration, even if the compensation is enough to support you and your family in dollar terms. While compensation can often be negotiated, if negotiations do not satisfy you, you may need to say “no thank you.”
- Is the work too difficult – or too easy? If the work itself is too hard, frustration may turn a promising job offer into a constant source of stress. Similarly, if the work is too easy, boredom may send you back onto the job market in short order. In both cases, it may be wisest to decline the offer and jump back onto the market while your interviewing skills are still fresh.
- Are you concerned you won’t get along with your manager? Your manager can make or break your success, especially when you are new to a job. If you’re concerned that personality differences will make communication difficult or that your new manager simply doesn’t have the time or attention to devote to your support, the job may not be right for you.
- Is the corporate culture a good fit for you? If you prefer a slow-paced and quiet work environment but the office is frantic and loud, you are not likely to thrive at work. Similarly, if you prefer a promotion system based on performance, but the company promotes its people in lockstep according to seniority, you are far more likely to feel unsatisfied with your work. If your questions during the interview have revealed a culture that isn’t right for you, don’t hesitate to walk away.
The experienced recruiters at THE RIGHT STAFF, LLC, understand that your job search is about more than just “a job” – it’s about the right job for you. Contact us today to learn how we can help you take the next step on your career path!
